On March 23, the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) hosted a ceremony to mark the graduation of its first batch of students of the iLEAP Business Leaders Program, coinciding with the enrollment of the program’s second batch of students, at the University’s Convention Center.

Attending the ceremony were Zhiping SONG, Distinguished Professor of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and President of the China Association for Public Companies, Fei LUO, Co-Founder of Green Pine Capital Partners, Er XUE, Industrial Professor of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and iLEAP Mentor, Ying XU, a representative of HEC Paris in China, along with graduating and newly enrolled students of the iLEAP program.

Ke LIU, Dean of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, presided over the event.

In his opening address, Ke LIU outlined the foundational vision of starting iLEAP, emphasizing its role in bringing together high-tech entrepreneurs, accomplished young and middle-aged entrepreneurs, and successors of family businesses to grow together and create synergies to empower students and enterprises.

He highlighted iLEAP’s philosophical approach in nurturing entrepreneurs. He underscored the program’s emphasis on domestic and international experiential learning, notably recalling a 2023 summer tour to Europe, which included a visit to HEC Paris, a renowned business school with a century-old legacy.

On this important occasion marking the graduation of the first batch of students and the enrollment of the second batch of students, Ke LIU expressed gratitude to HEC Paris Business School and corporate mentors for their support, and extended appreciation to all who have supported the iLEAP program.

Zhiping SONG emphasized iLEAP’s dedication to cultivating individuals possessing the entrepreneurial spirit of scientists and the scientific acumen of entrepreneurs. He lauded the program’s role in integrating entrepreneurship with scientific and technological innovation, aimed at nurturing entrepreneurs well-versed in both science and technology and management.

He noted how numerous distinguished Chinese entrepreneurs and scholars have graced SUSTech with their presence, and the domestic and international study visits have proven immensely advantageous for students, particularly in their exposure to high-caliber courses across Europe.

Praising the students’ achievements in the program, Zhiping SONG remarked that they demonstrated both innovative acumen and entrepreneurial awareness. Encouraging them to persevere in their learning journey, he urged students to embrace innovation, make progress together, and contribute towards enriching the iLEAP program, SUSTech, the city of Shenzhen, and the nation as a whole.

Fei LUO hailed SUSTech’s important role in driving innovation and entrepreneurship in Shenzhen and the development of the pilot demonstration zone. Co-founded with HEC Paris Business School, he accentuated that the iLEAP program is forward-thinking and deeply rooted in technological literacy and entrepreneurship. He encouraged participants in the program to continue their dedication to innovation and scientific and technological advancement.

Er XUE highlighted iLEAP’s distinctive position as a business leader training program in China, attracting both entrepreneurs and scientists. He underscored the symbiotic relationship between technological innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, urging students to make progress together with iLEAP and create a better tomorrow.

As a representative of HEC Paris in China, Ying XU provided an overview detailing the background and collaborative process between HEC Paris and SUSTech, noting the alignment between iLEAP’s educational philosophy and HEC’s entrepreneurial ethos. She praised the program’s achievements and expressed optimism for continued collaboration toward shared objectives and expansive opportunities.

Afterward, Ke LIU announced the list of graduates of the first batch of the iLEAP Business Leaders Program, followed by Zhiping SONG conferring graduation certificates on behalf of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to the students.

Yun XIAO, Vice President of Shenzhen Fenda Technology Co., Ltd. and a graduating student representative, recounted the enriching learning journey and expressed gratitude to SUSTech and all the mentors for their guidance and support. She highlighted the program’s role in nurturing not only knowledge and skills but also fostering innovative thinking and leadership.

During the event, Ke LIU also announced the establishment of the iLEAP Business Leaders Program Alumni Association, with Er XUE presenting an appointment letter to the association’s first president, Chunyang LIANG.

In his remarks, Chunyang LIANG thanked iLEAP for its guidance and pledged to uphold the program’s ethos through the alumni association, which will integrate and utilize various resources to better serve mentors, students, the University, and societal development.

As the representative of the first batch of students of the iLEAP program, Chunyang LIANG passed the class flag to Zizhou ZHAO, a representative of the second batch of students, symbolizing the commencement of a new journey for the succeeding cohort.