BMW AG Chairman Oliver Zipse, also a member of the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua SEM) Advisory Board, joined the Future Tech Program's "Tsinghua Students Dialogue with Board Members" for an in-depth discussion on "Future Technology and Intelligent Mobility" on October 24, 2024. Moderated by Tsinghua SEM Associate Dean Professor He Ping, the event also featured Tsinghua University Vice President Yang Bin, Tsinghua SEM's Dean Bai Chong-En, Senior Associate Dean Xue Jian, and EMBA Program Director Jia Li.

Oliver Zipse delivers the keynote address.

Yang Bin opened the event by welcoming Zipse. He highlighted Tsinghua's commitment to its motto, "Self-Discipline and Social Commitment," and the university's mission to cultivate globally minded and innovative leaders. He noted that BMW's leadership role in the global automotive industry, particularly in technological innovation and sustainability, provides valuable insights for China's automotive transformation.

Yang Bin delivers a welcome speech.

Bai Chong-En said he appreciated BMW's support of Tsinghua SEM, specifically highlighting the newly launched "BMW X Tsinghua SEM Advisory Board Sino-EU Young Entrepreneur Leadership Programme." Bai described the program as a collaborative platform for young entrepreneurs in China and Europe. He said the initiative would broaden the global perspectives of emerging business leaders, foster innovative thinking, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two regions.

Bai Chong-En delivers a speech.

Oliver Zipse delivered the keynote address, outlining BMW's vision for the future of mobility. He emphasized the company's commitment to technological openness and its focus on delivering advanced mobility solutions. Zipse highlighted BMW's ongoing expansion of its product lineup, which includes high-efficiency internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles, as well as the company's exploration of hydrogen fuel cell technology to further promote green mobility. Zipse introduced BMW's next-generation lineup representing a transformative step in electric mobility and intelligent driving technology. He emphasized BMW's commitment to sustainable innovation, positioning NEUE KLASSE as central to the company's future vision for automotive technology.

Reflecting on BMW's three decades of partnership with China, Zipse reaffirmed the importance of localization in sustaining the company's strong presence in the country. Since 2012, BMW and Tsinghua University have collaborated on research initiatives aimed at driving innovation in key areas. Looking ahead, both parties plan to advance research in fields such as artificial intelligence, V2X vehicle networking technology, and solid-state batteries, while also strengthening efforts in sustainable development and talent cultivation. During the event, Zipse announced the launch of the "Sino-EU Young Entrepreneur Leadership Programme," reinforcing BMW's commitment to global cooperation and leadership development. He highlighted the role of young entrepreneurs as essential drivers of global economic progress, noting that the program will help cultivate business leaders equipped with the skills and global perspective for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

The "Sino-EU Young Entrepreneur Leadership Programme" is launched.

The event continued with a roundtable forum where student representatives from the Future Tech Program and Zipse shared insights on intelligent mobility, sustainability, and the transformation of the automotive industry.

The roundtable session

Student representative Zhu Ning, managing partner of Chance Bridge Law Firm, opened the discussion by asking how BMW navigates the rapidly changing global market to maintain a competitive edge. Zipse responded by emphasizing BMW's focus on understanding and anticipating customer needs, leveraging core strengths rather than chasing short-lived market trends.

Student representative Chen Boyi, chairman and CEO of Shanghai Kingwills Group, shared his perspective on the impact of autonomous driving technology and its potential to fundamentally reshape consumer behavior and industry dynamics. Zipse agreed, adding that companies must listen to customers, identify their unique competitive advantages, and fully commit to these strengths. He highlighted BMW's ability to integrate various technologies, including autonomous driving, smart connectivity, drivetrains, and battery materials.

Student representative Deng Bin, founder and chairman of Taizhou Hengchuan New Energy Material Technology Co, Ltd, shifted the discussion to technological innovation and its lasting impact on the automotive industry. He asked about BMW's future roadmap. Zipse emphasized that innovation is central to BMW's strategic vision, especially in advancing electric mobility and upholding the highest standards of vehicle safety.

On behalf of Tsinghua SEM and Future Tech Program, Xue Jian and Jia Li presented Zipse with a gift titled "Everything is Going Well," symbolizing Tsinghua's best wishes for BMW's future success. Zipse acknowledged the deep partnership between BMW and Tsinghua University and reiterated their shared commitment to future collaboration.

The two sides present gifts to each other.

Participants pose for a group photo.

Source: Tsinghua SEM EMBA Program

Editor: Ren Zhongxi