Alibaba Study Tour: Proway & Hydrorelax CEO Jonny Shares 26 Years of Export Growth Lessons
- Share
- Issue Time
- Aug 25,2026
Summary
Two days of Alibaba merchant study tour at Proway & Hydrorelax on August 12-13, 2026. CEO Jonny, an Alibaba-contracted lecturer, shared 26 years of export growth, team building, and how the team applies AI Agents across daily trade work.
On August 12-13, 2026, Proway & Hydrorelax hosted a two-day Alibaba merchant study tour. More than 30 Alibaba merchant representatives visited the company each day, over 60 across the two days.
As an Alibaba-contracted lecturer, CEO Jonny shared 26 years of entrepreneurship and company growth experience. He also discussed team building, company growth, and the practical use of AI Agents with export business owners from different industries.
The event gave companies a platform to share experience. It also showed merchants how traditional export businesses can grow through continuous improvement, digital upgrades, and new tools.
Company Tour: How Do Multiple Departments Support Global Business?
Jonny led the merchants through the office area, from the culture wall to the different departments and the product display area, explaining the company history and daily operations.
The company runs several departments, including finance, HR, marketing, sales, and product. Each team has a clear role and they work closely together to support global business. That structure is also the base for the open communication program inside the team.
During the tour, Jonny talked about how the company changed from its early days. He started his business in 2000, officially founded Proway in 2005, and by 2026 continues to expand in global markets. His lesson: a business must keep adapting to change and plan ahead.
Jonny also encouraged merchants to look at more niche markets, and to build brand value with product quality and professional pre-sales, in-sales, and after-sales service instead of competing on price alone. For buyers, this is the same set of capabilities they review when working with Chinese hot tub components suppliers.
26 Years of Entrepreneurship: How Do You Find New Opportunities in Change?
After the tour, Jonny gave a keynote sharing. He reviewed his early exploration, the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis, and the market shifts and growth bottlenecks the company faced at different stages.
Difficulties are part of any business journey, he said. What matters is the ability to adjust direction and find new opportunities in change.
In the exchange session, Jonny also listened to other export business owners. They shared their market pressure, team management issues, and day-to-day operating challenges. These first-hand stories gave every participant something to take away.
AI Agents in Practice: How Can Export Businesses Improve Efficiency?
Jonny shared the team's recent results with AI Agents. B2B trade has long relied on accumulated experience and manual communication, he noted, but as competition grows companies need to take up new tools to improve efficiency.
The Proway & Hydrorelax team has tested AI Agents in market analysis, content creation, customer development, and product management. That path also runs through the team's AI Agent training program and the Made-in-China AI Summit for Global Trade.
With practical cases, the merchants saw more directly how AI helps traditional export businesses improve workflows and efficiency.
Stronger Connections Across Export Businesses: What Did the Tour Leave Behind?
The study tour ended in an active exchange atmosphere. Over the two days, Proway & Hydrorelax built connections with more export companies and shared its hands-on experience in management, branding, and digital innovation. The company was earlier invited by Alibaba to the Building Materials Industry Market Insight Conference and also joined the March New Trade Expo.
Four Takeaways from the Two-Day Sharing
- Keep adapting to change. From starting the business in 2000 and founding Proway in 2005 to global markets in 2026, the lesson is to plan ahead rather than rely on past experience.
- Work the niche instead of the price. Build brand value with product capability and pre-sales, in-sales, and after-sales service.
- Difficulties are part of the journey. Stage-by-stage challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, were handled by adjusting direction.
- Connect AI to real business. The team has tested AI Agents in market analysis, content creation, customer development, and product management.
Looking Ahead
Proway & Hydrorelax will keep watching industry changes, exploring new ways to grow, and creating value with more partners in global markets.
Work With Us
If you are sourcing components for bathtub, spa, or shower room projects, contact us to discuss selection, samples, and bulk supply arrangements.
FAQ
When and where was the Alibaba merchant study tour held?
It ran for two days, on August 12-13, 2026, at the Proway & Hydrorelax company.
How many merchants took part?
More than 30 Alibaba merchant representatives visited each day, over 60 across the two days, coming from export businesses in different industries.
What topics did Jonny share?
26 years of entrepreneurship and company growth, team building, and the practical use of AI Agents in real business.
Where does Proway & Hydrorelax use AI Agents today?
In market analysis, content creation, customer development, and product management. See also the report on the AI Agent training program.
When was the company founded?
Jonny started his business in 2000 and officially founded Proway in 2005, and the Hydrorelax brand serves global markets. For sourcing questions, see the Service FAQ list.
Need OEM and bulk supply support for bathtub, spa, or shower room components?
Contact us for a solution and a quotation.