During my recent study trip to Hangzhou, I had the opportunity to visit several prominent Chinese companies, gaining valuable insights into their innovation practices, strategic challenges, and the rapidly evolving business landscape in China. The fourth day of the trip was particularly insightful as it provided a comprehensive understanding of how Chinese companies are navigating the digital transformation journey across various industries.

Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd.: Pioneering the Future of Mobility

Our visit to Geely Holding Group was eye-opening, showcasing how a traditional car manufacturer is transitioning into a tech-driven mobility company. Established in 1986, Geely entered the automotive industry in 1998 and has since evolved into a global player with a diversified brand portfolio, including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Zeekr, and Volvo Cars. Their emphasis on sustainable technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), and autonomous driving signifies a bold shift toward a future where car ownership may decline, giving way to shared mobility services.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation Leadership: Geely is pioneering the transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric, hybrid, and methanol-powered models. They are not just adapting to market trends but are setting them, particularly in autonomous driving and in-house chip development with their proprietary StarEagle chip.
• People and Culture: The company has established universities to address talent shortages and is actively engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, like the Blue Guardian Project. This reflects Geely's dedication to cultivating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and social impact.
• Future of Mobility: A major highlight was Geely's belief that the future of car ownership will transform into car-sharing services. This shift in focus will not only change their customer base from individual consumers to service providers but will also require a different approach to product development and marketing.

My reflection on Geely's approach underscores the importance of adaptability and foresight in the automotive industry. As the market evolves, so must the strategies companies use to remain competitive and relevant.

Anheng Information Technology Co., Ltd.: Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity

Our next stop was Anheng Information Technology (DAS-Security), a leading cybersecurity firm in China. DAS provides a wide range of solutions, including cloud security, penetration testing, and AI-driven security operations. They hold a substantial market share in government cybersecurity within China, emphasizing the critical role of cybersecurity in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:

• AI-Driven Security: DAS employs artificial intelligence to reduce alarm noise, streamline threat detection, and enable smart decision-making. Their AI-based Heng-Nao Security Large Model is particularly effective in identifying weak-feature attacks, a testament to their technological prowess.
• Market Challenges: Despite its domestic success, DAS faces significant hurdles in expanding internationally. Regulatory compliance, market perception, and competition with established US-based cybersecurity providers are key obstacles to their global ambitions.
• Customized Solutions: DAS's emphasis on customizing solutions based on deep client engagement, particularly for government and enterprise clients in China, highlights their customer-centric approach. This strategy is crucial in a market where security needs vary significantly across different sectors.

This visit brought to light the complexity of cybersecurity in a global context. As companies like DAS strive to expand internationally, they must navigate diverse regulatory environments and overcome market skepticism, particularly concerning data privacy and the quality of Chinese products.

New H3C Technologies Co., Ltd.: Enabling Digital Transformation

H3C Technologies impressed us with its global leadership in digital solutions and infrastructure. Originally a joint venture between Huawei and 3Com, H3C has become a key player in AI-driven solutions, digital infrastructure, and smart technologies. Their "AI in all" strategy underscores the central role artificial intelligence plays in their product offerings.

Key Takeaways:

• AI-Driven Solutions: H3C integrates AI into various aspects of their products, from smart factory solutions that use robotics and high-resolution CCTV for live monitoring to smart classrooms equipped with AI-driven technologies. Their focus on AI-driven digital infrastructure demonstrates how AI is becoming the backbone of digital transformation.
• Brand Awareness: A significant challenge H3C faces is building brand awareness in markets like Singapore. To expand globally without relying on third-party vendors, H3C must establish its value chain and provide direct customer support outside China.
• People Practices: H3C fosters a highly innovative workforce, encouraging employees to adopt a "Navigator" mindset that emphasizes continuous learning, innovation, and customer-centricity. This cultural approach reinforces the company's commitment to shaping the digital future.

H3C's journey illustrates the importance of aligning technological innovation with strategic market expansion. For companies seeking to compete globally, having a clear value proposition and direct engagement with customers is vital.

Hangzhou Qulian Technology Co., Ltd.: Revolutionizing Data Management with Blockchain

Our final company visit was to Hangzhou Qulian Technology, a leading blockchain technology provider in China. Qulian specializes in developing enterprise-level blockchain platforms for industries such as finance, supply chain, and smart cities.

Key Takeaways:

• Blockchain Solutions: Qulian's blockchain platforms enable secure, decentralized data management, improving transparency, efficiency, and trust in various digital ecosystems. Their innovative use cases in finance and supply chain management highlight the transformative potential of blockchain technology.
• Challenges: Despite the promise of blockchain, Qulian faces challenges related to scalability, performance, and regulatory uncertainties. Overcoming industry skepticism and educating stakeholders about the benefits of blockchain are essential for widespread adoption.
• Government Alignment: The company's close relationship with the Chinese government facilitates navigating complex regulatory landscapes. However, it also raises questions about how such an approach might translate to other regions like Singapore.

This visit reaffirmed blockchain's potential to revolutionize various industries. However, for companies like Qulian, the journey toward global adoption will require careful navigation of regulatory environments, technological challenges, and market perceptions.

Final Reflections

The study trip to Hangzhou provided an in-depth understanding of how Chinese companies are driving innovation and tackling the challenges of digital transformation. Geely, DAS-Security, H3C Technologies, and Qulian Technology each represent different facets of this transformation—from mobility and cybersecurity to digital infrastructure and blockchain.

A common thread across these companies is their emphasis on in-house technology development, strategic partnerships, and the need to adapt to changing market dynamics. These insights highlight that in a rapidly evolving business landscape, agility, technological innovation, and customer-centric strategies are key to success.

The experiences and learning points from this trip will undoubtedly influence my perspective on digital transformation and how companies can strategically position themselves in a competitive global market.