Exploring Sustainable Transformation: A Seminar Journey with Xuelai Yuan

How would you describe your overall experience during the International Seminar in Brussels and Amsterdam?

The seminar was truly inspiring and eye-opening. It allowed me to move beyond abstract ideas of sustainability and gain a clear, practical understanding of where we currently stand and what concrete actions can be taken. Engaging with leading organizations and experts helped me see a clear vision - and a realistic path - towards a more sustainable future.

What were the key themes or takeaways from the seminar, and which companies stood out in terms of sustainable transformation?

Three key takeaways stood out during the seminar. First, renewable fuels are not only a solution for sustainability but also part of a growing market, supported by certification systems, regulations, and trading mechanisms. Second, the green energy transition is highly complex, requiring collaboration between technology, policy, and supply chains - while challenges like raw material sustainability and certification transparency remain. Finally, there is no universal approach to decarbonizing transport; the process must be gradual, diversified, and adapted to each sector’s unique context.

Throughout the seminar, we visited organizations that embodied these themes in different ways:

• European Commission – Driving regulatory change and providing a clear energy transition roadmap.
• MOBI – Innovating in electric mobility and battery technology.
• SHIPIT – Developing smarter, multimodal logistics solutions.
• Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking – Advancing R&D to decarbonize air travel.
• Schneider Electric – Integrating digital solutions for energy efficiency in operations.
• SKYNRG – Scaling sustainable aviation fuels.
• ACT Group – Leading market-based climate initiatives through carbon and e-credit trading.
• Smart Freight Centre – Promoting systemic solutions for maritime decarbonization and ship recycling.

Can you share an inspiring sustainability initiative and how the seminar shaped your perspective on business transformation and leadership?

The ACT Group’s e-credit mechanism stands out as an inspiring example of how market-based solutions can generate both environmental and financial benefits. The seminar also highlighted that sustainability goes beyond a mere goal, becoming a mindset that should inform every business decision. It revealed that business transformation is a complex process demanding systems thinking, collaboration, and active stakeholder engagement. Sustainable leadership, therefore, is less about having all the answers and more about embracing uncertainty, fostering cooperation, and adapting continuously. Transparency and cross-sector partnerships emerge as crucial elements for driving meaningful and lasting change.

What lessons from the seminar will you apply in your future career, and how did networking and interactions enhance your experience?

One important lesson I’m taking away is that sustainability and profitability really can go hand in hand. I saw that many companies use sustainability as a real competitive advantage. Plus, the networking opportunities made these ideas feel concrete - talking with professionals and fellow students gave me fresh perspectives and even helped me build connections for future collaborations or internships.

If you had to summarize the seminar in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

I would describe it as “a beginning.” We are only at the start of many sustainable innovations - such as large-scale bio-LNG deployment - and in many regions, sustainability is still an emerging market. This seminar showed me that we are entering the early stages of a transformation that will shape the future.