Today, I attended the 2026 Chinese Enterprises Going Global Summit – Beijing, hosted by Yonyou Network Technology Co., Ltd., under the theme Harnessing AI for Global Operations.
The summit brought together representatives from the digital economy, enterprise technology, professional services and industry to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way Chinese companies operate, compete and expand internationally.
For World Trade Center Singapore, the event was also an opportunity to strengthen connections with Chinese businesses and explore how international business networks can support their next stage of global growth.
Two moments from today's engagement are particularly worth sharing.
01 | Leveraging the Global WTC Network for International Expansion
At the summit, Ms. Zhu Xiaolan, Chair of the WTCA Asia Pacific Trade Services Advisory Committee and CEO of World Trade Center Singapore, delivered a presentation titled Leveraging the Global Network to Accelerate the International Expansion of Chinese Enterprises.
Her presentation highlighted the role of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) network in helping businesses connect with international markets, local business communities and potential partners across different countries and cities.
One important consideration for companies pursuing international expansion is that entering a new market involves much more than exporting products or identifying customers.
It requires an understanding of the local business environment, access to reliable partners, relevant industry connections and the ability to build lasting relationships in the target market.
This is where the global WTC network can make a difference.
Through its network of World Trade Centers around the world, WTCA provides a platform for businesses to connect with local markets and explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
For Chinese companies looking beyond their domestic market, these connections can serve as a valuable starting point for understanding new markets and building their international presence.
02 | WTC ONE Club Invites Yonyou to Join Its International Business Community
Another important development from today's engagement was the invitation extended by WTC ONE Club to Yonyou Network Technology Co., Ltd. to join our international business club as a member.
As Secretary-General and COO of World Trade Center Singapore, I had the opportunity to extend this invitation on behalf of WTC ONE Club.
Why Yonyou?
Yonyou has established a strong presence in enterprise management software, digital transformation and enterprise AI solutions. Its experience in helping businesses improve management capabilities and operational efficiency is particularly relevant as more Chinese companies expand their international operations.
As businesses enter new markets, digital capabilities are becoming increasingly important in managing cross-border operations, coordinating global teams and improving business efficiency.
We see an opportunity to bring these capabilities into closer contact with the international business community through WTC ONE Club.
Our vision for WTC ONE Club goes beyond conventional networking. We aim to bring together business leaders, companies, investors and professional organizations from different markets, creating opportunities for meaningful exchanges and practical collaboration.
By inviting Yonyou to join, we hope to connect its enterprise technology capabilities with the wider WTCA global network and explore opportunities for engagement with businesses and partners in international markets.
For us, membership is not simply about expanding a club's community. It is about bringing complementary capabilities and resources together, creating the conditions for long-term business relationships.
03 | AI Strengthens Global Operations. Networks Open Global Markets.
One of the broader takeaways from today's summit was the growing recognition that international expansion is becoming an increasingly integrated undertaking.
Technology, regulatory compliance, manufacturing capabilities, telecommunications and professional services all play important roles in helping businesses compete internationally.
AI can significantly enhance operational efficiency and decision-making. However, technology alone cannot replace local market knowledge, trusted business relationships or the right partners on the ground.
Companies need both the capabilities to operate globally and the connections to participate effectively in local markets.
This is the direction we continue to pursue through World Trade Center Singapore and WTC ONE Club.
Leveraging Singapore's position as an international business hub and the global reach of WTCA, we aim to connect businesses with international markets, facilitate cross-border engagement and bring together resources that can support meaningful commercial collaboration.
Today's discussions in Beijing, together with our invitation to Yonyou, are another step in that direction.
Our belief is simple: AI helps businesses operate globally, while trusted international networks help them connect, collaborate and grow across markets.
We look forward to welcoming more companies and business leaders into the WTC ONE Club community and creating new opportunities through global connections.
WTC ONE Club | Connecting Business. Creating Opportunities.
