06 Jun 2025
The?12th Annual Conference on Asia and Pacific Economies (CAPE)?concluded successfully at?Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), bringing together scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders?to address pressing economic challenges in the region. Jointly organized by?XJTLU’s International Business School Suzhou (IBSS)?and the?Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), the two-day event facilitated cutting-edge discussions on?monetary policy, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Dr. Yang Chen, key organizing member, commenced the event by outlining the conference's objectives, its longstanding history, and its collaborative partnership with ADBI. Following this, Dr.?Nimesh Salike, Associate Dean of IBSS, delivered the welcoming remarks underscoring the school’s dedication to?high-impact research and education, stressing the importance for interdisciplinary collaboration amid rapid technological advancements and geopolitical dynamics. Dr.?Arief Ramayandi?from ADBI presented an overview of the institute, detailing its mission, goals and key research initiatives. He commended the?exceptional quality of submitted papers?and praised the organizing committee—including Dr. Chen, Dr.?Ye Bai, Dr.?King Yoong Lim, and Dr.?Salike—alongside IBSS staff Ran Ma and PhD volunteers for their meticulous efforts.
Four distinguished scholars delivered thought-provoking keynote speeches. Prof. Xiaoneng Zhu?(Shanghai University of Finance and Economics) explored?monetary policy dynamics?in emerging economies. Prof. Yunxiao Xu?(Peking University) presented innovative insights into Chinese experiences on?urban transformation, emphasizing its significance for Asia- Pacific and broader global context. Prof. Samuel Murtinu?(Utrecht University) analyzed?entrepreneurship theory and its relevance to economic development; and Prof. Ren Shuang?(Queen’s University Belfast) sparked debates on talent management strategies and?sustainability optimization?in the age of artificial intelligence.
Thirteen parallel sessions delved into niche topics such as?AI-driven economic models, regional trade policies, and green finance, with presenters from over?20 regions and countries. The conference also reinforced the mission of the?Society for the Advancement in Economic Studies (SAES) under RCE4, an IBSS-based initiative aiming to become?China’s premier hub for interdisciplinary economic research.
CAPE 2025 not only highlighted?innovative research?but also strengthened ties between academia, industry, and governance. “Events like this are vital to shaping inclusive economic policies for the Asia-Pacific,” remarked Dr. Chen. With plans to expand its global network,?IBSS and ADBI?continue to position CAPE as a?cornerstone for future-focused economic discourse.
06 Jun 2025