Zhejiang's New Guard: Merging AI with Ancient Wisdom in Singapore

SINGAPORE – November 27, 2025

As the tropical sun sets over Sentosa, a different kind of energy is building inside the Resorts World Convention Centre. Here, a landmark event sponsored by iconic baijiu maker Kweichow Moutai is drawing a powerful contingent of Chinese business leaders. The Kweichow Moutai–Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Conference is far more than a typical business forum; it is a declaration of intent. Against a backdrop of profound global economic restructuring, the influential entrepreneurs of Zhejiang province are charting a new course, one that surprisingly blends cutting-edge artificial intelligence and Web3 with the philosophical tenets of long-term, sustainable growth.

This gathering represents a critical juncture for Chinese enterprise. Faced with geopolitical headwinds and a strategic pivot away from being the 'world's factory,' these business leaders are not retreating. Instead, they are leveraging Singapore's unique position as a global hub to write a new playbook for international expansion, innovation, and resilience.

A Strategic Pivot Amidst Global Headwinds

The context for this conference is a world in flux. The era of unfettered globalization has given way to a more fragmented landscape defined by geopolitical tensions, trade friction, and a global push to de-risk supply chains. For Chinese enterprises, this has manifested as intensified competition, rising operational costs, and the looming specter of technological 'decoupling.' The once-reliable model of manufacturing for export is no longer sufficient.

In response, a strategic migration of capital and industry is underway. Chinese firms are accelerating their outward foreign direct investment (OFDI), particularly into the burgeoning markets of ASEAN. This isn't just about moving factories; it's about exporting entire industries and establishing new ecosystems. The trend reflects a broader evolution from 'Made in China' to 'Innovated in China,' as companies that honed their competitive edge in the fierce domestic market now feel ready to compete on the global stage. This shift is fueling the rise of China's 'new trio' of exports—electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar products—and a national focus on developing 'new quality productive forces' driven by AI and automation.

The Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Conference is a direct response to this new reality. It provides a platform for navigating the complexities of global expansion, seeking not just new markets but new partnerships, ideas, and strategies for building resilient, future-proof organizations.

Singapore: The Gateway for a New Era of Globalization

The choice of Singapore as the venue is deeply strategic. The city-state has cemented its role as the premier nexus for finance, technology, and trade in Asia, serving as a stable and neutral bridge between East and West. For Chinese businesses looking to expand into the 600-million-strong ASEAN market and beyond, Singapore offers unparalleled connectivity, a transparent legal framework, and access to a deep pool of international capital and talent.

This event embodies a vision of mutual benefit. As Fang Jiangang, President of the Zhejiang(s) Entrepreneurs Association, stated, the conference is designed to be a "two-way empowerment platform." It not only helps Zhejiang enterprises tap into global resources but also "opens channels for international capital and innovation to enter China." This symbiotic relationship is crucial as both sides seek growth and stability in an uncertain economic climate. By establishing a foothold in Singapore, Chinese firms gain a launchpad for global operations while Singapore reinforces its status as an indispensable hub for international business.

The Dual Engine: Frontier Tech and Philosophical Roots

What makes this conference particularly noteworthy is its unique dual-track agenda, which juxtaposes the hyper-modern with the deeply traditional. It's a structure that acknowledges that sustainable success in the 21st century requires both technological prowess and a strong ethical core.

The first day is a deep dive into the 'New Frontiers of Technology.' Sessions are dedicated to unpacking the commercial value of the AI productivity revolution, Web3, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA). The lineup of speakers underscores this focus. Renowned investor Jim Rogers is set to deliver a keynote on asset allocation in an AI-driven economy, providing a crucial capital markets perspective. Meanwhile, representatives from leading-edge firms like BrainCo, a pioneer in brain-computer interface technology, and Unitree Robotics, known for its advanced quadruped robots, will offer tangible case studies on how AI is being implemented for global expansion. This focus on practical application signals a move beyond hype and toward integrating these powerful tools into the core of business strategy.

In stark contrast, the second day shifts from code to creed. Titled 'Zhejiang Entrepreneurs on a Philosophical Journey Forward,' the program centers on the management philosophy of the late Kazuo Inamori, the legendary founder of Kyocera and KDDI. Discussions will revolve around concepts like long-termism, altruism, and building an organizational culture grounded in 'shared happiness.' Speakers from esteemed institutions like Waseda University and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences will explore how 'inner strength' and 'philosophical wisdom' can be converted into sustainable growth. This deliberate focus on corporate soul-searching provides a powerful counterbalance to the disruptive force of technology, suggesting a desire to build enterprises that are not only profitable but also purposeful and enduring.

Redefining the 'New Entrepreneur of Zhejiang'

Ultimately, this conference is a showcase for the 'New Entrepreneurs of Zhejiang.' This new generation of leaders is breaking from the mold of their predecessors. While still possessing the legendary work ethic and commercial acumen of the region, they are more technologically fluent, globally-minded, and attuned to the importance of brand building and sustainable values. As President Fang Jiangang noted, the 'new' in their title is reflected "not only in technological innovation and global vision but also in the active commitment to sustainable development."

These entrepreneurs are the driving force behind Zhejiang's economic transformation. They are leading the charge in upgrading traditional industries with digital tools and are at the forefront of exploring new business models powered by AI and blockchain. The gathering in Singapore, with its high-level diplomatic attendance and diverse intellectual agenda, is both a celebration of their achievements and a platform to shape their future trajectory. It is an assertion that the next chapter of Chinese business will be defined not just by what they build, but by how and why they build it.