Tech Suzhou Advocates launches to boost aerospace sector
Global Tech Advocates (GTA) has announced the formation of its 39th group, Tech Suzhou Advocates (TSA). This new group is the sixth launched in China by the grassroots tech community.
The announcement took place at the Dassault Systèmes (Taicang) Aviation Intelligent Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Suzhou. The launch coincided with the introduction of the Tech China Advocates Aerospace Working Group, which is set to focus on the aerospace sector within the country.
John Zai has been appointed to lead TSA. He also heads Tech Shanghai Advocates and Tech Hong Kong Advocates. As the Founder and CEO of CENTI Group, Zai connects startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) from China and Europe. His efforts were recognised by the UK Business Angels Association in 2015, when he was named one of the UK’s top five Asian Investors.
TSA is part of the larger Tech China Advocates group. Suzhou is recognised as one of China's most technologically advanced cities, ranking sixth in GDP among Chinese cities. The city hosts numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Suzhou Maxwell Technologies. Suzhou has attracted investment from 175 Fortune 500 companies across 486 projects.
Utilising CENTI's extensive network, Tech China Advocates plans to launch an Aviation Intelligent Working Group in collaboration with Dassault Systèmes. The aim is to build on the foundations set by the Dassault Systèmes Intelligent Manufacturing Innovation Centre and to foster enhanced communication within this critical sector.
Russ Shaw CBE, Founder of Global Tech Advocates, commented: "Suzhou is another fantastic example of the depth of tech talent that exists across China - there’s a good reason GTA now has six groups here. With its expertise in the aerospace sector also inspiring the co-launch of a new Tech China Advocates Aerospace working group, Tech Suzhou Advocates will continue Global Tech Advocates' mission to construct stronger long-term relations within the global tech sector."
John Zai, the newly appointed lead of Tech Suzhou Advocates, said: "The addition of Tech Suzhou Advocates to the wider Tech China Advocates ecosystem represents another important opportunity to connect the diverse tech ecosystems that exist across China. It is an honour to add Tech Suzhou Advocates to our network, and I look forward to working with the group to continue strengthening our international connections."
Global Tech Advocates, founded by Russ Shaw, champions tech ecosystems and campaigns to address the challenges facing tech companies. Through a collection of networks in multiple cities, each with its own working groups dedicated to specific initiatives and verticals, Global Tech Advocates inspires tech leaders to volunteer their time to support each other, make connections and campaign for change.
