The Southeast Asia module of the "Leading the Future: SAIF CEO Program" recently concluded a successful study visit. Centered on "Navigating Southeast Asia's Momentum," the program fostered in-depth exchanges on wealth management, industrial policy, and localized innovation in Singapore and Indonesia, empowering participants to actively shape future trends.
Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received the SAIF delegation led by Executive Dean Shijun Cheng, emphasizing the importance of deepening China-Indonesia cooperation. He expressed the Indonesian government's support for Chinese investment and specifically noted Indonesia's welcome for Chinese enterprises to participate in key local industries and jointly elevate bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
A high-level investment seminar, supported by Indonesian ministries—the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources—as well as the sovereign fund Danantara, served as a direct dialogue platform. Senior officials including Rosan Roeslani (Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry), Nurul Ichwan (Vice Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry), Hendra Iswahyudi (Director of New and Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources), and Cahyo Purnomo (Promotion Director of Investment and Downstream Industry) held in-depth discussions with SAIF CEO Program participants on Indonesian policies, the business environment, and key sector opportunities.
Irene, Member of the Indonesian Government Think Tank and Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia to China, shared her insights on China-Indonesia cooperation prospects, highlighting the strategic significance and vast potential of bilateral relations under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Prominent figures from Indonesia's economic sphere, including Pandu Sjahrir (Chief Investment Officer of Danantara), Stefanus Ade Hadiwidjaja (Managing Director of Investment of Danantara), and Adi Harsono (Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee, Indonesian Entrepreneurs Association), shared their perspectives on Indonesia's economic ecosystem and cooperation potential with Chinese entrepreneurs, fostering consensus and identifying investment opportunities through pragmatic exchanges.
Professor Zhan Jiang, Term Professor and Executive Director at SAIF, facilitated dynamic discussions with Indonesian guests. Hongwei Li, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, encouraged enterprises to actively explore opportunities in areas such as new energy and downstream industries.
SAIF Executive Dean Shijun Cheng stated that the visit marked a significant step in deepening nongovernmental economic engagement. He emphasized that for Chinese businesses to succeed in complex markets like Indonesia, beyond courage and acumen, a deep understanding of local policy, culture, and integration models is essential. SAIF, he noted, is committed to serving as a "think tank and strategic bridge" in this process.
The program featured a closed-door dialogue with leading Indonesian Chinese business figures, including Rongnian Huang, Executive Vice Chairman of Sinar Mas Group, and Fengsheng Lin, President of the Salim Group. They shared invaluable insights on managing global operations within Indonesia's unique business environment and executing long-term, cross-cycle strategies.
Beyond overseas exposure, the SAIF CEO Program emphasized peer interaction and localized business practices. Entrepreneurs and SAIF alumni with deep experience in Indonesia shared their practical pathways. Jiacheng Wang, CEO of Aice Group, discussed how cultural integration and product innovation led to market leadership. Wensheng Tang, General Manager of SGMW Indonesia, explained how to build a global supply chain through localized production with a global vision. Yongping Pan, Chief Commercial Officer of Etana Biotechnologies and Legend Capital representative, explored how Chinese capital facilitates the localization of Indonesia's pharmaceutical industry. Bin Liu, CEO of Makuku, addressed building long-term local brand value, and Fei Qi, Executive Director of Legend Capital, discussed the role of Chinese capital in the upgrading of Indonesia's pharmaceutical industry.
In a keynote speech on "Technology Innovation for Good," noted Indonesian entrepreneur Ridzki Kramadibrata, former President of Grab Indonesia, drew on his extensive career in telecommunications, aviation, and technology to articulate the mission-driven value of innovation.
Jianbo Song, Chairman of Nanshan Group and participant in the SAIF CEO Program Hong Kong Cohort 9, delivered a speech themed on "Practices for Enterprise Localization in Indonesia," analyzing the policy environment, cultural characteristics, and business opportunities based on Nanshan Group's experience. Quan Ren, Founder of STAR VC and SAIF CEO Program alumnus, used the success of K22 as a case study in building a high-potential consumer brand.
In Jakarta, participants joined a specially curated philanthropic activity. Over thirty Chinese entrepreneurs visited Menteng First Public Elementary School, engaging with local teachers and students and fostering cross-cultural exchange.
Through this Indonesia module, SAIF reaffirms its commitment to cultivating business leaders with a global perspective. The "Leading the Future: SAIF CEO Program" serves as a key platform in SAIF's strategy to support Chinese entrepreneurs in their transition to becoming global players, enabling strategic value creation in an interconnected world.
