Sasin Connect+ Executive MBA Students Explore the Future of AI and Innovation in Hangzhou

As part of the program’s first international residential, Sasin Connect+ Executive MBA 2025 cohort spent four immersive days in Hangzhou, China—one of the world’s leading technology and innovation hubs—where they explored how AI, digital transformation, and emerging technologies are reshaping industries, organizations, and society. Designed as one of three regional residentials within the Sasin Connect+ Executive MBA, the experience brings together flexible blended learning with in-person engagement, allowing students to connect with classmates, faculty, business leaders, and pioneering organizations while gaining firsthand insights into the technologies driving business transformation. Throughout the residential, students visited some of China’s most innovative companies, beginning with Alibaba, where they explored how cloud computing, AI, and digital platforms are creating business value while addressing societal challenges. From Alipay’s Ant Forest initiative to Amap’s wheelchair navigation feature, the visit demonstrated how innovation can generate both commercial success and meaningful social impact. The cohort also visited BrainCo, a global pioneer in non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Students discovered how neuroscience and AI are converging through applications in cognitive training, sleep enhancement, neurofeedback, and intelligent prosthetics, while engaging in discussions on the ethical implications of biological data and the future of cognitive health. Innovation at scale came into focus during a visit to Dahua Technology, where students explored how AI-powered video intelligence is enabling smarter cities, safer communities, and more efficient business operations. A tour of the company’s Future Factory offered a firsthand look at how AI supports real-time manufacturing, automation, and operational decision-making. The residential also featured learning with leading academic experts. During a guest lecture on AI Productivity & Enterprise Strategy, Zhou Zengrui, Dean of Dingjie Digital Intelligence Academy and Digital Transformation Expert at Zhejiang University, challenged students to think beyond AI experimentation. Drawing on enterprise experience, he outlined practical strategies for integrating generative AI into business workflows, building measurable returns on investment, and avoiding the common pitfalls that prevent organizations from scaling AI successfully. Complementing these insights, students participated in a series of interactive AI workshops led by Dr. Pinnaree Tea-makorn, Assistant Professor and AI Strategist at Sasin, and Dr. Nghi Truong, Lecturer at Sasin. The workshops covered prompt engineering, workflow automation, multi-agent system design, and AI evaluation. Rather than simply learning how to use AI tools, students explored how leaders can redesign business processes, orchestrate AI systems, and create lasting organizational value in an AI-driven business landscape. The Hangzhou residential extended learning beyond the virtual classroom through direct engagement with industry leaders, innovative organizations, and emerging technologies. Together with the program’s blended learning format, the experience equipped students with new perspectives, practical insights, and valuable connections to help lead in an increasingly AI-driven world.