10 Sep 2026
For them, this marks not only the formal beginning of a new stage of postgraduate study, but also entry into a learning community that connects theory with industry, and different disciplines with different backgrounds.
An orientation event is their first stop in getting to know the College and Centre: What does it research? What can be gained from two years of study? Who can they turn to when they encounter problems? And beyond the classroom, what is worth getting involved in? On this day, the answers gradually unfolded through one introduction, one question, and one exchange after another.
The first lesson on orientation day began with getting to know CIE & HeXie Academy.
Professor Xiaobo Xu, Executive Dean of the CIE and Director of the HeXie Academy, welcomed the new students. He spoke of how the College and Centre, as a strategic-level platform of the University, are both dedicated to the same thing: one connecting to industry practice, the other grounded in theoretical research, with a shared focus on how theory can truly enter practice, and how new thinking can emerge from real industry problems.
Professor Xiaobo Xu also introduced the faculty team, master's programme pathways, and doctoral programme of the College and Centre, and encouraged the new students to make full use of the learning opportunities and platform resources available over the coming two years, so that beyond knowledge, they might gradually develop the judgement and capacity for action needed to face real-world problems.
For students who have just entered postgraduate study, there is another very practical question beyond coursework: who can they turn to when they encounter problems? Ms. Mengqi Zhang, Student Development Adviser, gave the answer — student support is not only about attendance and grades; more importantly, it is about recognising the needs of each student as an "individual". From learning resources, IT support, and career development to everyday concerns and psychological support, she guided the new students in quickly getting to know the support network on campus. "Don't worry, I'm very happy to see you all here." With this simple sentence, she added a sense of reassurance to a journey that had only just begun.
If the classroom connects knowledge, then student societies connect interests, companions, and real practice. Dr. Changhee Kim and Dr. Bo Fang, Assistant Professors at the College and Centre, together with Mr. Han Li from GIS and Ms. Hanqi Qian from SAH, introduced the HeXie Mindset Development Association, Student Club of Talent Ecosystem Development, theSmart Aging and Health Management Association, and theEntrepreneurship and Innovation Student Club respectively, and led the new students in getting to know the different societies through interactive games.
From HeXie management and talent development to smart elderly care and innovation and entrepreneurship, the four societies correspond to different areas of interest. For the new students, this is another gateway beyond the classroom to meet companions, participate in projects, and explore their interests.
How should courses be selected? How can one get involved in research? What international exchange opportunities are available? How can one participate more deeply in a society? Around the questions they will truly encounter in the coming months, the new students engaged in discussion with teachers and society leaders. The questions extended from coursework to research and future planning, turning this orientation from a mere "introduction to the College" into a genuinely two-way exchange.
9 September was the first day that the new students formally met CIE & HeXie Academy. The two-year postgraduate journey is a long one. Classes, research, projects, societies, and the people they have only just met today will all become part of this journey.
Welcome, new students. The story from here is yours to write.
10 Sep 2026