19 Jun 2025
Business professionals, researchers and industry leaders gathered on the South Campus of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) for the latest edition of the Suzhou Executive Academy (SEA), hosted by International Business School Suzhou (IBSS).
Themed "Economics and Investment Insights", this SEA forum provided a timely and thought-provoking exploration of how businesses and investors are navigating shifting global dynamics, uncertainty and opportunity with particular reference to the Asia-Pacific region.
A forum for insight and exchange
The SEA is an educational platform and information hub set-up by IBSS to support business leaders across the Yangtze River Delta region. SEA events bring together a community of business and academic professionals, offering global insights into today’s most pressing business topics and exclusive access to a high-level executive network.
Dr Daniel Hampson introducing the speakers for the evening
Expert speakers; real world perspectives
This session was moderated by Dr Daniel Hampson, Associate Professor in the Department of Intelligent Operations and Marketing at IBSS. Three keynote speakers shared insights from their respective fields, each offering a unique angle on the broader theme of economic transformation and investment strategy within an increasingly uncertain and complex global context.
- Dr Bo Jiang, Assistant Professor in Economics at IBSS, explored the concept of global reordering and its investment implications. Drawing on Rodrik’s “globalisation paradox”, he examined the tension between global economic integration and local political forces. As he reminded the audience, “Investing is positioning capital to benefit from future events”—with uncertainty now the only certainty, the key is to stay diversified and hedged.
Dr Bo Jiang
- Shaun Brodie, Head of Research Content for Greater China at Cushman & Wakefield, provided a deep dive into the Chinese commercial real estate market. While acknowledging macroeconomic headwinds—such as local government fiscal strains, declining land sales, and rising youth unemployment—he highlighted that business opportunities remain, particularly for those focused on asset management and delivering value through experience.
Shaun Brodie
- Andreas Guip, CEO of Wanox Asia-Pacific, used his company’s expansion across APAC markets—such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and India—as a case study in agility and strategic patience. In a world defined by volatility and complexity, Guip emphasised the importance of cultural intelligence and localisation in unlocking long-term growth across the region.
Andreas Guip
Building a stronger business community
This SEA session was a reminder of the value of shared knowledge, global perspective, and regional insight. Whether examining macroeconomic indicators or discussing boardroom strategies, the speakers helped to frame a picture of Asia—and China in particular—as a region where complexity meets opportunity.
Through initiatives like SEA, IBSS continues to foster cross-sector dialogue and knowledge exchange, enabling professionals and academics to reflect on trends, exchange ideas, and grow together.
Panel Q&A
Get involved with the Suzhou Executive Academy
Are you interested in attending a future Suzhou Executive Academy session? Or perhaps you'd like to share your own professional insight as a speaker?
IBSS welcomes business leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs to become part of this growing community. Reach out to us to express your interest or to learn more about upcoming forums. Get in touch with SEA: ibss.sea@gdsqbz.com
19 Jun 2025