On Saturday, January 19, 2024, the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center had the distinct honor of hosting Professor Xu Kaihua and his esteemed delegation in Bali. A professor at Central China University and a Tsinghua Eco-Explorer Fellow, Professor Xu is also the visionary chairman and founder of GEM, a leading force in sustainable industry and one of the largest Chinese investors in Indonesia. With a core mission centered on recycling, e-waste processing, and battery material manufacturing—embodied in its “G-Green, E-Eco, M-Manufacturing” philosophy—GEM stands among China’s top five environmental enterprises. Accompanying Professor Xu were 21 distinguished guests, including the Associate Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University, as well as several fellow Tsinghua Eco-Explorers.
The visit was marked by a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas, with discussions revolving around sustainability, well-being, and the future of Bali within the broader framework of environmental stewardship and economic development. The delegation explored the pioneering initiatives at the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center, engaging in meaningful dialogue on how innovation and ecological responsibility can shape the trajectory of the region. Topics ranged from Bali’s commitment to green development to the potential synergies between Indonesia and China in fostering a sustainable, circular economy. Against this backdrop, the gathering served as a catalyst for deeper collaborations, reflecting a shared vision for a greener, more resilient future.
The morning concluded with an immersive tour of Kura Kura Island, a site of strategic significance designated by the Indonesian government as a Special Economic Zone for tourism and creative industries. As the delegation explored the island’s evolving landscape, they witnessed firsthand the intersection of environmental consciousness and economic opportunity. The visit underscored the immense potential for Bali to emerge as a model of sustainable development, bolstered by international partnerships and forward-thinking investments. As the delegation departed, the exchange left an enduring impact, reinforcing the urgency of global cooperation in the pursuit of environmental sustainability and economic innovation.