Ever since its inception, the Alibaba Netpreneur Training Program stands as a transformative learning experience for entrepreneurs shaping the future of the global digital economy. The unprecedented challenges posed by the global COVID pandemic forced The Alibaba Netpreneur Training Program to reimagine its model of in-person visits, leveraging digital solutions to replicate an offline program in virtual spaces, to continue to train entrepreneurs worldwide.

As China reopened its borders in 2023, these entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to bridge their online learning with firsthand experiences. This opportunity materialized as two groups of entrepreneur trainees embarked on a journey to Hangzhou, China, as part of the Alibaba Netpreneur Training Program, taking part in a hands-on training program that complemented their digital education. 62 participants from Indonesia, Thailand, Italy, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, and Uganda participated in the trainings.

A highlight of the visit was the excursion to the Bainiu Digital Village. Situated in Hangzhou, Bainiu Village underwent a radical transformation over the past decade, transforming from a traditional rural settlement to a thriving digital village. This visit was seen by many participants as a revelatory experience underscoring the intersection of technology and community development. The participants witnessed how cutting-edge technology could be harnessed to transform rural villages and invigorate local economies. The trip sparked discussions on replicating similar models in other communities, showcasing Bainiu Digital Village as a prime example of how digitalization can foster inclusive development while preserving cultural heritage.

China is a pioneering force in ecommerce technology, continually pushing boundaries of innovation and shaping the future of online commerce. Participants got to experience this firsthand when visiting a live steaming company. They were amazed by how the convergence of live stream sales and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ushered in a groundbreaking transformation in ecommerce.

An essential part of the digital economy in China, live stream sales leverage the immediacy of video content, allowing merchants to showcase products, interact with customers, and answer queries instantly, fostering a sense of trust and authenticity. Concurrently, AI technologies have transformed live stream sales by enhancing user experience and introducing new models for productivity. Participants were especially taken aback when they witnessed an AI-generated live streamer, who looked almost indistinguishable from a real person, and was able to promote a merchant’s product online 24/7.

A visit to a smart warehouse highlighted how smart logistics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics have fundamentally altered the way goods are managed, processed, and delivered. The participants observed how smart logistics, infused with AI and robotics, streamlines supply chain operations, and optimizes warehouse management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment with unprecedented efficiency and accuracy.

The final day of the visit saw a capstone project where the entrepreneurs were divided into teams, followed by a farewell dinner that same evening.

The Alibaba Netpreneur Training Program not only provides practical guidance, it also instils confidence in its participants to make a lasting change in their home countries. An example of this is Eka Lorena Surbakti, a female entrepreneur from Indonesia who drew upon the insights gleaned from the Alibaba Netpreneur Training Program to embark on a mission to empower women in her home country of Indonesia. Following her graduation from the course in 2020, she was motivated to inaugurate her own tech startup, Bawa Indonesia Global; a pioneering venture which aims to bolster local businesses by fostering collaboration. Through her inspirational approach and the application of the Netpreneur Training Program's teachings, she catalyzed a wave of female empowerment, fostering a cohort of enterprising women ready to thrive in today’s digital economy.

Eka conveyed her appreciation by sharing a heartfelt message via social media: "I am grateful for the lessons learned from Alibaba Netpreneur and the friendships formed with its participants. Let's work together to bring Indonesia to the global stage".

Joining Eka in expressing gratitude for the program was Da Sheng, whose profoundly inspiring closing remarks at the graduation ceremony deeply resonated with the audience. His words echoed appreciation for the program's impact: "The world is big, and all the entrepreneurs here are just seeds. I very much hope that you will take what you see, hear, and learn here back to your home country, plant your entrepreneurial seeds and help your home countries to bloom and flourish”.