Internationalisation Series: Innovating China Strategy and Growing Companies in the Digital Economy, Suzhou/Hangzhou
- Analytics & Tech
- Innovation & Business Improvement
- Internationalisation
The programme is conducted in person.
5 days in Suzhou/ Hangzhou
(See programme details under Topic/Structure)
Who Should Attend
- Business owners
- Business senior leadership teams
- Anyone responsible for digital business strategy
Overview
In omnichannel retail, social media, on-demand services, mobility, fintech, healthtech and other domains, the country is developing many “China-first” innovations. The paths taken by Chinese companies have relevant implications for other digital and traditional players as they craft their strategies. This programme is designed to provide executives and business leaders with a comprehensive view of leading and managing business effectively in the fast-changing context of China, in a manner that is compatible with Chinese business practices, regulatory frameworks and consumer expectations.
With a blended format, through lectures, case studies, interactive learning and site visits to companies such as Alibaba, Douyin, etc., participants acquire skills necessary for evaluating business opportunities and developing business strategies for operating, competing, collaborating and/or further expanding in China. The programme draws on faculty, as well as guest speakers from key government institutions and/or leading Chinese and multinational companies, to facilitate gainful interactions with Chinese decision makers, and thought leaders in academia and industry.
Click here for the programme brochure.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese culture and mindset and the changing values of Chinese citizens and how these shape business and corporate attitudes and strategising
- Appreciate the factors shaping and influencing social and interpersonal relationships, business culture and negotiation practices in China
- Gain a deeper understanding of the institutional logic and structure, policy frameworks and trends in the Chinese economy, as well their implications for global business and the opportunities and risks of doing business in China
- Dive deep into the ecosystems of China (especially in Suzhou and Hangzhou) to understand the country’s technology and innovation, and their impact on the economy and on entrepreneurship
- Build their China network as they share experiences and build strong connections with other participants
Topic/Structure
Pre-Trip Workshops
Session 1: An Overview of History and Culture in China: From Traditional to Contemporary
- Brief introduction to the history of China
- Introduction to the major influences in Chinese thought (e.g., Taoism, Confucianism etc.)
- Brief introduction to modern society, politics and culture
- Important elements and characteristics of Chinese culture
Session 2: China’s Social Etiquettes in Business
- Types and connotations of Chinese etiquettes
- Differences between Chinese and Western etiquettes
- Etiquettes to follow on different occasions
- China’s social etiquettes in business
Session 3: China’s Unique Culture in Business
- Unique factors that influence Chinese business culture
- Introduction to China’s official system
- Wine culture in China and its impact on business activities
- Factors influencing social and interpersonal relationships (guanxi) and negotiation practices in China
Programme at Suzhou/ Hangzhou:
| Day 0 |
|
| Day 1 |
Morning
Afternoon
|
| Day 2 |
Morning
Afternoon
|
| Day 3 |
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
|
| Day 4 |
Morning
Afternoon
|
| Day 5 |
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
|
| Day 6 |
|
*All schedules, itineraries, and business events are subject to availability and changes. Flight tickets, travel insurance, and VISA (if required) will be covered by participants.
Profile of Companies for Site Visits
Alibaba Hangzhou (Headquarters) （阿里巴巴集团总部）
Alibaba Group is China's leading online and mobile commerce company, operating a diverse portfolio of internet businesses including online and mobile marketplaces, online retail and payment platforms, shopping search engines, and cloud computing services. Today, Alibaba has become a global internet giant with a market capitalisation of over $400 billion USD, ranking first in Asia and seventh globally, and is one of the most important and influential technology companies in the world. Its business model has become a global benchmark for learning.
Hangzhou Douyin E-commerce Live Broadcasting Base （杭州抖音电商直播基地）
Douyin is a short-form video software incubated by ByteDance. The Hangzhou Douyin E-commerce Live Broadcasting Base is the country's first comprehensive clothing and household textiles e-commerce live broadcasting base, creating multi-dimensional consumption scenarios by linking platforms, consumers, anchors, enterprises, and institutions.
