06 Mar 2025
Amid profound transformations in global e-commerce models and the rapid evolution of cross-border e-commerce dynamics, China’s cross-border e-commerce sector continues to accelerate. The field of information technology urgently demands exploration of new models, business formats, technologies, and developmental pathways to seize opportunities and address challenges. Against this backdrop, on March 5, 2025, the opening ceremony of the "XJTLU 2025 Information Management and Information System (IMIS) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition" was grandly held at the International Business School Suzhou (IBSS). Hosted by the Department of Intelligent Operations and Marketing, this year’s competition, themed "Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project Design for Cross-Border E-Commerce Practice," attracted 77 teams and over 370 students. It focuses on fostering innovation in business models and technological breakthroughs under the wave of global e-commerce transformation, aiming to cultivate interdisciplinary talents with both technical expertise and commercial acumen.
The ceremony was chaired by Professor Xiaobo Xu, Head of the Department of Intelligent Operations and Marketing. Professor Eddy Fang, Deputy Dean of IBSS, delivered the opening remarks. He stated: "We are committed to fulfilling our mission of 'Connecting the World, Contributing to Society' through the integration of business practice, interaction, and knowledge—a vision perfectly aligned with the objectives of this competition, the practical directions of participants, and the in-depth collaborations we will pursue in future initiatives. Notably, the magnificent building you are in today is the largest standalone business school facility in China. As the country’s largest Sino-foreign cooperative university, we consistently uphold a unique educational philosophy, and this landmark building embodies that vision. Here, I extend my warmest welcome to all participants and wish you outstanding achievements in the upcoming stages."
Professor Xiaobo Xu
Professor Eddy Fang
Dr Yang Lu, Programme Director of the Information Management and Information Systems (IMIS) major, elaborated on the programme’s distinctive features. The IMIS undergraduate programme was selected as one of China’s first "National First-Class Undergraduate Major Construction Sites" in 2020 and awarded the "Jiangsu Provincial Higher Education Brand Major" title. Over 90% of its graduates have been admitted to top global universities (Top 100). Dr Lu also promoted the IMIS Student Club and encouraged attendees to actively participate in its activities.
Dr Yang Lu
Dr Kaiyu Xu, member of the Competition Organizing Committee, outlined the event’s preparation process and rules, highlighting two core features:
- Cross-Grade Collaboration: Each team must include at least two first-year students to promote knowledge sharing and innovation across different academic years.
Practical Problem-Solving Themes: Proposals must address four key topics—"Supply Chain Management System Optimization for Cross-Border E-Commerce Platforms," "Intelligent Applications in Cross-Border E-Commerce Customer Relationships," "Multi-Channel Marketing Information System Design for Cross-Border E-Commerce," and "Live Streaming Platform Traffic Strategies and UI Design for Cross-Border E-Commerce"—by integrating product selection and destination country contexts to propose innovative solutions.
Dr Kaiyu Xu
A total of 73 valid business proposals were submitted for the preliminary round. After rigorous evaluation by the organizing committee, 10 teams advanced to the finals. Dr Kaiyu Xu concluded the ceremony by hosting an awards session, where Professor Ewout van der Schaft, Associate Dean for Internationalisation at IBSS, and Dr Yang Lu presented participation and advancement awards. Each finalist team will be assigned an industry mentor to guide their projects from proposal to implementation. The final round will take place on 13 March, featuring English presentations and Q&A sessions by the shortlisted teams.
Professor Ewout van der Schaft and Dr Xu presented participation and advancement awards
IBSS, the largest English-language business school in China, is among the few globally to hold triple accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). By organizing high-caliber student competitions, IBSS bridges academia and industry, empowering innovative thinking to drive real-world business practices.
06 Mar 2025