2025 IBSS Alumni Conference focuses on sustainability, AI

In an era where technology and sustainability intersect, XJTLU's International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) is helping alumni and industries embrace the future together.

In September, the 2025 IBSS Alumni Conference gathered around 100 alumni, academic staff, and industry experts for in-depth exchanges on sustainable development, global business transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and other core topics.

The event saw heavyweights from various sectors share their thoughts on trends and practices, such as Chen Wu, former editor-in-chief of The Economist Global Business Review, whose keynote speech explored potential business and social changes over the next 25 years, considering the global landscape and technological evolution. He emphasised that amid rapid change, it was essential to leave room for reflection and review.

Researchers and industry leaders also joined alumni in exploring perspectives in a variety of forums.

Professor Hefei Wang

In a discussion on sustainable business, David King, former vice-chair of the British Chamber of Commerce, cautioned that investment in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) should be ¡°achievable, profitable, and credible¡±.

Meanwhile, Shirley Wang, head of marketing for AppleCare, urged in a forum on the ¡°Future of Work¡± for companies to focus on high-quality customer experiences ¨C because even in a world of constant technological change, ¡°human needs remain constant¡±.

Corporate executives also spoke on the importance of comprehensive career skills, including Jianchun Sun from Luofoos Automotive Components (Suzhou) who advocated for ¡°living in the present and winning the future¡±.

Refreshing return

In her opening speech, Professor Hefei Wang, Deputy Dean of IBSS, said the conference aims to not only showcase IBSS¡¯s development and educational exploration but also provide an opportunity for alumni to review their experiences and broaden their horizons.

¡°Alumni returning to campus is not just about reminiscing about the past ¨C more importantly, it¡¯s a process of knowledge and experience coming together again,¡± she said.

Josie Zhou

Yueying Cai, a 2022 International Business alumna, explained that she had attended the conference to ¡°recharge¡± and refresh her knowledge after accumulating three years of work experience.

¡°The most engaging part of the IBSS course was the business case studies, which included Asian examples,¡± said Martijn van der Mark, a 2020 MSc Management graduate who works in China. ¡°This allowed me to gain practical localised industry insights and professional knowledge.¡±

Josie Zhou was named 2025 IBSS Alum of the Year for her cross-disciplinary experience and achievements in the pharmaceutical industry since graduating in 2024. In addition to serving as an off-campus mentor to six students conducting medicine-related research, Zhou is an active member of the Alumni Association Entrepreneurship Committee.

Two-way communication

In addition to showcasing the School¡¯s development, the annual conference serves as a two-way communication platform. The Trading Floor, which opened in October 2024, is an important vehicle for practical teaching, allowing students to experience real-world scenarios and quickly apply what they have learned after graduation.

¡°We welcome everyone to return to campus by participating in continuing education programmes, reconnecting with professors, or joining alumni activities,¡± said Professor Pavel Castka, IBSS Associate Dean for Professional Engagement. ¡°Let¡¯s work together to contribute to this technology-driven world and pass on empathy and kindness.¡±

Images and text courtesy of International Business School Suzhou
Edited by Bo Kou and Patricia Pieterse