Starting at Barco was like stepping into a new world. Coming from a different industry, the year-long intensive training at our headquarters in Belgium was crucial. It was a transformative period that prepared me for the challenges ahead. When I returned to China, my first responsible major project was the World Expo in Shanghai in 2010. We developed a total solution for the Taiwan Pavilion, involving a massive dome with intricate projections.
The complexity was daunting, but through teamwork and innovation, we achieved a stunning success.It was then I realized the true power of collaboration and courage.
Technology has evolved tremendously over the years. "When I started, the concept of a network-distributed system was non-existent. Barco was pioneering this technology, which was difficult to introduce and educate the market about. Over the years, we have been at the forefront of many technological advancements, such as OpSpace, UniSee LED, and RGB laser cubes. These innovations have kept me excited and motivated throughout my career."
Alan Zhao trying Belgian beers, 2014
One of the highlights of my career was the Tianfu Airport project. "This was the largest OpSpace project in China and one of the top five airport total solutions in the country. The project began in 2020 and was incredibly complex, covering various control centers within the airport. We faced considerable risks as our system was not initially designed for such a large scale. However, with support from our headquarters and a dedicated team, we managed to deliver a reliable and sustainable solution. Seeing the end-users proudly showcase their system makes me feel immensely proud of what we achieved together."
My advice to newcomers in this industry is to see more, listen more, and talk more. "Understand your customers' scenarios and rely on your colleagues for joint efforts. What has kept me at Barco all these years is the continuous innovation and the supportive, collaborative environment. Barco is always at the cutting edge of technology, and the opportunities for growth and learning here are endless."
Working at Barco, I’ve learned the value of maintaining a good mindset. "One of my most significant lessons came from Dr. Xu, the director of COMAC, a leading Chinese company in designing and manufacturing civil airplanes. In 2013, Barco helped them build the advanced Holospace system for aircraft simulation. Our collaboration underscored the importance of being professional and customer-oriented. By fully understanding our customers’ needs and providing innovative solutions, we can build lasting relationships and achieve remarkable success."
As Barco celebrates 90 years, Alan Zhao’s journey exemplifies the innovation, teamwork, and customer orientation that drive the company forward.