CGEN CO-HOSTS UK-CHINA AUTOMOTIVE AND ENERGY GOING GLOBAL IMMERSION DAY

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On Friday, 29 November 2024, the Cambridge Global Entrepreneurs Network (CGEN) proudly co-organised the UK-China Automotive and Energy Going Global Immersion Day, held at the Amazon London Office. This exclusive, in-person event brought together experts and leaders from the Chinese automotive value chain to explore strategies for scaling and accelerating businesses in the British and European markets.

The event provided a transformative platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and a private VIP dinner. Entirely conducted in Mandarin, the programme was designed for professionals operating in the UK and EU who are navigating the complexities of international expansion in the automotive and energy sectors.

Guests began their journey with an insightful tour of the Amazon UK headquarters, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most innovative companies. Xiaowei Zhu, Head of AWS International Business Development EMEA-GCR, kicked off the event by delivering a captivating presentation highlighting Amazon AWS’s global footprint, its development in China, and its pioneering work in the automotive sector. He showcased AWS’s efforts in advancing smart automotive technologies, from intelligent vehicle systems to cloud-based solutions, leaving guests highly impressed by AWS’s achievements in driving innovation in the automotive industry. 

The first panel discussion was themed Navigating Regulatory and Cultural Nuances. Moderated by Xiaowei Zhu, four high-profile speakers talked about the intricate regulatory landscape and cultural differences that companies must navigate when entering European markets but also explored insights on the future of Chinese companies “going global.” The panellists shared valuable advice and perspectives on how Chinese firms can position themselves for success in international markets.

This was followed by the second panel discussion - Generative AI Driving Industry Growth, moderated by Dr Ran Bao, Principal Engineer and Simulation Team Leader at TAE Power Solutions as well as the Honorary Consultant of CGEN. Four technical experts explored the transformative impact of generative AI on the automotive and energy sectors, highlighting how companies can leverage AI to unlock growth opportunities. The three automotive experts shared their experiences in tackling challenges in AI-related automotive R&D, such as data complexity, system integration, and real-world application constraints. Responding to these challenges, the expert from Amazon AWS provided in-depth insights into how Amazon’s advanced technology solutions are addressing these issues, demonstrating AWS’s commitment to empowering the automotive industry through innovation.

 Dr Xunzhe (Amy) Zhang, the Founder and Chief Executive of CGEN, concluded the event with a heartfelt closing speech on behalf of CGEN. Following her remarks, all attendees gathered for a group photo to commemorate the occasion. The event then transitioned into an informal networking session, where participants enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and forging new connections in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The day concluded with an exclusive VIP dinner for deeper discussions and relationship building. 

 A special thanks goes to Tengfei, Jasmine, Effy, Junyi, and Jade for their dedicated volunteer work during the event. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, and attention to detail ensured the smooth running of the day and contributed immensely to its success. The Cambridge Global Entrepreneurs Network deeply appreciates their hard work and commitment.

The event underscored the importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and embracing diverse cultural perspectives to succeed in global markets. Attendees left equipped with actionable strategies, fresh insights, and new connections to navigate the opportunities and challenges of international expansion. The Cambridge Global Entrepreneurs Network remains committed to fostering innovation and global collaboration. Stay tuned for more events designed to empower entrepreneurs and business leaders around the world.