From curiosity to clarity: Business leaders’ journey into China’s innovation frontier

Text: Christine Teh

For years, China existed in Darren Ku’s mind as a headline – an engine of relentless innovation, moving faster than the rest of the world could keep up. In 2025, he decided it was time to see it for himself.

As Managing Director of Forbedring Group in Singapore, Darren had long been curious about China’s business landscape. “China’s rapid advancements in AI and technology have reshaped global industries,” he said. “I wanted insights that could elevate my own business.”

So when NTU’s Academy for Professional and Continuing Education launched its inaugural “Travel and Learn” programme for adult learners last March, Darren didn’t hesitate to sign up.

Darren Ku (third from right) with fellow participants after a class presentation at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

After a couple of masterclasses in Singapore, he joined 48 other participants in Beijing for an immersive week of learning.

Mornings were spent at Tsinghua University, where leading academics unpacked topics ranging from industrial innovation and smart manufacturing to big data, green economy and China’s evolving investment landscape.

Afternoons brought those ideas to life. Participants visited some of China’s most influential tech players, including JD.com, Zhipu AI, Lenovo Future Centre, iFlytek and Zhongguancun Software Park, offering a firsthand look at the country’s innovation engine.

For Darren, the experience was both practical and transformative. “The programme’s blend of academic rigour and real-world relevance was unparalleled,” he said. “It gave me fresh perspectives on emerging technologies and how I can stay competitive in a fast-changing, tech-driven world.”

The first cohort of Travel and Learn programme visited Beijing in March last year.

Since its launch, four cohorts have travelled to Beijing and Shenzhen, forming not just a learning community, but a growing network. Attendees include senior managers, business development directors, and former C-suite executives who have experience working in China and are keen to keep up with the country’s evolving landscape.

Prof Boh Wai Fong, NTU's Vice-President (Lifelong Learning and Alumni Engagement), noted that beyond the curriculum, it was the connections that made the programme stand out.

“What made this experience special went beyond classrooms and company visits,” she said. “Networking with alumni, industry leaders and government officials fostered deep connections, while shared experiences created lasting bonds.”

She added that NTU’s alumni network in China, together with Tsinghua’s insights, could serve as a valuable bridge for Singapore-based participants exploring opportunities in China.

Jessica Lim (second row, sixth from right) enjoyed networking with NTU alumni based in China and gaining new knowledge.

For fellow participant Jessica Lim, the programme exceeded expectations. Initially drawn by its title, she discovered much more beneath the surface. An NTU alumna of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Nanyang Business School, she is currently a Design Director at Traust LLP.

“The opportunity to learn in China made it especially compelling,” she said. “Through the sessions at Tsinghua University, I gained a deeper understanding of how AI and sustainability are shaping the future of business.”

Like many others, Jessica found lasting value in the people she met. “Engaging with course mates from diverse backgrounds broadened my perspective,” she shared. “That exchange of ideas sparks creativity and leads to more innovative solutions.”

Today, many participants continue to stay connected, meeting regularly and building on the relationships formed during the trip – proof that the journey’s impact extends well beyond a single week.

The next run of NTU PACE’s Travel & Learn programme, organised in partnership with Tsinghua University, will go to Hangzhou, China, in August 2026. Find out more about “Exploring China's Innovation Frontier: Strategies for Sustainable Business Growth”.