Asia Society China Forum at the Beijing Olympics
August 2008

The Asia Society China Forum at the Beijing Olympics is designed to provide participants with unique and invaluable insights on China's rapid development from leading business and policy experts. Topics will span not only key developments in China's corporate landscape, but will also provide essential historical, cultural and political insights to navigate the challenges and opportunities for successful business development in China.

Beijing, Jan. 22, 2008: Vietnam's Anh Tuan Hoang competes in the 2008 Weightlifting International Invitational Tournament, one of the "Good Luck Beijing" events being held to test Olympic venues ahead of this summer's Games. (Feng Li/Getty Images)

DISCUSSION TOPICS

PART I: UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES

Memoirs of a Middle Kingdom: Historical and Cultural Lessons Every American Needs to Know to Succeed in China
One of the world's oldest and most remarkable civilizations, China's historical and cultural legacy frames how many Chinese understand their country's place in the world today. From major business transactions and international diplomacy to decisions consumers make about which products they buy, this common heritage shapes thoughts and actions of many Chinese. This session provides an introductory primer on key themes in understanding how China's past continues to hold a powerful influence over its present and future. (Recommended reading lists for all sessions will be provided to participants prior to the seminar.)

China's Rise and the Global Economy
By 2050, China is projected to surpass Germany, Japan, and the US to become the world's largest economy. What will China's growing economy mean for the global marketplace? Will China's path to economic dominance be smooth, or are there foreseeable bumps on the road to growth? How will China's economic growth impact the region, including its neighbors in East Asia and Southeast Asia? How might the concurrent rapid growth of India affect China? This session will provide answers to the critical issues to watch, and possible scenarios for how China's growth will impact the global economy.

The Future of US-China Relations
The relationship between the US and China has broad implications for global peace, security, and prosperity in the 21st century. What are the prospects for getting it right? How might the rise of India and other global powers play a role in this developing relationship? This session will focus on the current status of US-China relations, and will explore several scenarios to better understand the key drivers influencing the direction of this critical relationship in coming years.

PART II: NAVIGATING CHINA'S NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Passing the Torch: What the Beijing Olympics Really Mean for China
On July 13, 2001, the announcement that Beijing would host the 2008 Summer Olympics was greeted with an outpouring of public joy throughout China. What has the selection of Beijing to host the Games really meant to the Chinese? And how has China capitalized in using the Olympics as a public stage for the country's future? This session will draw on experts who will shed light on the deeper significance on China's Olympic dreams and offer a roadmap to the longer-term impact of the Olympic experience.

Green China: Energy Needs and Environmental Solutions
Fulfilling China's growing energy needs is already having an impact on the environment and air quality in its cities. Can innovative environmental solutions provide a green alternative? What can Beijing's efforts to address these challenges teach the world? Session leaders will provide a briefing on the challenges that China faces, and how these hurdles may effect the pace and nature of the development. Participants will also learn about some of the most innovative solutions being proposed by both the public and private sector, and who is most likely to profit from finding the "China price" market solution to meet the country's energy needs.

From Mao to Yao: Sports Marketing as Case Study in China's Changing Consumer Market
With one of the world's fastest growing consumer bases, China is changing the face of the global consumer market. How have Yao Ming, the Olympics, and China's passion for sports led to a boom in the marketing of sports in this fast-growing consumer market? This session provides an insightful case study of the challenges and opportunities that all industries face in tapping into a rapidly transforming consumer market.

China 2.0: The Business of China's Media Revolution
No business sector in China is changing faster than its media and entertainment industry. While unthinkable just a generation ago, China's media have become big business—not only for a growing domestic market, but also globally, as Chinese film, music, and new media become international commodities. What's next on China's media and entertainment horizon? Participants in this session will gain new perspectives on the future of China's media business from discussion leaders who are helping to shape it.

Asia Society will draw on its deep connections in China to provide participants with perspectives from some of the business, policy, and cultural leaders who shaping are China's present and future. A full list of discussion leaders for each session will be provided to confirmed Asia Society China Forum participants.

Click here for detailed information on the China Forum discussion leaders.