“SEM will continue to deepen cooperation with alumni, industry partners, and global institutions to foster high-quality development of its professional degree programs.”
January 4, 2025 | Chengdu—School of Economics and Management (SEM) at Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) held its annual EMBA gala, bringing together university leaders, faculty, students, and alumni to celebrate a year of success and look toward the future.
The event was attended by Professor GAO Pingping, Deputy Secretary of the CPC SWJTU Committee, along with leadership from across SWJTU and SEM.
A Year of Strategic Growth
In his opening address, GAO congratulated SEM on behalf of the university and thanked alumni and partners for their enduring support. He highlighted 2024 as a year of significant achievement for SWJTU, driven by a student-first philosophy and a clear strategic approach. “By focusing on strategic planning, institutional excellence, and key priorities, the university has made solid strides toward its goal of becoming a world-class, research-oriented institution,” GAO remarked.
He also celebrated SEM’s 40th anniversary in 2024, praising its four decades of progress. Looking ahead to SWJTU’s 130th anniversary in 2026, he called on SEM and its alumni to continue their partnership with the university in its journey toward excellence.
Innovation and Industry Collaboration
The gala featured an “E-Student Classroom” session, designed for the continuous learning of EMBA alumni. Professor HAN Ke, Dean of SEM, delivered a keynote on industry-academia-research collaboration, sharing a case study of “Alpha MAPS Eco-Brain.” He described the proprietary AI platform's innovative approach, which uses advanced algorithms to replace traditional measurements and automated intelligence to reduce manual labor. The system is currently deployed in Chengdu for intelligent air quality monitoring and management.
“We are committed to deepening our collaboration with universities, enterprises, and the government to drive environmental innovation,” HAN stated, encouraging more researchers and businesses to join these efforts.
Insights from Alumni Leaders
LAN Ronghua, a 2016 EMBA alumnus and General Manager of Chengdu BOE Technology Group, shared his professional journey and insights, encouraging current students to make the most of their time at SWJTU and embrace future challenges with confidence.
A Celebration of Culture and Talent
The evening was punctuated by a series of vibrant performances. Highlights included a musical piece blending traditional and modern instruments, a dynamic contemporary dance, and a heartfelt poetry reading celebrating SEM’s 40-year history. Students from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 classes also showcased their talents with lively song and dance numbers, filling the hall with energy and a spirit of youthful optimism.
The gala concluded in a warm, celebratory atmosphere, successfully strengthening the bonds within the EMBA community. It underscored SEM’s commitment to its students and alumni, setting an enthusiastic tone for the year ahead as they embark on new ventures.
