A strong sense of shared purpose marked the opening of the 2026 CRRC Puzhen International Talent Training Programme at the International Business School Suzhou (IBSS), part of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). Representatives from IBSS and CRRC Nanjing Puzhen gathered for the launch of a four-week learning journey focused on international development, leadership and professional growth.
A changing world
Welcoming the group, Professor Eddy Fang, Dean of IBSS, thanked CRRC Puzhen for its trust and partnership, and said it was a privilege for IBSS to host the programme. In his address, he reflected on how traditional notions of internationalisation have changed. Where it was once often seen in relatively stable and predictable terms, today’s global landscape is far more complex, uncertain and multipolar. In that context, he noted that internationalisation matters for than ever.
Professor Fang, emphasised that for enterprises such as CRRC Puzhen, internationalisation is not simply about expanding into overseas markets. It is also about understanding a changing world, navigating complexity with confidence, and developing the strategic awareness and technical capability needed to work effectively across borders. He highlighted the importance of professional competence, cultural awareness and the ability to interpret risk, work across systems and adapt to change.
He also underlined XJTLU’s distinctive position as an institution shaped by connections between China and the wider world, and between education and practice. When universities and enterprises work well together, he said, the link between reflection and action can have a powerful social value. He closed by saying he was honoured to welcome CRRC Puzhen to campus and looked forward to the exchange of ideas over the coming four weeks.
Skills for growth
In remarks on behalf of CRRC Puzhen, Mr Xuesong Song, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice General Manager of CRRC Nanjing Puzhen, thanked the University for its support and spoke warmly about the opportunities the programme would offer participants. He described the training as not only a chance to strengthen technical and professional skills, but also as an important step in supporting CRRC’s wider international development.
Mr Song reflected on CRRC’s international journey so far, from exporting individual products, to delivering integrated system solutions and building a strong international brand. He noted that CRRC Puzhen’s international presence now extends across more than 20 countries and regions, with projects spanning Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
At the same time, he was clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. Echoing Professor Fang’s sentiments, in a world shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, rising compliance demands and the realities of cross-cultural communication, he stressed that international growth requires far more than technical expertise alone. It also calls for agile thinking, sound judgement and professionals who can work confidently across markets, cultures and systems.
He encouraged participants to use the programme to broaden their horizons, sharpen their professional abilities and apply what they learn to real business challenges. Above all, he urged the cohort to approach the programme with humility, focus and a genuine willingness to learn.
Following the speeches, Dr Xiao Wang, Academic Director of CRRC Puzhen, formally announced the opening of the programme, wishing participants every success in their studies and encouraging them to turn learning into meaningful results in the workplace.
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph and campus tour, marking the beginning of what promises to be an engaging and valuable month of action-learning and practice-based study.