
This month the Cambridge China Business Special Interest Group (SIG), along with the Cambridge Centre for Chinese Management were delighted to welcome James Zhang, Senior Vice President, and Hans Neff, Senior Director from CTO Group at ZTE Corporation, for an insightful Speaker Series at Cambridge Judge Business School. James Zhang, an Executive MBA alumnus, brought unique perspectives from both industry and academia, enriching the discussion with his deep insights into AI-driven innovation.
ZTE Corporation a global leader in ICT solutions, is shaping the future of wireless networks, AI, computing power, and digital energy. The speakers shared their perspectives on the transformative wave of AI and how it is redefining competitiveness, along with an in-depth look at ZTE’s innovation strategy in the AI era. Beyond technology and strategy, they also provided valuable insights into career opportunities within ZTE.
Key Takeaways:
> AI as the core driver of the next industrial revolution – AI is not just an evolution but a paradigm shift in competitiveness, following mechanisation, electrification, and automation. Businesses must integrate AI-driven solutions to optimise operations, reduce costs, and enhance user experiences.
> Exponential growth & market disruption – The rise of AI applications is unprecedented, with some reaching 20 million daily active users in just 20 days, proving AI’s transformative power in shaping industries and consumer behaviours.
> AI’s role in industry & global development – The convergence of AI with ICT infrastructure is reshaping industries, and beyond business impact, AI is also being leveraged to bridge digital divides and empower underprivileged communities through communication technology.
A huge thank you to ZTE Corporation for an engaging and forward-looking discussion, and to everyone who joined us for this inspiring event!

Thank you to the Cambridge China Business Special Interest Group (SIG), along with the Cambridge Centre for Chinese Management, for making this Speaker Series possible, and thanks to Cambridge MBA current student Irene Zhang for this feature.