Quotable quotes from the 2018 Boao Forum

Dong Mingzhu, chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances

Automation does not mean fewer job opportunities for employees, and companies should not simply lay off workers, Dong said.

"Instead, the trend reflects a new pattern in cultivating manufacturing talent. In the past, we needed technical workers who excelled in fastening screws. But now we desire quicker learners," Dong said.

"We should not be scared of a smarter era. We should be proud of it and step up efforts to nurture talent that can control machines," she added.