![](/wp-content/uploads/AMBA-logo-Acc-black.png"){kind=logo}
A group of 14 participants from PGP led by Professor G Venkat Raman, Faculty, IIM Indore visited China from August 27-September 05, 2019 as a part of the International Immersion Programme. The itinerary of the team was designed in such an explicit manner that the participants get a chance to not only understand the business in China, but also the education system, culture and the work pattern across various constituencies.
Professor Raman noted that every constituency in China has a different story to tell. The purpose of this tour was to help participants understand the business strategies of different constituencies. ‘Keeping this in mind, we visited Chinese City Government State Owned Enterprise in Hangzhou, wherein the group got a chance to understand how the organization works, what is the work culture and business tactics’, he said. The team also visited Infosys in China, to understand the challenges faced by an Indian software giant in the Chinese market. Then the team visited a hardware company too, named Ace Micromatic, wherein the group learnt about their strategy and why they’re doing business in China. To keep the tour vivid, the team got a chance to meet Mr. KV Kamath, President, BRICS Bank. He shared with the young management leaders his understanding of China in the capacity of BRICS Bank President. Counsellor General of India, Mr. Anil Rai also shared his take of a diplomat in China. Thereafter, the group met a wide array of Indian expath community working in senior positions of big corporations in China from various sectors including chemical, textile, aviation, etc. A few experts also shared their views on Digital Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Steel Industry Trend, Bilateral Trade and Commerce.
This was followed by a video conferencing with the Counsellor General from Guandzhou, Guandzhou, who shared the Government 2025 Plan of the country—with emphasis on AI, Big Data, Chemical Industry and its impact on India and China relations.
Being a B-School the team also visited two top business schools of China namely, School of Entrepreneurship in Shanghai University and the oldest management school of China—Antai School of Economics and Management. The professors at both the schools had an interesting interaction with the IIM Indore team. The students also got a chance to exchange ideas with the Chinese students.
Professor Raman said that the reason behind choosing China for International Immersion was that it is an economic giant today—and everything which happens there has a global impact. ‘No matter how much you read about China one can’t imagine from a distance the scale and speed of China’s economic modernisation. Given the very influential role Chinese economy plays in international trade and commerce, it is very obvious thing to engage young management students to see and experience China first hand and take important lessons and takeaways’, he added.
‘In addition to a cultural shock, we had the opportunity to see the future ready infrastructure, AI powered transport management, backward and forward integration of the WeChat App through all walks of life, public safety, waste management, civic sense were some of the eye catching aspects of China’s modernization’, says Malay Milan Chaudhary, a participant who went for the tour.
‘There were multiple instances during the tour where we met business tycoons of China and they were very humble and forthcoming to meet us. The biggest lesson that we should take from China is on long term environmentally sustainable and aesthetically pleasing infrastructure’, adds Deksha Gupta.
Another participant, Ibaridor adds, ‘Shanghai changed our views about China as it exposed us to not only the culture but the humility and helpfulness of the people, other aspects such as public safety, cleanliness, eco-friendly environment, waste management, punctuality and discipline’.
Overall, the experience for the entire group was enthralling and memorable. IIM Indore plans to conduct more such tours for International Immersion in the coming years.