(July 10, 2023) Representing the University of San Francisco’s Center for Business Studies and Innovation in Asia-Pacific (CBSI), Advisory Board member Jeff Wu spoke by invitation at the “2023 International Business and Talents Exchange Seminar,” part of an “Entrepreneurship Week” gathering in Suzhou, China. Organizers cited CBSI as a “star” among the many international associations and institutions participating in the event.
Jeff, in addition to being a founding member of CBSI’s Advisory Board, is the CEO of dZPACE, a fast-growing entrepreneurial “prop-tech” real estate technology firm. In his well-received speech, Jeff shared the mission and history of CBSI, and how it evolved from its original focus on China to its current broader emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. He talked about CBSI’s role as a research center, its plans for the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit (https://apecceosummit2023.com/) in San Francisco, and the important role CBSI plays in strengthening academic and business relationships. Jeff highlighted how USF and CBSI are particularly well-suited to build trust and foster collaboration among academic, business and government leaders navigating difficult and sensitive geopolitical environments.
This year’s “Entrepreneurship Week” in Suzhou attracted 3,048 entrepreneurs who showcased 3,057 projects from all over the world. Since its conception in 2009, the international event has been attended by more than 40,000 people and featured nearly 11,000 projects, 59 of which grew into “unicorns,” a term used in the venture capital industry to describe startup companies with values exceeding $1 billion.
Dubbed the “Venice of China,” Suzhou is a fast-growing, beautiful city of canals, stone bridges, pagodas, and 6th century BC classical gardens designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s been ranked 11 times as “the most attractive China city viewed by foreign experts” and three times in a row as “China’s best city to attract talent.” Located in east China’s Jiangsu province and not far from Shanghai, Suzhou is major economic center and focal point of trade and commerce.
We thank our “star” Jeff Wu for representing CBSI so well and highlighting our work.
