The 2025 Enterprise Management Annual Conference is held at the National School of Development of Peking University in Beijing on Feb. 23, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Entrepreneurs and scholars gathered at the 2025 Enterprise Management Annual Conference in Beijing on Feb. 23 to explore how AI innovations, such as DeepSeek and Unitree Technology's humanoid robots, are reshaping industries, the workforce and society.

The conference was co-organized by Enterprise Management magazine, Entrepreneur magazine, and the National School of Development of Peking University.

During the keynote speech session, Yu Yong, chairman of Hebei Iron and Steel Group Co., Ltd. (HBIS), highlighted DeepSeek's groundbreaking role in demonstrating China's growing strength in AI, elevating the global AI conversation to new heights.

“AI has ushered in a new technological revolution,” he said. “It has far-reaching implications, especially for manufacturing industries.”

Yu noted that AI is changing how productivity is generated, emphasizing computational power and data over traditional capital and labor. This fundamental shift is reshaping business management models, replacing hierarchical, assembly-line practices with flat, borderless organizations. AI-driven technologies are making it possible to optimize processes in ways previously unimaginable, both improving efficiency and reimagining how value is created.

"AI will liberate workers from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-level work," Yu said. "Human workers will transition into roles such as AI managers and strategists, similar to what we've done in our corporation."

Over the past two years, HBIS has restructured its business units to integrate AI, ensuring a smooth transition as AI becomes more integral to operations, Yu said.

Humanoid robots were a key topic in a subsequent roundtable discussion. Zhang Rui, chairman of Beijing Ironman Technology Co. Ltd., discussed the company's pioneering work in bipedal robots, which began with its founding in 2015 as China's first company to focus on this field.

Zhang emphasized the importance of tailoring the use of humanoid robots to industry needs. "A humanoid robot is not always the best solution for every scenario," he said. "It is important to match the robot's capabilities with the specific demands of the industry."

Zhang Yueqiang, vice president of Yonyou Network Co., Ltd., discussed how AI is already transforming professions. "AI has the potential to replace many jobs in fields such as basic translation, writing and even data analysis," he said. "By 2030, we will see disruptive changes in the workplace, with nearly half of existing skills becoming obsolete." The key to staying relevant, Zhang stressed, is to focus on creativity, critical thinking and adaptability — skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

The discussion also highlighted AI's growing role in public services. Tian Qunxi, chief innovation officer of Seeyon Internet Software Corp., noted that the government is among AI's largest beneficiaries due to its extensive databases. Tian emphasized that AI will profoundly impact public services, such as administrative processes, by improving efficiency and accuracy in ways previously unseen.

The 2025 Enterprise Management Annual Conference provided a platform for deep insights into the ongoing AI revolution. From manufacturing to public services, AI is transforming industries at an accelerating pace. As a transformative force, AI is reshaping how we work, live and interact with the world. The challenge, experts agree, is to not only embrace AI but also prepare for the profound changes it will bring.