CRRC executives begin customised programme at XJTLU

A customised executive education programme for 76 executives of the world’s largest rolling stock manufacturer has begun at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.

The highly interactive programme for CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation) executives is designed to equip participants to lead teams in an international context.

Coordinated by International Business School Suzhou and with the support of the Language Centre at XJTLU, the four-month programme comprises three stages including training on business English and international business topics, followed by an overseas trip with leading experts in the European rail industry.

Participants will develop a strong foundation of practical and relevant skills for leading teams within today’s dynamic international business environment. As well as specialised language and business training delivered by academic instructors at XJTLU, participants will also take part in company visits and be given guest lectures on a range of subjects.

The programme, which is the first to be delivered as part of a five-year cooperation that will see numbers of participants grow, was launched with a half-day induction event on Wednesday 2 March.

At the induction opening, Dr Ellen Touchstone (pictured above), project manager for the programme, welcomed participants and introduced key guests. She called the programme a “momentous collaboration” between two organisations - XJTLU and CRRC - who are leaders in their respective fields.

Song Xue (pictured below), Vice-chief Economist and Head of Human Resource Department of CRRC, also spoke at the event saying: “XJTLU provides a modern and international learning environment and great support. Our executives are expected to learn more about international business and improve their intercultural communication through this training provided by XJTLU.”

XJTLU Executive President, Professor Youmin Xi, talked about the Chinese context for business leadership and emphasised the importance of being able to effectively operate in a cross-cultural, interconnected world.

Professor Jean Chen (pictured below), Dean of IBSS and Director of the CRRC Project, congratulated participants on their success in gaining entry to the programme after a tough selection process which included several rounds of interviews. Calling the programme “truly international”, she spoke about IBSS’ unique features, including combining the best of eastern and western education and business practices.

“I wish our programme every success…Let’s work together to build our team, to make this programme not only the best programme in China but the most suitable and practical in China,” she said.

Xin Dong, an employee working at CRRC, was impressed by XJTLU’s international environment so decided to go through the selection process for the programme.

“I expect to improve my oral English and study business-related skills during this training,” he said.

CRRC is a Chinese state-owned rolling stock manufacturer with around 175,700 employees. It was formed in 2015 with the merger of China CNR Corporation and CSR Corporation Limited.