Next Together: Shanghai alumni celebrate XJTLU’s 20th anniversary

More than 200 alumni, mentors, leaders, and students attended the second event in Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s “Next Together” 20th anniversary celebration series on 28 March in Shanghai.

Co-organised by the XJTLU Alumni Affairs Office and the Shanghai Alumni Group, the event featured Kun Wang, Deputy Head of the Student Admissions and Career Development Office, who presented data showing that “most XJTLU graduates work in finance, internet technology, and professional services, while many are also employed by Fortune Global 500 companies”.

XJTLU “Next Together” 20th anniversary celebration in Shanghai

Kun Wang, Deputy Head of XJTLU’s Student Admissions and Career Development Office

Shang Gao, Head of the Shanghai Alumni Group

Shang Gao, Head of the Shanghai Alumni Group, also spoke on her organisation’s commitment to supporting alumni and students through career guidance, daily support, and networking. “We hope XJTLU alumni in Shanghai can feel a sense of belonging and support from the wider university community,” she said.

Professor Youmin Xi, Executive President of XJTLU

In his keynote speech, Professor Youmin Xi, XJTLU’s Executive President, reflected on the University’s journey since 2006, growing from just 160 students at the start to more than 26,000 across 120 programmes today.

“These past 20 years have not only been about building a university but also creating an educational ecosystem,” he said. “Our aim has never been to replicate existing models of global universities but to explore a new approach to education that can influence China and the wider world.”

Professor Xi and Wang also joined a panel discussion with alumni from various sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, finance, and healthcare to exchange their experiences and perspectives on topics such as education in the era of AI.

Kun Wang (first from left) and Professor Youmin Xi (seventh from left) in the panel discussion with alumni from various sectors

Wencan Wang, a BSc Information Management and Information Systems graduate who arrived at XJTLU in 2008, recalled participating in student societies, entrepreneurship competitions, and community service. “The University is particularly effective at inspiring students to explore their interests and future paths, while cultivating a global outlook,” he said.

Responding to a question on whether classroom learning is still relevant in the face of AI, Professor Xi said: “Education has never been limited to knowledge transmission. AI can provide information, but it cannot replace deep personal understanding, and that is where education remains irreplaceable.”

The event concluded with participants recording a video message to celebrate XJTLU’s 20th anniversary before Wang concluded by thanking the alumni for their continued engagement, which “allows the XJTLU story to grow in Shanghai”.

An XJTLU alumna asking a question during the panel discussion

An XJTLU alumnus asking a question during the panel discussion

Text and images courtesy of XJTLU Alumni Affairs Office

Edited by staff editor and Xinmin Han