日期：2026-10-29 浏览：12作者：UoM China Centre
Professor Ken McPhail, Head of Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) at the University of Manchester, recently concluded a visit to China, accompanied by Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of the University of Manchester China Centre.
The visit included engagements with Zhejiang University School of Management and GCL Group, alongside participation in the 2026 Sustainability Global Leaders Conference, an artificial intelligence seminar, a University of Manchester alumni association meeting in Shanghai, and the International Business School Conference (IBSSC) hosted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Focusing on global leadership, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, talent development, green energy and international expansion strategies, the visit provided opportunities for in-depth dialogue with academic institutions, industry leaders and fellow business school deans, further strengthening AMBS's partnerships and collaborative network in China.
On 18 October, Professor McPhail and Dr Fu visited Zhejiang University, where they were warmly welcomed by Professor Xie Xiaoyun, Dean of the School of Management and Dean of the International Business School at Zhejiang University, together with members of the school's leadership team. Discussions focused on innovation in business education, talent development and opportunities for future collaboration. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to building on existing partnerships, strengthening academic engagement and advancing practical cooperation between China and the UK in business and management education.
Later that day, Professor McPhail and representatives of the University of Manchester China Centre visited GCL Group, where they were received by Wu Zhiguo, Vice President of GCL Group; Liu Jiajia, Co-General Manager of the Human Resources and Director Management Centre, and Vice President of GCL University; and other senior executives.
During the visit, Professor McPhail delivered a keynote address entitled "Forging Global Leadership in an Era of Uncertainty", exploring how business leaders can strengthen strategic resilience, cross-cultural communication and global perspectives amid an increasingly complex and unpredictable operating environment.
The visit also provided a platform for discussions on potential collaboration in green energy, materials technology and international expansion strategies, with both parties exploring new opportunities to strengthen links between academia, research and industry.
On 19 October, Professor McPhail attended an artificial intelligence seminar jointly organised by the University of Manchester China Centre and the Artificial Intelligence and WebX Association of Peking University Shanghai Alumni Association.
In his keynote address, Professor McPhail examined the evolving nature of leadership in the age of artificial intelligence, highlighting the need to rethink leadership capabilities and organisational values as emerging technologies reshape business and society.
During the event, Dr Fu and Bai Shuo, President of the Peking University Shanghai Alumni Association, exchanged certificates recognising their organisations as friendly cooperation partners. The exchange marked an important milestone in fostering collaboration between the two university alumni networks in the field of artificial intelligence.
On 20 October, Professor McPhail participated in the 2026 Sustainability Global Leaders Conference, where he shared insights into the role of business education in advancing sustainability and supporting the transformation of corporate leadership.
He emphasised that business schools have a distinctive contribution to make across four key areas: academic research, education and teaching, institutional social responsibility, and the development of innovation ecosystems.
His remarks highlighted the importance of embedding sustainability into business education and preparing future leaders to navigate complex economic, environmental and societal challenges.
From 21 to 22 October, Professor McPhail and Dr Fu attended the IBSSC hosted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
During the forum, they met with Professor Chen Fangruo, Dean of the Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, to exchange perspectives on the international development of business schools, talent cultivation and opportunities for global collaboration in business education.
The discussions reinforced the shared commitment to strengthening international academic engagement and developing future-ready business leaders equipped to address global challenges.
During his visit to Shanghai, Professor McPhail also attended the inaugural meeting of the third council of the University of Manchester Alumni Association under the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association (SORSA).
The meeting brought together alumni council representatives to discuss the continued development of the University of Manchester's alumni network, opportunities for resource sharing and future collaboration.
Professor McPhail's participation underscored the University's commitment to maintaining strong connections with its alumni community and fostering meaningful engagement between graduates, academia and industry.
Professor McPhail's visit further strengthened Alliance Manchester Business School's relationships with leading Chinese universities, businesses and alumni communities, reaffirming its commitment to international engagement and cross-sector collaboration.
Looking ahead, the University of Manchester China Centre will continue to draw on the University's global network and strengths in business education to expand partnerships in emerging areas, including international leadership development, environmental, social and governance (ESG), green energy and international business expansion.
Through continued engagement across geographical and industry boundaries, the China Centre aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, encourage collaborative innovation and contribute to the development of responsible, globally minded business leaders.
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