Yicai Annual Conference 2016, themed "Crossing the Unknown ", was held in Shanghai, China. As the first annual conference in Yicai’s 14-year history, it focused on the unknown and the uncertainties faced by the Chinese companies when entering the UAV sector, and how they would exit.
On May 30, 2016, Ren Zhengfei Founder and President of Huawei first stated at the National Science and Technology Innovation Conference that Huawei was entering the UAV sector of the telecom industry which features “no pilot, no established rules, and no one to follow”.
"The theme of this year's summit is 'crossing the unknown', because various industries are facing unprecedented challenges due to the dramatic changes in this new era -- new technologies are driving rapid industrial changes; globalization are accelerating in its breadth and depth," said Li Rong, Vice President of Shanghai Media Group and Chairman of Shanghai Yicai Media Co., Ltd.
In terms of the Chinese economy, China is in the "new normal", searching the bottom of an "L"-shaped curve and looking to find new momentum. Such a huge economic transformation requires the companies to explore an unprecedented path.
In a larger timeframe, the global economy is facing a change in fundamentals, while the human cognition is also undergoing a paradigm shift driven by technical advancement.
Considering the possibility of the burst of a new round of industrial revolution to drive economic growth and new jobs, Zhou Jianong, CEO of Yicai said, "With the rise of AI and robots, the advancement of the genetic technologies, and the expansion of population connected to the Internet, the humans seems to be approaching a singularity point."
"Yicai Annual Conference 2016 invited the most authoritative entrepreneurs and professionals from all industries to seek new power and new ideas that could guide us across the unknown," Zhou Jianong said.
Yicai Annual Conference 2016 focused on the traditional manufacturers’ journey across the unkonwn. Fang Hongbo, Chairman and President of Midea Group, and Liu Yonghang, Chairman of East Hope Group explained how the traditional manufacturing industry will transform and lead the trends.
Yicai Annual Conference 2016 focused on how capital is driving the new economy. Zhang Lei, Founder and CEO of Hillhouse Capital Group and a top investor shed light on the relationship between capital and the new economy and the relationship between the new economy and economic growth.
Yicai Annual Conference 2016 focused on how technology is driving changes in companies. Wang Jian, Chairman of Technical Committee, Alibaba Group, standing in the forefront of technology, led the audience to face challenges and opportunities.
Yicai Annual Conference 2016 also focused on the globalization of the companies; the future of the cities; the current situations and the future of finance, healthcare, energy and other industries; how technology will drive globalization; how technology will subvert industries that are closely related to the human.
Meanwhile, art is both inspiring for human life and technical innovation. Yicai Annual Conference 2016 invited the artist Zeng Fanzhi to present VR-assisted performances "Growth of All Things" and "In Search of Plum Blossoms in the Snow". And a national art master (齐·宝力高) led his team to present a head horse fiddle performance, using music to explain what is “the unknown” and how to approach it.
During Yicai Annual Conference 2016, "China Business Leaders Awards" organized by Yicai was unveiled. Dubbed as “the Oscar Award in the business circle”, it focused on leadership and execution this year.
The "China Business Leaders Awards 2016" included Business Leader of the Year Award, Annual New Economy Hero Award, Star of the Year Award, Annual Heritage Award, Annual Innovation Award, Annual Corporate Citizen Award and Annual Thinker Award.