Suzhou Dayu Technology Co., Ltd.（苏州大禹数字文化科技集团有限公司）
Dayu is one of the largest MCN (Multi-Channel Network) organizations in China and a leading new media IP incubation platform. It has now established a complete ecosystem for digital content production, distribution, and monetization, and is also a strategic partner of major platforms such as Weibo, WeChat, Douyin, Kuaishou, Bilibili, and Xiaohongshu (小红书).
Assessment
As part of the requirement for SkillsFuture Singapore, there will be an assessment conducted at the end of the course. The mode of assessment, which is up to the trainer’s discretion, may be an online quiz, a presentation or based on classroom exercises.
Participants are required to attain a minimum of 75% attendance and pass the associated assessment in order to receive a digital Certificate of Completion issued by Singapore Management University.
Calculate Programme Fee
Fee Table
| COMPANY-SPONSORED | |||
|
PARTICIPANT PROFILE |
SELF-SPONSORED |
SME |
NON-SME |
|
Singapore Citizen < 40 years old Permanent Resident LTVP+
|
$2,517.90 (After SSG Funding 70%) |
$977.90 (After SSG Funding 70% |
$2,517.90 (After SSG Funding 70%) |
|
Singapore Citizen ≥ 40 years old |
$977.90 (After SSG Funding 70% |
$977.90 (After SSG Funding 70% |
$977.90 (After SSG Funding 70% |
|
International Participant |
$8,393 (No Funding) |
$8,393 (No Funding) |
$8,393 (No Funding) |
All prices include 9% GST
Please note that the programme fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Post Secondary Education Account (PSEA)
PSEA can be utilised for subsidised programmes eligible for SkillsFuture Credit support. Click here to find out more.
Self Sponsored
SkillsFuture Credit
Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above may use their SkillsFuture Credits to pay for the course fees. The credits may be used on top of existing course fee funding.
This is only applicable to self-sponsored participants. Application to utilise SkillsFuture Credits can be submitted when making payment for the course via the SMU Academy TMS Portal, and can only be made within 60 days of course start date.
Please click here for more information on the SkillsFuture Credit. For help in submitting an SFC claim, you may wish to refer to our step-by-step guide on claiming SkillsFuture Credits (Individual).Workfare Skills Support Scheme
From 1 July 2023, the Workfare Skills Support (WSS) scheme has been enhanced. Please click here for more details.
Company Sponsored
Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS)
- Organisation must be registered or incorporated in Singapore
- Employment size of not more than 200 or with annual sales turnover of not more than $100 million
- Trainees must be hired in accordance with the Employment Act and fully sponsored by their employers for the course
- Trainees must be Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents
- Trainees must not be a full-time national serviceman
- Trainees are eligible for ETSS funding only if their company's SME status is approved prior to the course commencement date. To verify your SME's status, please click here.
Please click here for more information on ETSS.
Absentee Payroll
Companies who sponsor their employees for the course may apply for Absentee Payroll here. For more information, please refer to:
AP Guide (Non-SME Companies)
Declaration Guide (SME Companies)
Intake Information
This module is conducted on-campus.
| Course | Dates |
|---|---|
| INTAKE 1 | 6 Sep, 13 Sep & 22-26 Sep 2025 [Open for Registration] |
Pre-Trip Workshops:
| Session 1: | 9 am - 12.30 pm, 6 Sep 2025 |
| Session 2: | 1.30 pm - 5pm, 6 Sep 2025 |
| Session 3: | 9 am - 12.30 pm, 13 Sep 2025 |
Overseas Programme:
| Arrive in Suzhou: | 21 Sep 2025 |
| Programme: | 22-26 Sep 2025 |
| Return to Singapore: | 27 Sep 2025 |
*Online registration will close 1 calendar month before the course start date
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