Last November, our SMU School of Accountancy (SoA) faculty visited various cities in China to reconnect with partners and alumni, while establishing new relationships with potential partners.
Dr Wang Jiwei, Associate Professor of Accounting (Practice), Programme Director of the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) Programmes, as well as Dr Wang Rencheng, Associate Professor of Accounting, Co-Director, Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) Programme, recently visited several prominent Chinese universities categorized under the "985," "211," "Double First-Class Initiative" frameworks to explore potential partnerships for the MPA and MSA programmes at SoA. The institutions visited include East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), renowned for its strong engineering and science programs; Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), specializing in foreign languages and international studies; Tongji University, esteemed for its engineering, architecture, and business disciplines; and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), distinguished for its contributions to aerospace engineering and research.
Prof Wang Jiwei also visited China University of Geosciences, a national key institution recognised for its strengths in geology and geological resources, and the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), a leading university specialising in economics, finance, international business, management, and law.
The SoA faculty delegation also reconnected with existing partner universities – Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE), Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE), Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE), Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL) and Tsinghua University, to discuss opportunities for further collaboration.
These visits aimed to enhance and grow partnerships in academic offerings and broaden global engagement of SoA's MPA and MSA programmes, with the goal of establishing collaborations with over 40 universities.
Beyond partnership opportunities, our professors also took the opportunity to reconnect with the SMU Accountancy alumni residing in the cities they visited.
In Shanghai, they hosted the SMU Accounting Masters Alumni Networking and Sharing Dinner Session at Shangri-La Hotel which was attended by over 20 alumni from the MPA and MSA programmes. The SMU Alumni Shanghai Chair Steven Guo also graced the occasion.
The professors provided the latest updates about the school, including recent developments, ongoing initiatives, and advancements in the various programs. This was an excellent opportunity for alumni to gain insight into the school's progress and future direction.
In turn, the alumni took the stage to share personal updates, offering glimpses into their lives and professional journeys. They spoke about their career achievements, challenges, and lessons learned, fostering a sense of community and mutual inspiration. This exchange of updates strengthened the bond between the alumni and the school and created a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing among the attendees.
A week later, a second alumni gathering followed at Qingfeng Valley Party Pavilion, Beijing. This time, alumni from the MPA and MSA programmes were joined by other alumni from the Tsinghua-SMU Master of Science in CFO Leadership (MCFO) programme and guests from our partner university, Tsinghua University.
At the request of the SOA Beijing Alumni Group, Professor Wang delivered an engaging talk titled Sustainability: Insights from Singapore. The session focused on emerging trends in sustainability and their impact on the accounting profession. Professor Wang highlighted Singapore's forward-thinking initiatives in green urban planning, renewable energy adoption, and corporate sustainability practices. By connecting these developments to evolving accounting frameworks and standards, he provided actionable insights and global best practices. The talk sparked engaging discussions among alumni, encouraging them to consider the critical role accountants play in driving sustainable development.
These gatherings provided a fantastic opportunity for alumni to reconnect, network, and exchange insights while strengthening the bond within our SMU Accounting community in China. Alumni had the chance to share updates on their personal and professional journeys, reflecting on their career achievements and experiences. Additionally, Professor Wang’s talk on Sustainability: Insights from Singapore enriched the discussion by providing valuable perspectives on sustainable development practices.
We look forward to more opportunities to deepen our connections with alumni and overseas partners, fostering meaningful collaborations and celebrating the continued success of our community.
[Feature Photo Caption: SMU Accounting Masters Alumni Networking and Sharing Dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel]
