Hainan Academic & Business Expedition

Overview

Craft Associates helped organize a multidisciplinary learning expedition to Hainan, bringing together 15 Thunderbird alumni from across China for an experience combining university engagement, business leadership, entrepreneurship, and emerging industry exploration.

The program connected Thunderbird alumni with the Hainan University–Arizona State University International College (HAIC), local businesses, and Hainan’s evolving Free Trade Port economy.

The Experience

The delegation visited HAIC for academic exchanges with university leadership, faculty, and students. Alumni engaged with the college’s Thunderbird-affiliated programs, participated in student roundtable discussions, and shared professional experience and career advice with the next generation of global business leaders.

The academic program included a session led by Professor Lena Booth on mergers and acquisitions, bringing management concepts into discussions of real-world business strategy.

Beyond the university, the delegation visited the Wenchang commercial space launch facilities and related exhibition venues, with insights from Thunderbird alumnus David Peng on the emerging space economy.

The program also featured an entrepreneurial visit to gNPearl, led by Thunderbird alumnus Zhou Shuo ’15, offering perspectives on family enterprise development, business succession, and entrepreneurship.

A discussion with Hainan economic development representatives provided additional insights into the province’s Free Trade Port policies, industrial priorities, and investment environment.

Craft Associates’ Contribution

Craft Associates supported the planning and coordination of the program, connecting academic institutions, alumni-led enterprises, industry experts, and regional economic stakeholders.

By integrating academic engagement with firsthand industry exploration, the expedition created opportunities for peer learning, student mentorship, and cross-generational alumni collaboration.