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Discover the future of education at XJTLU’s Entrepreneur College (Taicang)
The rise of the fourth industrial revolution is marked by a wave of digitalization and technological innovations that need to be integrated across various industries
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Students and an instructor discuss technology at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) Entrepreneur College (Taicang).
T
he rise of the fourth industrial revolution has been marked by a wave of interconnected technological innovations. These include advances in data, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, computers and other technologies that are transforming our daily lives and businesses.
This change will inevitably impact the way people view employment, livelihood, and perhaps more importantly; education.
“Education must be forward-looking and respond to future needs,” said Professor Youmin Xi, Executive President of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), an international university located in China. “Artificial Intelligence is developing rapidly, and in the coming decade, AI and robots will replace many of the jobs humans once did. However, we will still need experts in various disciplines to make discoveries, create more technologies and develop smarter robots.”
To further equip the next generation to become these experts, XJTLU has developed a unique curriculum at its Entrepreneur College (Taicang) that blends industry knowledge with academia. It has established reputable schools, including the the School of AI and Advanced Computing, the School of Intelligent Manufacturing Ecosystem, the School of Intelligent Finance and Business, the School of Robotics, the School of Internet of Things, the School of Cultural Technology, and the School of CHIPS.
To support its students in becoming world citizens, all the institution’s undergraduate study programs provide dual degrees: one from the China’s Ministry of Education and the other a globally recognized degree from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. Postgraduate degree recipients receive a University of Liverpool degree.
In addition to desirable degree certificates, what are the advantages of this college? It has unique programs and facilities that allow students and faculties to unlock their full potential, and it welcomes students from around the globe with its degree programs taught 100% in English.
Learning and Teaching
XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) concentrates on preparing those who can lead industry and business in a world of accelerating technological developments. It focuses on entrepreneurship, innovative teaching methods, strong industry partnerships, a supportive environment, and a global perspective.
These factors provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for success as entrepreneurs who will start their own businesses, intrapraneurs who will innovate within companies, and those who want to pursue advanced degrees. Graduates will be capable of adapting and thriving in the global marketplace. The college’s teaching methods aim to educate students to be risk-takers, leaders, innovators, and collaborators, which are all ingredients for successful future talents and industry leaders.
How did the college design study programs that will meet the future needs of business and industry? It has combined the strength of Chinese and international companies and experts, both academic and in the field, to lead by example. The college’s collaborators include more than 40 successful companies such as AMT Group China, Bosch, Bank of China, China Cultural Media Group, Deep Blue Technology, and more.
"We have attracted global resources, enabling us to conduct cutting-edge research, develop innovative technologies, and cultivate new talent, all of which will have a global impact," says Professor Xi.
The industry partners help guide the college’s schools in determining what degrees are needed, ensure the curriculum will produce talented leaders for a rapidly changing world, and collaborate in developing teaching materials. Moreover, students are able to witness first-hand how companies do business.
The college’s unique summer Professional Development Programme (PDP) provides students with 600 hours of professional development throughout the four-year undergraduate program. It includes group project work to solve real-world problems, internships, company visits, and talks by industry professionals. Building on knowledge gained in the classroom, the summer PDP helps students grow exponentially through hands-on industry experiences. Students see for themselves how companies work and are exposed to practical needs and challenges.
Jessie Elya, an XJTLU student from Indonesia, is a Year Two student in the college’s School of Cultural Technology. She says she chose XJTLU because of its progressive method of teaching arts education.
“I was looking for an approach to studying arts that is not limited to traditional learning but also incorporates technology and modern techniques to progress the arts,” she said. “Of the universities I considered, only XJTLU has a full hands-on approach to learning arts and using AI and the other leading technologies of today.”
Another student who benefits from the collaborative concept is Ethan Wang, a Year Three student from Indonesia enrolled in the School of Intelligent Finance and Business. His school is an equal collaboration between XJTLU and its industry partner, AMT, a consulting and IT service enterprise serving 60 percent of China’s top 100 companies.
“I believe that XJTLU is the optimal choice for me since the current rapid growth and advancement of technology and entrepreneurship in China aligns with my long-term aspirations of aiding my parents' business in the future,” he said.
Meeting students from other cultural backgrounds also enriched his experience as an international student, he added, along with the chance to improve his Mandarin skills.
Another characteristic of the college is the minor in entrepreneurialism that is part of each study program. A Year Four student at the college who simultaneously owns a successful e-commerce start-up business said that the atmosphere of entrepreneurship throughout the college is beneficial.
"Daily communication and learning with peers and mentors improves our awareness of entrepreneurship and broadens our horizons," said Dongjun Zhao, a Chinese student. “In addition, the college often invites leaders and elite talents from various industries to share their experiences. I appreciate the opportunity to listen to these stories, because for every success there are reasons and for every failure there are lessons to learn. Standing on the shoulders of these giants, we can see further.”
Zhao and his team sell large Chinese-made appliances through Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. On Douyin, his live commerce business has ranked multiple times in the top 30 digital home appliance sellers in the 3C category (computer, communication and consumer electronics), even surpassing Huawei and Vivo once in the past. His business has also already earned its first ¥1 million in gross sales in one day.
Facilities
While well-considered curricula play a big role in education, having the right physical environment and education tools also aids learners. The college’s state-of-the art equipment and facilities support students’ learning. It includes more than 16 labs for teaching, learning and research-related activities with nearly 600 pieces of lab equipment and instruments.
Out of the classroom, the beautiful, modern campus grounds include bridges, water features, and green areas to create a comfortable learning environment for students and teachers to enjoy and relax.
“The study environment is really supportive… it's really easy to find places to study,” says Lavianna Teng, an international student studying at the Taicang campus.
The new campus, which opened in September, won a World Architecture News award for a design concept highlighting industry cooperation and innovation. The design features seven U-shaped buildings in a radial pattern pointing towards its centre, which Professor Xi said symbolizes magnets attracting people from around the globe to learn together.
The city of Taicang itself, where the campus is located, is a high-tech manufacturing base that boasts many international businesses, including more than 400 German enterprises. Located approximately an hour from Shanghai, where it has close industrial links, the area is an ideal environment for students to experience modern China.
Industry-Leadership Scholarships
Up to thirty of industry-leadership scholarships are awarded annually to international and China’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan undergraduate students applying for the below XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) programmes. The scholarship is based on academic performance and renewable annually subject to continued strong academic performance in one of these programmes.
- BEng Data Science and Big Data Technology with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism
- BEng Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism
- BEng Intelligent Robotics Engineering with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism
- BSc Intelligent Supply Chain with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism
- BEng Internet of Things Engineering with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism
- BA Arts, Technology and Entertainment with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism
- BEng Microelectronic Science and Engineering with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism
Two more rounds of applications for this scholarship are available on 15 May and 15 June 2023. In addition, XJTLU offers other scholarships.
Whether a student is interested in starting their own business, innovating within a company, or pursuing an academic career, XJTLU’s Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is an ideal place to study. With innovation at its core, an advanced curriculum and world-class facilities, graduates will be well-suited to lead the way in their fields. More information can be found at www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/.
