Reflections on LSE SU Emerging Markets Forum

16 April 2019

Emerging markets have been an attractive topic over the past few years due to the tremendous opportunities and ongoing trends. In addition, emerging markets such as China and India have achieved remarkable economic growth and international recognition. Coming from an emerging market, I always want to learn more about my home country and all the future opportunities ahead of me which also explains why I choose IBEM as my master's programme. Therefore, when I came across the LSE SU Emerging Markets Forum, I decided to attend as I believed it would be a good opportunity for me to gain insights about emerging markets from experts involved in academic or industries. There are a few highlights from this forum that I want to share.

First, the relationship between the city and people has sparked the discussion of the future of our life. The panel discussion led by LSE Assistant Professor, Associate Partner from McKinsey and Managing Director from AECOM was thought-provoking as the opportunities and challenges encountered by cities in emerging markets. Although a huge potential is expected in emerging markets, the attractiveness and competitiveness of cities in developed countries still remain desirable. As people is the dynamic of cities, the movement of people in different cities will have an influence on the development of cities deeply. In particular, the idea of the city coming to you left a strong impression on me which also implies that cities in emerging markets need to make adjustments efficiently.

Second, AI has and will play an important role in the development of the world and China cannot be ignored during the course of the growth of AI. I was especially interested in this panel discussion as I am a believer that technology is one of the driving forces that tend to have an impact on the world as a whole and am a Chinese person who is proud of what China has been doing. This panel discussion was led by Chief Technology Evangelist from Alibaba Cloud UK, Minister Counsellor for Science and Technology from the Chinese Embassy UK, and Professor of Technology Management from LSE. After the panel discussion, I have learnt how Alibaba has applied AI in their business, how China has studied AI and how the western world views China as a leader of AI. As a Chinese person, it is always beneficial to learn how people from other backgrounds understand China which will stimulate the exchange of different ideas. Undoubtedly, AI is changing the world and emerging markets should embrace the changes.

Lastly, I also want to add that the communication with people from other universities such as LSE and KCL was also a good experience as we shared various opinions and talked about career goals which motivates me to improve more skills to work with these people in the future.

Overall, the two day forum held by LSE in London was a fabulous event. Not only have I gained so many insights from leaders in different industries, but also have I obtained more inspirations from my peer delegates from other universities. I have benefited a lot from this forum and I highly recommend this forum to my IEBM families and all the students who are keen to engage with emerging markets.

Xiang Hui, MSc International Business and Emerging Markets. Find more information about Santander funding under Opportunities.