13 Nov 2024
On November 9th, 2024, the Sichuan alumni of the International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University gathered for a heartwarming and enriching offline reunion. Nearly 30 alumni and faculty members of IBSS congregated in Chengdu, where they shared memories of the past and looked ahead to the future with anticipation.
The event kicked off with alumni introducing themselves one by one, generating a vibrant and animated atmosphere. Three off-campus mentors from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University were specially invited to this event. They wereXianpeng Zhou, a shopping center management expert from Chengdu Bailing Business Management Co., Ltd.; Hongxia Xiong, who is committed to social enterprise work; and Shuidong Guan, who has more than 20 years of rich experience in marketing and branding. Zhou shared his research direction in the field of business and indicated his readiness to welcome XJTLU students for internships. Xiong introduced her work in addressing social problems through business models, with a primary focus on helping disabled people in employment and entrepreneurship, children's autism rehabilitation, and promoting barrier-free travel. She also holds the positions of president of relevant institutions and dean of a university research institute. Guan not only shared his extensive brand marketing experience but also mentioned his two published books. He serves as a business consultant in Sichuan and has provided guidance to 41 communicatiow2n major students in XJTLU.
Lihua Cui, the Business Engagment Manager at IBSS, delivered an enthusiastic welcome speech, making alumni feel the warmth of their alma mater. She explained that the event was co-hosted by the Business School and the Sichuan Alumni Association, aiming to provide a platform for interaction and exchange among alumni. Cui detailed potential school-enterprise cooperation opportunities and alumni benefits, emphasising IBSS's active collaboration with domestic and international enterprises. The school regularly hosts diverse seminars to share hot topics and industry insights, and supports alumni in enhancing soft skills through workshops, promoting lifelong learning and career development. Additionally, IBSS will offer discounts on customised executive education programmes and part-time master's programmes to encourage continuous learning and progress among alumni.
The event reached its climax with Professor Pavel Castka, Associate Dean for Professional Engagement at IBSS, who shared insights on "Beyond ESG: Innovation in sustainability for societal well-being." Leveraging his deep reservoir of knowledge and vast experience, Professor Castka delved into the global phenomenon and political impact of ESG. He used the food sector as an example to illustrate innovative practices in ESG, such as companies reducing the environmental impact of food production through technological innovation and the potential application of AI in food safety monitoring. He also discussed trends in the green energy sector, calling for individuals and organisations to actively participate in sustainable innovation to create a better future for the next generation.
Yingxi Ma, a 2015 alumna and a member of the Sichuan Alumni Association Council, shared her journey of exploration and growth since graduating from XJTLU, expressing her pride and gratitude towards her alma mater. As a lecturer at Chengdu College of Arts and Sciences, she introduced the Sichuan Alumni Association, which has organised various entertainment activities and hopes to draw on experience to conduct sharing salons and industry sharing events in the future, encouraging alumni to actively participate and provide valuable suggestions.
During the final free exchange session, the alumni actively participated in animated discussions regarding industry trends and career development. They humbly sought advice from the external mentors on various career-related doubts. The alumni all conveyed that this gathering was extremely rewarding. It not only enabled them to rekindle the deep bonds of friendship among alumni but also provided them with precious industry information and cooperation opportunities.
The Sichuan Alumni gathering of IBSS concluded in a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Alumni left with fond memories and new expectations, looking forward to more such gatherings in the future to continue and flourish the alumni connection in Sichuan.
Special Thanks:
The co-organiser of this alumni event: Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Sichuan Alumni Association
13 Nov 2024