Dear VDMA member,

How can multinational companies turn AI ambition into operational results in China?

Join us for an online event introducing the new China AI Adoption Playbook, developed by VDMA China in cooperation with MING Labs and Asia Growth Partners. As domestic Chinese companies deploy AI at scale, the question for MNCs is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how to implement it with the speed and precision needed to remain competitive.

Background

The China AI Adoption Playbook is a joint initiative of VDMA China, MING Labs and Asia Growth Partners. It is written as an execution guide for multinationals in China, where local competitors are already scaling 50–100+ AI use cases while many MNCs are still in pilot review. Chapter 1 sets out the overall framework: three bottlenecks that typically stall AI programs (governance and risk clarity, value proof and funding, a China-ready AI platform) and three enablers that turn pilots into scaled results (adoption and performance management, capability and talent, a local-fit ecosystem). Each follow-up chapter covers one of these six elements in depth. The chapters draw on hands-on advisory work with multinational and Chinese companies, structured interviews with China-based and HQ decision-makers, and published evidence such as the World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network. The first two chapters are now finalized and will be introduced in online sessions on November 30 and December 10, with further chapters to follow in the following months.

The session will explore practical steps to move beyond extended approval cycles and isolated pilots, including how to:

• Establish clear decision rights and address governance bottlenecks
• Integrate AI into daily workflows within China's digital ecosystem
• Measure business outcomes and demonstrate financial value

We will also hear from Voith, which will share its experience with AI, introduce its initiatives and discuss lessons learned along the way.

Event details

• Date: November 30, 2026
• Time: 16:00 – 17:30 (China time) / 9:00 – 10:30 (German time)
• Format: Online via MS Teams

Agenda

• Welcome by VDMA China
• "China AI Adoption Playbook, Chapter 1: AI Adoption Bottlenecks & Enablers" – Sebastian Müller, Founding Partner, AI Transformation and Ventures, MING Labs, Singapore
• "AI - From Insights to Business Impact – Voith Paper Approach" – Shankar Das, Director -Automation and PM4.0, Voith Paper (China) Co. Ltd.
• Q&A: exchange of perspectives and discussion of implementation challenges

We look forward to welcoming you to a practical discussion on turning AI into a driver of sustained competitiveness in China.

Best regards,