Immersion into the Future: International Business School “AI and International Business in China”
Founded in 1940, BIT is one of China’s leading universities and part of the prestigious national development programs (“211,” “985,” “Double First-Class”). BIT holds strong positions in international rankings (QS, THE, ARWU) and ranks first in China for the quality of general education for international students.
The Zhuhai campus of BIT was established in 2001 as an international campus in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, in the heart of Zhuhai’s national high-tech zone. Its mission is to serve as a gateway for international students wishing to explore China and as a platform for international collaboration in the region.
During 10 intensive days, participants of the program were immersed in the world of high technology and Chinese business. The program offered an ideal mix of theory and practice: students attended specialized lectures on the application of AI in international business and finance, and learned about the Chinese approach to AI implementation in business. A unique experience included visits to leading Chinese companies, including IT giant Kingsoft, printing solutions provider Ninestar, and pharmaceutical company Byhealth. Participants also explored China’s rich cultural heritage through workshops in tea ceremony, calligraphy, and painting, and toured the modern cities of Zhuhai and Shenzhen.
The program acted as a bridge for students into the world of high technology and international business, providing not only up-to-date knowledge but also invaluable cross-cultural experience. Future business leaders had the opportunity to improve their Chinese language skills, deepen professional expertise through workshops and company visits, and experience Chinese culture, including traditional architecture and the picturesque landscapes of Zhuhai.
Students of the International Business programme shared their impressions and the new knowledge they gained during the program.
"The key insights I gained about AI development and implementation in China are that the country is rapidly scaling AI thanks to a combination of massive datasets, strong industrial R&D, and government-supported infrastructure (e.g., smart cities). Moreover, AI adoption in China is not limited to tech giants; even medium-sized companies integrate AI into productivity tools, logistics, and customer service.
Cultural activities, such as Chinese tea ceremonies, calligraphy workshops, city tours, visits to the Zhuhai Opera House, and museums, greatly enriched my understanding of China’s business environment. Full immersion allowed me to see that China’s technological rise is not accidental but deeply rooted in cultural norms: collective thinking, openness to rapid innovation, and long-term strategic planning".
Anna Arutyunyan, 2nd-year student, International Business programme.
"Professionally, I gained a clear understanding of the current state of AI in China and how leading companies integrate intelligent systems into their workflows. Personally, I expanded my mindset, strengthened my desire to work in international business, and learned a lot about China—not only about the country itself but also about its approach to technology. Direct exposure to these contrasts made the learning experience truly memorable. I especially enjoyed observing the speed at which innovations transform everyday life in China.
I would advise future participants to actively engage in discussions, ask as many questions as possible during company visits, and take daily notes, as the amount of new information is immense. I plan to apply the knowledge gained to my research on international AI ecosystems and seek internship opportunities in Asia to further explore the intersection of technology and global business".
Maria Khanzhina, 2nd-year student, International Business programme
"Professionally, the program deepened my understanding of AI application in real business contexts and allowed me to compare China’s and Russia’s approaches to digital transformation. China’s competitive advantage in AI is based on three key factors.
First, the country has access to exceptionally large and diverse datasets generated by over a billion active digital users. This scale significantly accelerates model training, allows real-time optimization, and provides companies with behavioral data that would be hard to obtain elsewhere. Second, Chinese companies generally operate as vertically integrated ecosystems (e.g., Tencent, Alibaba, Huawei), combining hardware, cloud infrastructure, payment systems, and consumer interfaces. This allows end-to-end AI deployment from data collection to commercial application—within a single corporate environment. Third, adoption rates are notably higher than in most markets. Chinese companies prioritize rapid prototyping and immediate commercialization, shortening innovation cycles and creating a strong first-mover advantage across industries".
Yuliya Yasinskaya, 4th-year student, International Business programme
"In my view, the use of AI in Russia and China differs fundamentally. In Russia, AI is mainly applied to enhance customer interaction. A prime example is Yandex’s online bots, which help users order taxis or food and are always ready to assist if something goes wrong. Meanwhile, in China, AI is actively deployed in factories, IT companies, and even at the city level, affecting transport, healthcare, and public administration.
Overall, while digitalization in Russia is more targeted and segmented, AI in China integrates entire ecosystems, impacting the daily lives of millions. The Russian approach can be described as solution-focused for specific user needs, whereas the Chinese approach is holistic, aiming for systemic transformation of society and the economy".
Maria Studennikova, 4th-year student, International Business programme
