INTERVIEW WITH THE DEAN
• Adaptability and continuous learning ability: Leaders must be able to adapt quickly to new challenges and opportunities. They need to cultivate a growth mindset, embrace lifelong learning and continuously update their knowledge and skills. “At USTC’s Faculty of Business for Science and Technology, we are building our curriculum around these skills, integrating STEM disciplines with management education, deepening industry engagement and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.” With all the economic and geopolitical upheaval that the world is currently facing, do you believe there is still room for optimism when it comes to the future of the global business school sector? “Absolutely, I remain fully optimistic about the future of the global business school sector. The essence of human social development is the continuous expansion of collaboration boundaries – and business education plays a crucial role in fostering that. While
community, contributing to the optimisation of global accreditation systems. Third, I will advocate for a more inclusive global dialogue that respects diverse educational traditions and adapts to the changing needs of the AI era. “From the Chinese academic tradition, there are two unique characteristics that I hope to share. First up is the integration of “knowledge, ability and value” in talent cultivation. In our educational philosophy, it emphasises not only the acquisition of knowledge and the development of abilities, but also the shaping of values, including personal dreams and social responsibility. This ‘trinity’ model is particularly relevant in the AI era, as it ensures that leaders are not only technically proficient but also ethically responsible and socially conscious. “Then there is the emphasis on foundational skills and interdisciplinary integration. USTC attaches great importance to the cultivation of mathematical foundations and data analytical capabilities, along with cross-disciplinary thinking. This enables students to adapt to rapid technological changes and drive
innovation at the intersection of different fields. For example, our emphasis on integrating STEM with management education has proven effective in nurturing ‘five-pillar’ talents who can bridge the gap between science, technology and business.”
economic and geopolitical upheaval brings short-term challenges, it also creates long-term opportunities for business schools to rethink their mission and adapt to the changing needs of society. “Geopolitical conflicts are temporary, but extensive global co-operation remains the core driving force
What skills are necessary nowadays for MBA graduates to become efficient and productive leaders? “In today’s marketplace, MBA graduates need a comprehensive set of skills that combine technological literacy, business acumen and human-centric capabilities to become efficient and productive leaders. Based on USTC’s practice and global trends, I believe the following four key skills are indispensable. • Tech-business integration capability: In an era where technology is the core driver of business growth, leaders must understand both technological frontiers and business logic. They need to be able to identify how emerging technologies can create business value and translate technological opportunities into actionable strategies. • Data-driven decision-making ability: With the explosion of data, leaders must be proficient in analysing complex datasets, extracting insights and making evidence-based decisions. This requires not only analytical skills, but also the ability to interpret data in the context of business goals and ethical standards. • Cross-cultural communication and global vision: In a globally interconnected world, leaders must be able to communicate effectively with diverse teams, understand different cultural contexts and navigate geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
Hefei’s status as a global hub for next-gen technology creates an unparalleled ecosystem for the school’s MBA programme
of civilisational progress. Business schools have a unique responsibility to convey inclusive, sustainable and collaborative values to students, providing them with the ability to navigate complex global environments, build cross-border partnerships and drive win-win outcomes. “The AI revolution and technology-driven industrial transformation are creating unprecedented demand for interdisciplinary, tech-savvy business leaders. Business schools that can adapt to this trend, by integrating technology with management education, deepening industry engagement and nurturing human-centric skills, will thrive. Those institutions that succeed will not compete with STEM disciplines but converge with them, helping societies turn technological potential into durable organisational capability and long-term value creation. “Finally, global business schools have a long history of adapting to crises and driving innovation. From the industrial revolution to the digital age, business schools have continuously evolved their curricula and practices to meet the needs of the times. Today, as we face new challenges, this adaptability will enable the sector to emerge stronger, more inclusive and more relevant, playing a central role in shaping a more collaborative, innovative and sustainable global future.”
Ambition • ISSUE 3 • 2026 15
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