As globalisation continues to shape the future of higher education, international collaboration has become a powerful driver of academic innovation and talent development. Towards the end of 2025, a delegation from the Singapore Management University (SMU) School of Accountancy (SOA) visited several leading universities across China, to reaffirm and expand the School’s academic partnerships in areas such as curriculum alignment and admissions.
Led by Dean of School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian Professor Zhang Liandong, the delegation included Associate Dean (Professional Programmes) Professor Wang Jiwei, and Marketing & Admissions Lead Monica Li. The delegation visited Sun Yat-sen University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Central University of Finance and Economics, Sichuan University, Nanjing Audit University, Southwest University of Finance and Economics, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, with the view to cement existing collaborations and establish avenues for new ones.
From Engagement to Collaboration: Exploring New Chapters in Academic Partnership
Strengthening Existing Ties
At Sun Yat-sen University, both institutions furthered discussions on a dual-master’s programme, finalising timelines and developing plans for curriculum alignment. The dual masters programme aims to deepen integration across graduate programmes in both institutions and offers more opportunities for talent development and pedagogical exchange.
The delegation also visited Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE), where they reviewed the effectiveness of existing programmes and identified potential areas for further cooperation. As SMU’s longstanding partner, SUFE currently sends more than 10 outstanding students annually to SOA.
As for Central University of Finance and Economics, both sides revisited the progress of the foundation and fast-track master’s pathways, reviewed student feedback, and agreed to continue expanding recruitment channels and refining programme content.
At Sichuan University, the delegation engaged in discussions focusing on the implementation of initiatives such as encouraging student participation in joint educational programmes. Although the collaboration agreement was inked only in 2024, Sichuan University is an important strategic partner for SOA in view of its strong influence in the Southwest region.
Likewise, their visit to Nanjing Audit University, another relatively new partner institution, brought fresh momentum to the collaboration. The SOA delegation met with the first cohort of students from the SMU–China Joint Class, drawing valuable feedback on their learning experience, which would the lay the foundation to advance future joint programmes.
Exploring New Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing
The delegation also travelled to several universities with the goal of exploring new academic partnerships.
During the visit to Southwest University of Finance and Economics, the two universities held in-depth and candid discussions on student recruitment trends and explored new pathways to strengthen admissions cooperation.
Separately, Professor Wang Jiwei also visited Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, where he delivered a lecture under the New Liberal Arts, New Integration, New Accounting series, focusing on “Information Disclosure and Capital Markets.” The interactive lecture explored the critical role of disclosure in building efficient capital markets.
He later travelled to Huazhong University of Science and Technology for further discussions on academic cooperation and programme development, setting the stage for deeper collaboration.
International Collaboration: Key to Academic Innovation and Talent Development
This visit significantly strengthened the School’s partnerships with key universities across China and advanced multiple areas of cooperation – from joint programmes and curriculum alignment to academic exchange and recruitment strategies. SOA remains committed to deepening these international collaborations and expanding opportunities for education and knowledge exchange for its students and faculty.
With clear plans charted for future initiatives, SOA and its Chinese partners are poised to nurture a new generation of globally connected and innovative accounting leaders.