【编者按】

为深化学生的全球视野与胜任力，促进同学们对“一带一路”倡议沿线国家的发展动态及我国对外战略布局的全面理解，学院开展了“一带一路”海外社会实践。此次实践中，清华－康奈尔双学位金融MBA2024级的戴恺、侯宇田、王俏、伍聪四位同学紧随学院步伐，踏上了一段意义非凡的探索之旅。

通过此次实践，同学们近距离观察“一带一路”沿线国家的经济、社会与文化现状，深入剖析我国在这些地区的外交战略与合作机遇，从而在理论与实践的双重滋养下，进一步拓宽国际视野，增强跨文化交流与合作的能力。

伍 聪（Steve Ng）：清华－康奈尔双学位金融MBA2024级学生，目前在一家家族办公室担任副总裁，专注于一级市场及跨境并购投资。

· A Journey of Discovery: Technology, Culture, and Shared Futures in the Middle East ·

The seven-day trip to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai was an incredible experience. I had the privilege of connecting with leaders from over 15 organizations, from sovereign wealth PIF and Khalifa Fund to global corporations like ICBC, Huawei, and CNPC, and prestigious academic centers including NYU Abu Dhabi and King University. Each meeting was a window into the Middle East’s bold leap toward modernization, a region pulsing with ambition to diversify beyond oil and elevate the lives of its people.

Steve Ng at Qasr Al Watan, the Royal palace in Abu Dhabi

Middle East presents a significant opportunity as the region undergoes transformative changes. Driven by the ambition to modernize and improve the quality of life for their citizens, countries are actively diversifying their economies to reduce dependence on oil and develop sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. These plans seek to foster innovation and sustainability, creating new avenues for collaboration. This economic diversification has opened doors for mutually beneficial partnerships between China and the Middle East, with both regions eager to leverage technology and innovation. This landscape of opportunity has promoted deeper cooperation between Chinese tech companies and the Middle East, fostering a dynamic exchange of expertise and resources.

the PBCSF team in HUAWEI

· Chinese Tech in the Middle East:Huawei and Keeta ·

During our visit to the Saudi offices of Huawei and Meituan, we had the opportunity to learn about their strategies and operational objectives. As Chinese tech companies continue to march along the Digital Silk Road, Huawei and Meituan have emerged as major players demonstrating a strong local presence. What’s truly captivating is how differently they’re carving out their places in the Saudi market.

Four students of FMBA program at Huawei’s Saudi Headquarters

(from left to right: Kai DAI, Yu tian HOU, Qiao WANG, Steve NG)

Huawei, which entered the Saudi market two decades ago, adopted a gradual, bootstrapping strategy, steadily building its reputation through reliability and consistent project execution. Its long-standing presence in Saudi Arabia reflects a deep commitment to the Kingdom's digital transformation. Since establishing its first Middle East representative office in Riyadh in 2002, Huawei has delivered vital ICT infrastructure and smart products. A notable milestone came in 2007 when Huawei introduced cutting-edge optical network equipment to the Saudi National Broadband Project, turbocharging the transmission rate of the country’s network and solidifying its reputation. Today, Huawei plays a key role in cloud services and smart city initiatives, cementing its position as a leader in Saudi Arabia's technological advancement.

Mr. Wu, Deputy GM of Huawei Saudi Arabia, presenting Huawei's 20-year journey in Saudi Arabia

While Huawei took the slow-and-steady route, Meituan (operating overseas as “Keeta”) entered the Saudi market with bold ambition on October 9th, 2024. Backed by an initial investment plan of 1 billion Saudi Riyals (approximately $267 million USD), Keeta adopted an aggressive strategy of substantial subsidies paired with targeted promotional activities. This approach yielded remarkable results: over 500,000 downloads within its first week and a rapid capture of 20% market share. Keeta’s disruptive entry reshaped the competitive landscape of Saudi Arabia’s food delivery market.

Keeta’s Saudi Headquarters

Both companies share a vision for fostering local talent and developing a sustainable digital ecosystem. Keeta has actively invested in workforce training and job creation, contributing to local economic growth. Meanwhile, Huawei plans to train 35,000 digital talents—40% of whom will be female engineers—and has committed $100 million to an innovation fund aimed at supporting local tech startups in fields such as AI and blockchain. Together, these efforts underscore their dedication not only to technological progress but also to empowering local communities and driving long-term development.

· The Abrahamic Family House: A Symbol of Interfaith Harmony ·

Beyond the technological collaboration between two regions, the trip gave me a chance to experience the region’s rich cultural heritage. It broke the stereotype of the Middle East being only about modern skyscrapers and oil wealth. One of the most inspiring moments was my visit to the Abrahamic Family House, a breathtaking sanctuary where a mosque, a church, and a synagogue stand as equal, sharing scared ground. This architectural marvel serves not just as a place of worship, but as a living symbol of interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Walking through these sacred spaces, I was struck by how this vision of unity resonates deeply with Asian philosophical traditions. The ancient Chinese wisdom "以和为贵" (peace is most precious) seemed to come alive in these halls, where different faiths coexist in respectful harmony. The building is an active celebration of our diverse spiritual paths and a powerful reminder that our differences can enrich rather than divide us. Here, in the heart of the UAE, I found a compelling model for how humanity might forge a more harmonious future together.

Pictures of the Abrahamic Family House taken by Steve Ng

文字 | 伍聪

编辑 | 包欢欢

责编| 高岚

审核 | 魏晨阳