ILE 2025 marks the beginning of a growing engagement with one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems
In April 2025, a group of students from the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) embarked on an immersive ILE across China’s Greater Bay Area, exploring how emerging technologies are transforming industries and shaping the future of business. Under the theme “Future Tech: How Technology Shapes Future Business,” the week-long program took students to Shenzhen and Guangzhou — two dynamic hubs at the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. The success of ILE 2025 in China led to connections that supported the latest ILE 2026: Innovation and Transformation.
Throughout the visit, students engaged directly with leading technology companies, research institutions, and academic partners, gaining firsthand exposure to China’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape. The experience provided valuable insights into how organizations leverage technology, research, and global collaboration to drive growth and solve complex challenges.
Among the highlights of the program were visits to the headquarters of Tencent and SF Express in Shenzhen, tours of BGI Genomics’ advanced laboratories and Mindray Medical’s innovation center, as well as engagements with GAC Group and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). These visits offered students a unique opportunity to witness innovation in action across sectors ranging from artificial intelligence and logistics to biotechnology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
Reflecting on the experience, students emphasized the transformative nature of learning directly from industry leaders and innovators.
“We saw how companies here integrate technology into every aspect of business—it was truly eye-opening,” shared Hessa Rashed Al Dhaheri, recalling experiences that ranged from factory floors to cutting-edge research facilities.
The journey also provided meaningful insights into entrepreneurship, organizational culture, and the mindset required to thrive in fast-changing industries.
“We learned that innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s a mindset of adaptability and continuous learning,” noted Hassan Al Jaberi, reflecting on discussions with entrepreneurs and technology professionals throughout the program.
Beyond the academic and industry engagements, the experience fostered cultural exchange and strengthened international connections. The program was organized in collaboration with the Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation (SFIEC), highlighting a shared commitment to building global partnerships through education and cross-cultural understanding.
ADSM leadership emphasized the strategic importance of international learning opportunities in preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world.
“This experience is not only about student learning—it is about building lasting relationships and creating opportunities for future collaboration,” said Dr. Constance “Connie” Van Horne, ADSM’s Director of International Affairs, who led the delegation. “Engaging with pioneering institutions across the Greater Bay Area enables our students to better understand the forces shaping the future of business and innovation.”
The 2025 International Learning Experience laid the foundation for a growing partnership between ADSM and organizations across China’s Greater Bay Area. Building on the success of this inaugural visit, ADSM has continued to expand its international engagement efforts, providing subsequent cohorts of students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and global business through continued exchanges and collaborative initiatives in the region.
