On May 20, the ZIBS Global Leaders Series and Z Talk Forum was held at the Zhejiang University International Business School (ZIBS) on the Haining International Campus. Han Seung-soo, Chair of the ZIBS International Advisory Board (IAB) and President of the United Nations General Assembly Council, attended and delivered a speech. Scholars and industry experts from various countries and regions gathered to provide faculty and students with new perspectives on global economic and technological developments.
Han Seung-soo emphasized the pivotal role of ZIBS in connecting global resources and driving fintech innovation. He expressed his hope that ZIBS will continue to explore and contribute both academic and practical outcomes to the industry amid the wave of fintech globalization, staying true to its mission of “Connecting the world and shaping the future.” Dean of ZIBS BEN Shenglin also noted that the forum will focus on in-depth discussions around globalization trends and new opportunities in fintech, aiming to harness insights from academia and industry to foster innovation and development in the field.
Geoffrey Garrett, ZIBS IAB member and Dean of the USC Marshall School of Business, delivered a keynote speech titled “Rethinking Globalization Trends.” Taking a global perspective and drawing on detailed historical data comparisons, Garrett offered an in-depth analysis of the dual impact of globalization: on one hand, it has driven global wealth creation, maintained economic stability, and promoted international peace; on the other, it has led to challenges in Western societies such as the loss of manufacturing jobs and growing inequality. He highlighted China’s economic rise amid globalization, noting its emergence as a global trade leader and a frontrunner in areas such as clean energy. Garrett emphasized the need for a rational view of globalization, arguing that only by focusing on cooperation and mutual benefit can we find a balance in the dynamics of competition and collaboration. The audience engaged actively with questions on topics such as the prospects for China-Europe cooperation and trends in cutting-edge technologies, prompting a lively exchange with Garrett, who responded with insights drawn from his own research and practical experience.
The inauguration ceremony of the Zhejiang International Base For Science & Technology Exchange: Fintech and Big Data Analysis (ZIBSciTechX) was held at the Zhejiang University International Business School (ZIBS) on the International Campus at Haining, witnessed by WU Jian, Vice Dean of the International Campus, Zhejiang University; Han Seung-soo, Chair of the ZIBS IAB; and Yaseen Anwar, ZIBS IAB member and former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, among other distinguished guests. This marks a new step forward in ZIBS international cooperation in the field of fintech.
During the Fintech Roundtable Discussion, participants including Yaseen Anwar; ZIBS Vice Dean LUO Xingguo; ZIBS Professor and Chief Technology Officer ZHANG Ruidong; ZIBS Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Finance (iMF) Program SO Ha Yan; President of the Swiss Fintech Association Thomas Brändle; and Dieter Goerdten, Head of Banking Services and Executive Board Member at SIX AG, engaged in an in-depth dialogue on inclusive finance and strategies for investment and wealth creation. Centered on the question, “With high saving tendencies and low investment enthusiasm, how can fintech and inclusive finance break the deadlock?”, the discussion explored key topics including innovative exchange models, the practice of inclusive finance in emerging economies, applications of artificial intelligence in fintech, and the integration of digital currencies with green finance. The roundtable was moderated by ZIBS Industry Mentor Marc Lussy.
Focusing on globalization trends and new opportunities in fintech, the forum brought together international experts and served as a platform for academic exchange and practical innovation in related fields. Looking ahead, ZIBS will continue to build on the collaborative consensus forged at the forum and remain committed to advancing the global development of fintech.
