Career Reinvention in the Age of AI: From Engineer to AI Entrepreneur

AI is transforming every industry — including Data Analysis and Business Analysis. Yet many professionals still struggle to understand how to translate their existing experience into a competitive advantage or identify a career path that truly suits them.
In this talk, Owen Xu will share:

• His 12-year journey from an engineer in the United States to a data analyst in New Zealand, then to a business analyst, and eventually an AI founder
• How he leveraged his accumulated strengths to transition across industries and roles
• How AI reshaped his thinking about long-term career direction
• Insights into the future of DA/BA/AI roles: which skills may fade, and which will grow in importance
• Practical guidance on finding clarity and direction amid uncertainty

Agenda
8:00 p.m. – 8:05 p.m. Welcome & Introduction (5 mins)
8:05 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Presentation (25 mins)
8:30 p.m. – 8: 55 p.m. Q&A Session (25 mins)
8:55 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closing Remarks (Wrap-up)

Speaker Bio
Owen Xu – Senior Business Analyst at NZX Wealth Technologies
Owen Xu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri in the United States, and a Master of Information Technology from the University of Auckland. He began his career at Koch Industries, the world’s largest private company, before relocating to New Zealand in 2017 through the RV migrant pathway. Upon arriving, he transitioned into the IT field with a focus on data science and analytics.
Owen has since worked at Stats NZ, Auckland Transport, AA Insurance, and now NZX Wealth Technologies, where he serves as a Senior Business Analyst. He is also a business partner at Brigen.AI and the Director of the Practical AI Training Programme.
Outside of work, Owen previously founded the Chinese Career Mutual-Support Association in the US (20,000+ members) and served as the chief editor of the New Zealand Chinese Data Professionals Handbook. He is passionate about golf, exploratory travel, and Chinese rap.