Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
By Daniela Sena
Last Saturday, Xiaoshan district in Hangzhou--one of China’s leading innovation hubs--hosted a transformative event inspired by the World Economic Forum 2025 insights on the Future of Jobs. As the organizer, I had the privilege of leading this event, which focused on innovation, digital-era skills, and the growing influence of live commerce.
One of the core motivations behind organizing this event was to highlight the empowerment of women in the digital economy. As the founder of SheUp, a global platform that supports women entrepreneurs, I aimed to create a space for women to exchange knowledge, inspire one another, and explore how best to prepare for the evolving world of work.
Our speakers brought invaluable insights:Bel Pesce, a renowned entrepreneur and innovator, is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and CEO of FazINOVA, a platform dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Her powerful message on the opportunities brought by artificial intelligence (AI) emphasized that future success depends on adaptability and lifelong learning.
Eve Kaskel, from Trend Base,shared her expertise in digital marketing and live commerce. She discussed how platforms like TikTok are transforming business models and offered practical strategies for entrepreneurs to leverage digital tools.
Dr. Jia Jia Lim, assistant professor at Zhejiang University, offered a compelling perspective on AI’s impact on the job market. She introduced her “Happiness Formula”: Happiness=(Adaptability2)×Sense of Purpose, encouraging a rethinking of education that balances technological advancement with human development.
Yu Shu, Regional Party Secretary and Deputy Director of Jiangnan Innovation Polis, spoke about Xiaoshan as a national hub for innovation and entrepreneurship,highlighting the region’s industrial advantages, government support, and world-class infrastructure.
This event is just the beginning. In the months ahead, we are planning more in-person and virtual events to sustain this vital conversation about the future of work.