21st century China: a changing global role

China Open Quest19 – 23 October 2020

What is a Quest? A Quest offers a mix of memorable, on-the-ground activities and meetings with exceptional leaders. People who are tackling some of the toughest problems facing the world today.

We visit social enterprises, global brand names, entrepreneurs, revolutionary start-ups and buzzing communities.

We combine these visits with daily reflection sessions, to dig deep into our roles and opportunities as individuals. What’s our capacity to transform ourselves? How do the choices we make influence our physical, emotional and spiritual growth?

Out of these shared reflections come insights about our place in the world –and what we can achieve in it.

A Quest delivers an exhilarating life experience. It prompts energising - and sometimes challenging – questions, in a spirit that is open, trusting and supportive.

Why join? We know that studying global complexity isn’t enough. We need to really experience it, with our intellect and our emotion. To learn something we can’t unlearn.

A Quest stimulates all the senses. It’s a powerful way to understand the different roles we play in our lives, broaden perspectives and grasp how the world is changing.

We explore different viewpoints through memorable experiences and frank conversations. We reflect on our capacity to transform ourselves and enhance our impact – as individuals and collectively.

Participants come from all levels of all sectors – multinational firms, NGOs, tech accelerators, investors and grassroots organisers, government, the arts and academia. Each of them is looking to enhance their ability to show up at their best – at home, at work and in their communities.

Why China?China’s scale and pace of change have transformed the lives of 1.4 billion citizens and reshaped the world.

It’s a powerhouse of AI, new modes of mobility, revolutionary payment technology and sustainable urbanisation – all underpinned by cultural connections to China’s rich, spiritual past. There’s also growing nationalism, high-tech surveillance and ever-present state oversight.

Today, with tariff wars, environmental uncertainty, and China’s phenomenal tech advances, our preconceptions about the global order are changing. What does this mean for China and its relationships with neighbours, partners, allies and rivals – and with its own citizens and the Chinese diaspora?

Join us to learn more about the changes underway in China, as we explore its full entrepreneurial, social, cultural and political ecosystem. From start-ups to SOEs, government offices to NGOs, dynamic smart cities to exquisite gardens and temples.

The ‘garden city’ of Chengdu, bordering Tibet autonomous region and Pakistan, is a key corridor in China’s Belt & Road Initiative. Its push for urban renewal has come at the cost of mass relocations, yet it’s famous for a laid-back lifestyle and a well-educated labour force. Chengdu offers teahouses and temples and, of course the renowned panda research centre. With deep historical roots, it’s also home to well-established civic society organisations – and it’s China’s fashion city!

Shenzhen – just north of Hong Kong, is considered the Silicon Valley of China’s O2O development. A model ‘sustainable eco-city’, its organic growth makes it one of the former trading towns which are now thriving business hubs. Today, Shenzhen is a dynamic accelerator for China’s high-tech ambitions. It’s also home to spectacular modern architecture, and has evolved into a go-to destination for Chinese artists and designers.

Together, Chengdu and Shenzhen are a microcosm of China’s development – one at the forefront of 21st century disruption, the other catching up fast.

Why Chengdu and Shenzhen?

China in the world. As the second biggest economy, how is China shaping geopolitical strategy? How is it influencing the future of business, money, governments and social movements?

Rapid growth. Which of China’s industries will lead the world and why? The impact of urbanisation as it turns China into a nation of suburbs. Is it sustainable? How will livelihoods be impacted?

Tech powerhouse. Clean energy, Blockchain, robotics, Big Data, biotech, insurtech and fintech – the cashless society. AI and the ethical implications for privacy, individuality and the role of the state.

Environmental sustainability. China is struggling to balance high-speed economic development with the environmental spoliation it has unleashed. Yet the nation has taken the lead on global environmental issues at a critical time for the planet…

Culture of contrasts. Exploring the diversity, and tensions, of life in China. From the price of prosperity to spirituality and even cuisine.

Themes

What our participants say

“A Quest gives you the confidence to really push the boundaries of comfort, how you

think about yourself, your role in the world and what it takes to achieve the things you

want to achieve.”

“Leaders’ Quest paved the way for an opportunity to listen deeply to one

another, and to reflect on who we are and our personal contribution to positive

change in the world.”

“The Quest has impacted every part of who I am cognitively, emotionally and

spiritually.”

“One of the best investments in self-development of my life.”

“The Quest was one of the most intensely instructive weeks I have spent on the planet.

The reach and access were truly exceptional… and the experiences will resonate for the rest

of my life.”

“I learned more about leadership, and about compassion, and about

compassionate leadership, than I ever thought possible in a week.”

“I gained an understanding of leadership in life as opposed to just in

business. I came to the realisation that I am only applying a small capacity of my energy and influence as a leader.”

“How has the Quest affected me? One thing is a determination to internalise the

‘Quest spirit’ of open enquiry, respectful listening, friendship and invitation to

engage.”

“I cannot recall a situation or time when I have learned so much, and enhanced my

intuition even more so, over a period of just one week.”

PracticalitiesTimingsThe programme starts at noon on Monday 19 October and ends at 5 pm on Friday 23 October 2020.

LocationsWe’ll be based in Shenzhen and Chengdu.

Programme cost £7,000 GBP / $9,000 USD per participant. All inclusive, except for flights and airport transfers.

We offer some subsidised and scholarship places for leaders of non-profits. Please let us know if this is of interest to you.

To find out more about joining our China Open Quest, please contact alisha.dias@leadersquest.org.

How many people will be on the Quest?People join by invitation only, and we generally limit group size to around 20.

Can I attend part of the programme only?As this is an integrated programme (and our hosts will have prepared thoroughly to meet us) participants need to attend the full Quest schedule. However, there will be breaks during each day to allow for catch up on e-mails etc.

What are the hotel, meal and ground transport arrangements?We’ll stay in comfortable, well-equipped hotels and eat in local restaurants, sometimes joined by guests. Transport will be by minibus.

Who are Leaders’ Quest?Leaders’ Quest (www.leadersquest.org) is a social enterprise with 17 years’ experience creating immersive programmes to help leaders explore critical global issues. Since 2001 we have delivered more than 300 experiential Quests in 24 countries, including more than 45 programmes in 10 cities across China. We have worked with many global companies, as well as academic, governmental and non-profit institutions.

FAQs