“The age of AI is not the final chapter of business education — it marks a new beginning in redefining the essence of leadership.”

— Professor Kenneth McPhail, Dean of Alliance Manchester Business School

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), Professor Kenneth McPhail, Head of AMBS at The University of Manchester, recently visited China and attended a series of events hosted by the University of Manchester China Centre in Shanghai. His visit included media engagements, keynote discussions, the 3rd Artificial Intelligence Forum, and an alumni gala dinner — all highlighting the School’s strategic vision and confidence in shaping the future of business education.

Exploring the New Mission of Business Education

During a media roundtable, Professor McPhail engaged in in-depth discussions with financial and education media outlets in Shanghai. Local media praised AMBS for “standing at the forefront of innovation in business education for six decades, and profoundly shaping generations of business leaders through its ‘Original Thinking Applied’ philosophy.”

Reflecting on the School’s development and future plans, Professor McPhail emphasized the importance of combining a global perspective with local relevance in business education. He noted that in a rapidly globalizing world, management education must transcend cultural and geographical boundaries while staying closely aligned with local business practices and industry needs — enabling students to apply knowledge effectively in real-world contexts.

In a separate session titled “Forging Global Leadership Through Business Education in Challenging Times,” Professor McPhail elaborated on the transformative role of MBA education. “MBA programmes are not merely about knowledge transfer — they serve as catalysts for career transformation,” he stated. In today’s uncertain global landscape, AMBS’s mission is to cultivate a new generation of leaders who can navigate cross-cultural contexts and lead with a sustainable mindset. He underscored that future leaders must demonstrate intercultural competence, work effectively across diverse environments, and commit to long-term, responsible business growth.

McPhail at the UoM China Centre

AI Forum: Redefining the Path of Learning

A highlight of the visit was Professor McPhail’s participation in the 3rd Artificial Intelligence Forum, themed “Boundless Intelligence, Inspired the Future – AI Redefining the Engine of Business.”

In his keynote speech, “Business Education and Leadership in the Age of AI,” he remarked that “Artificial intelligence is redefining the boundaries of business education, while the human dimensions of leadership — ethical judgment, cross-cultural understanding, and creative thinking — are becoming increasingly vital.”

Prof. McPhail delivered the keynote

The forum gathered distinguished speakers from academia and industry, including Mr. Francis Ping, Chairman of Shanghai Condor Bilingual School (SCBS) and Chairman & CEO of Lang Sheng Investments; Dr. Richard Hua, Operating Partner at Advent International Supervision Director of China National Pharmaceutical Packaging Association (CNPPA); Mr. Jianwei Qi, Founder and CEO of HHS Robotics. Together, they shared insights from the perspectives of investment, education, and entrepreneurship, exploring how AI is reshaping business models and talent development.

The event also marked the official launch of the Alumni AI+ Club, unveiled by Prof. Kenneth McPhail, Ms. Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, Mr. Josh Gabriel, Senior Programme Manager at the British Council, and Manchester alumni: Mr. Francis Ping, Dr. Richard Hua, Mr. Jianwei Qi, Dr. Lihui Wang. This new platform will connect alumni resources globally, promoting professional exchange, resource sharing, and innovation collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence.

Strengthening the Alumni Network

Concluding the celebration, the AMBS 60th Anniversary Alumni Gala Dinner took place in Shanghai, bringing together more than a hundred Chinese alumni for a night of reconnection and reflection. Professor McPhail joined alumni in revisiting the School’s six decades of growth and envisioning new opportunities for collaboration. The evening not only celebrated AMBS’s achievements but also showcased the vibrancy and strength of its global alumni community.

Through a series of high-level engagements, Professor McPhail’s visit deepened the partnership between AMBS and its Chinese stakeholders, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration. With the launch of the Alumni AI+ Club and continued cooperation in innovation and education, AMBS’s presence and influence in China are set to reach new heights.

As Ms. Sherry Fu remarked, “The 60th anniversary marks both a milestone and a new beginning. The China Centre will continue to serve as a bridge between Manchester and China, advancing innovation in business education and nurturing the next generation of future-oriented leaders.”