IBSS organises company visits to Microsoft, ZEISS and innovative startups to deepen Industry

International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) recently worked with the XJTLU External Mentor Committee and industry partners to organise a series of company visits for academic staff and students.

The visits took participants to Microsoft Asia Research Group, ZEISS Technology (Suzhou) and multiple AI startups in Shanghai. Covering themes including industrial application of AI, supply chain management in high-end manufacturing and commercialisation of scientific and technological innovations, the visits gave students the chance to move beyond the classroom and see how business theories are applied in real-world settings. By connecting students with leading companies and dynamic startups, the visits supported IBSS’ ongoing commitment to industry-education integration and experiential, practice-based learning.

Co-organised by XJTLU External Mentor Committee for Finance, the Student Development Advice Centre and the XJTLU Career Development Office, the visit to Microsoft Asia Research Group featured sharing sessions by AI specialists Lin Zhu and Michael Yu.

The speakers introduced Microsoft’s latest developments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital ecosystems. Through practical examples from banking, insurance, advertising and corporate office management, they discussed how AI can reduce operational costs, drive efficiency and support innovation across different industries.

Xiangyu (David) Hu, Acting Associate Dean for Executive Education and Enterprise at IBSS, highlighted the School’s commitment to practice-oriented education. He encouraged students to strengthen their digital literacy and ability to work across disciplines.

During the Q&A session, students raised questions regarding AI-driven changes in financial services, digital career planning and the skills needed for future business roles. The discussion helped students better understand how the AI revolution is reshaping employers’ expectations.

Six academic staff members, including Jie Chu and Jianxin Fang. Joined colleagues from the IBSS Student Development and Support (SDS) Team to lead nine MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management students on a visit to ZEISS Technology (Suzhou).

At the company’s Suzhou manufacturing base, Luan Cheng, Senior Production and Supply Chain Manager at ZEISS, introduced the company’s four core businesses areas, spanning semiconductors, industrial metrology and microscopic equipment. He also shared insights into ZEISS’s global production and sales framework as well as details of localised factory construction and supply chain management in China.

The group toured intelligent production lines and product exhibition halls, gaining a closer look at full-process quality control and digital production traceability systems. Students and company representatives discussed topics including cross-border supply chain coordination, production process optimisation, challenges of local project implementation and global quality standard deployment. By matching classroom supply chain theories with real corporate scenarios, students gained a more concrete understanding of operational logic within the high-end manufacturing sector.

In collaboration with S-Tron China, IBSS also launched the TechTrek cross-border study tour, bringing 15 international students from 10 countries to science and innovation parks across Shanghai.

At GenPark, founder Guoqiang Pang illustrated the commercial adoption of generative AI in content creation, brand globalisation and precision marketing targeting Generation Z audiences.

The next stop was MemTensor, were students learned about large language models (LLMs), memory-augmented AI and low-hallucination intelligent systems. The visit offered an insight into how domestic large models are being developed and applied in industry.

At the final venue, S-Cave, S-Tron China’s innovation community space, Chris Zhou, S-Tron’s Ecosystem Director, presented the organisation’s global cooperation network cross-border incubator projects. For the international students taking part the tour offered a first-hand look at the speed ambition and creativity of China’s AI start-up ecosystem.

Spanning artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and innovative tech entrepreneurship, the series of visits constitute a key initiative of IBSS to promote industry-education integration and support international talent development.

Looking ahead, IBSS will continue to build ties with leading industrial firms and innovation platforms. Through regular corporate field trips, industry seminars and university-enterprise salons, the School aims to give more students opportunities to engage with industry, broaden their global perspectives and develop the practical skills needed in a fast-changing business world.