The recent visit of the IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, to China opened a new window of understanding into the corporate culture of three of the country’s most influential Worldwide Olympic Partners: Alibaba, Mengniu, and TCL. Beyond learning about their operations, the Olympic leader sought to connect with the people, stories, and values that sustain these organizations—a conviction she reaffirmed after touring their headquarters alongside IOC Members in China, Lingwei Li and Hong Zhang. In every meeting, a common thread emerged: the importance of teamwork, corporate identity, and social contribution.
Following these visits, President Coventry highlighted how the values driving these companies align directly with those of the Olympic Movement. Inspiring greatness, working in community, and daring to innovate were recurring themes in each meeting, shaping a landscape where technology, sustainability, and human commitment converge naturally. This experience also provided valuable input for the global process “Ready for the Future,” which the IOC is developing alongside its main stakeholders.
TCL: technology for a new Olympic experience
The first stop in Shenzhen revealed the innovative ambition of TCL, where the IOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand technological collaboration over the next seven years. At this headquarters, President Coventry toured laboratories, spoke with development teams, and witnessed the company’s vision: bringing athletes and fans closer to more connected and deeply human experiences through advanced audio, display, and artificial intelligence tools. The signing of the agreement not only formalizes a strategic partnership but also strengthens a shared commitment to a sporting future that is more immersive and sustainable.
For Milano Cortina 2026, TCL will deploy innovations that include next-generation audiovisual systems, air conditioning for the Olympic Village, and technology enabling athletes to communicate instantly with their loved ones. President Coventry highlighted the social dimension of this work, describing TCL as a company that not only seeks global expansion but also aims to improve people’s quality of life through its products. Across its facilities, she observed a culture focused on positive impact, driven by teams that integrate technology with purpose.
Mengniu and Alibaba: sustainability, innovation and human connection
In Hohhot, the visit to Mengniu revealed a different perspective, deeply tied to sustainability and community development. The president toured modern production plants alongside CEO Gao Fei, tasted dairy products, and listened to how the company has managed to combine nutrition, innovation, and environmental restoration. Mengniu’s flagship initiative — the ecological restoration of the Ulan Buh Desert — opened a dialogue on long-term corporate responsibility, regeneration efforts, and commitment to the Olympic Winter Games 2026. This exchange inspired explicit recognition from Coventry for the company’s strong dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting the environment.
The final stage in Hangzhou allowed Coventry to immerse herself in the history of Alibaba and its decisive impact on the Olympic Movement’s digital era. Alongside Eddie Wu and his team, she explored how cloud computing, e-commerce, and AI have transformed everything from live broadcasting to the fan experience. With more than 15 planned technological applications for the 2026 Games, Alibaba continues to drive solutions that connect, simplify, and amplify sporting moments. These advancements — from OBS Cloud to AI-powered pin-trading centers — reflect the company’s desire to imagine a future where technology does not replace but enhances the human emotions that make the Olympic Games unique.
