On the evening of October 18th, Clas Neumann, Global Senior Vice President of SAP, Head of SAP Labs Network, and Adjunct Professor of Tongji University, was invited by the School of Economics and Management of Tongji University to attend Tongji University Advanced Lecture Hall. Clas delivered an excellent lecture themed “Ride the Wave — Be Part of the theChange” via ZOOM online conference platform. Prof. Hongwei Wang, the Vice Dean of School of Economics and Management of Tongji University, chaired the event. The lecture delivered in English attracted nearly 700 students to meet online and caused heated discussion among students.

Prof. Hongwei Wang, the Vice Dean of TJSEM chaired the event.

Clas Neumann, Global Senior Vice President of SAP, Head of SAP Labs Network, and adjunct professor at Tongji University. As Head of SAP Labs Network, Mr. Neumann is responsible for growing SAP’s business in the fast-growing markets using investment and cross-organizational strategies. Under Mr. Neumann’s leadership, SAP Labs Network has grown significantly. Mr. Neumann has 25 years of experience with SAP and over 18 years in China and India as a member of SAP’s senior executive team.

The global pandemic has brought about significant changes in the world, while we are bound to face some new trends, challenges and opportunities, with Generation Z becoming the new driving force of development; what is their unique time brand mark? What is the response to the growing global problem of aging? How can the world develop further under the new multipolar situation with increasing regional tensions? How do we face the difficulties of transportation, education, and crime brought about by the increasing level of global urbanization? How can we leave a green planet for the next generation and accelerate sustainable development for humanity in the face of the growing global climate crisis and heat waves sweeping across the world? Clas believes that each of these challenges requires a sustained and concerted effort by all mankind, but there is no doubt that the accelerated progress of science and technology will help us to cope with the crisis.

This lecture provided a fascinating explanation of the significant trends of the times and the changes brought about by technology. Online education is flexible, convenient and resourceful; combined with AI, VR, AR and other technologies, it can help solve education problems to a considerable extent. Early cancer screening and wearable devices can greatly improve the life quality of of the aging population. And smart city solutions, combined with blockchain technology, can help humans keep a finger on the pulse of the city and mitigate the risks associated with urbanization. Fun-filled digital applications like Alipay Ant Forest can help scale up climate action. Recycling of resources can promote sustainability and make the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry sustainable from another perspective.

The lecture lasted for nearly 3 hours. Dozens of students actively asked questions in the interactive session. Clas impressed every audience with his rigorous and innovative way of thinking. He not only led the students to sort out the major trends of The Times and the changes brought by technology, but also gave them the wisdom of SAP, an enterprise with social responsibility.