To thoroughly implement the university's goal of cultivating "Chief Engineer-type" talents, broaden students' international horizons, and enhance their global competence, the School of Management organized 13 students to participate in a study visit at Henley Business School, University of Reading, from February 1 to February 10, 2026. Centered on the theme of "Digital Transformation, Innovative Thinking, and Future Leadership," the program integrated cutting-edge courses, case studies, corporate visits, and cross-cultural experiences to simultaneously enhance students' professional knowledge and international perspectives.

Course Studies: Leveraging a First-Class Business School Platform to Build a Digital Cognitive Framework

On February 2, the program was officially launched. At the opening ceremony, Professor Keiichi Nakata, Head of the Department of Digital Economy, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (DME), introduced the school's research achievements and teaching strengths in information systems, digital management, and leadership development. Professor Kecheng Liu, Dean of the School of Digital Applications (DTA), welcomed the program members and detailed the curriculum structure and learning objectives.

Over the following days of classes, starting with the structural changes of the digital age, the program provided systematic lectures on topics such as artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and emerging technology applications. By combining theoretical explanations with case studies, the courses helped students establish a holistic cognitive framework for understanding the logic of digital transformation and organizational change mechanisms.

The courses also facilitated in-depth discussions on digital strategy, innovation management, and leadership practices. Instructors guided students to understand real-world business scenarios through authentic case studies. Through classroom discussions and project assignments, the students gradually shifted their perspective from being mere "technology users" to becoming "promoters of digital transformation."

Corporate Visits: Deep Dive into International Business Scenarios to Bridge Theory and Practice

In addition to the intensive coursework, the program led students to China Unicom Europe for a study visit. Through exchanges with senior executives, the students deepened their classroom learning, effectively connecting digital strategies with global business operations. This visit not only enhanced their understanding of classroom concepts such as "digital infrastructure," "global operating systems," and "data-driven strategies," but also transformed digital transformation from abstract theory into tangible, analyzable real-world cases, significantly enhancing the practical depth of their learning.

University Visits: Immersing in World-Class Academic Environments to Broaden International and Humanistic Horizons

During outdoor classroom sessions, students visited the university's core learning spaces and museums, experiencing the open, diverse, and self-directed academic atmosphere of British higher education institutions. The delegation also visited the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, strolling through historic college and library complexes to gain a close-up appreciation of the profound academic traditions and humanistic heritage of these world's top universities. By combining classroom learning with on-site visits to world-renowned universities, students further broadened their international horizons and gained a clearer understanding of the global higher education system and future development paths.

Final Presentations: Achievement Reports and Closing Ceremony to Showcase Learning Outcomes

On the final day of the study visit, students completed group project presentations based on their coursework and practical experiences, followed by a summary report at the closing ceremony. The teaching team from the University of Reading highly praised the students for their dedication, depth of thought, and cross-cultural adaptability. At the closing ceremony, Professor Lucy Newton, Associate Dean for Education and Student Development at Henley Business School, and Professor Kecheng Liu, Dean of DTA, awarded the official completion certificates to the students. Ceira Crainer, Senior Partnerships Manager at Henley Business School, welcomed the students to join the school's global alumni network of over 100,000 members on behalf of the school.

Conclusion

This winter study program at the University of Reading allowed students to deeply experience the power of integrating academics with practice, as well as the importance of international exchange in broadening their horizons. From cutting-edge theories of digital technology to industry practices and cross-cultural communication, the program comprehensively honed their professional competence and international communication skills. The blend of academic exchange and cultural experiences not only equipped them with new knowledge in the digital field but also deepened their understanding of international education and the industry ecosystem.

Student Reflections:

Xiong Jingchu: Although this study trip was short, it was unforgettable and highly rewarding. The courses made me realize that AI is not just a technological tool, but also a new way of rethinking business and leadership. This learning experience opened a new window for us, revealing the humanistic dimensions behind technology—ethics, values, and human wisdom—which have become increasingly important in the AI era. The real key lies not just in mastering the technology itself, but in understanding how to maintain human judgment and responsibility amidst the wave of intelligence.

Wang Yuhan: The study visit to Reading opened a new window for us to perceive the world. In the classrooms of Henley Business School, we engaged in critical thinking regarding the opportunities and challenges of the digital age. The professors did not provide standard answers; instead, they guided us to ask questions and explore. This training in critical thinking taught us that more important than knowledge itself are the ability to learn continuously and the courage to think independently.

Photos & Text by: Program Team Members