China alumni events spotlight AI’s role in corporate decision-making
In January 2026, Leeds University Business School hosted a series of successful alumni events in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
The events brought together graduates from across China to reconnect, exchange insights and build new relationships within the alumni community.
At the events, Dr Lu Qiao, Assistant Professor in Accounting and Finance explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping corporate decision-making across areas such as investment strategy, risk management, marketing and workforce transformation. She also addressed emerging challenges including AI-related risks, data governance, and the importance of combining technological tools with managerial judgement and domain expertise.
Alumni were highly engaged throughout the sessions, actively contributing questions, insights and real-world examples from their own professional experiences. A standout feature of this year’s events was the senior-to-junior alumni engagement model, which encouraged graduates working in similar fields to connect for peer learning, career guidance and informal mentoring. This approach sparked meaningful conversations and was widely praised for creating valuable professional connections.
Reflecting on the Guangzhou alumni event, Yujun Zhong (MA Human Resource Management, 2022) said:
“Attending the Business School alumni event in China for the third time was a truly rewarding experience. The annual lecture is always closely connected to current industry trends, and this year’s focus on AI was especially insightful. Dr Lu Qiao’s case studies, together with the perspectives shared by alumni from different sectors, offered a valuable look at both the opportunities and challenges of AI. I’m grateful to the Business School for continuing to provide such meaningful learning opportunities each year.”
Following the success of the alumni events, Dr Lu Qiao shared:
“Connecting with our alumni in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou was a truly rewarding experience. Seeing such strong turnout and enthusiastic engagement reminded me how special the Leeds University Business School alumni community is. I was especially proud to see how far our alumni have progressed in their careers, and how willing senior alumni were to support and mentor junior graduates. These meaningful conversations and connections made the events both inspiring and memorable.”
Anna Wellard and Olivia Blythman, Alumni Relations Managers at Leeds University Business School, were able to attend the China alumni events for the first time — and they had a fantastic experience. Reflecting on the trip, Olivia said:
“What an incredible alumni tour in China! We were met with great energy, great insights, and great company. Thank you to Lu Qiao for hosting insightful talks around AI, and thanks to all the alumni who made time to meet with us and who helped on the night at the events – we are really grateful. I truly appreciate everyone who joined us and offered to volunteer, support our rankings, and strengthen our LUBS alumni community! #ForeverLeeds. Our bear and rabbit mascots (Maurice and Riley) had a great time too.”
Many attendees also expressed strong interest in remaining actively involved with the Business School through mentoring, guest speaking and participation in future alumni initiatives, reinforcing the continued strength and global reach of the Leeds University Business School alumni community.
The Business School looks forward to hosting similar events in the future to strengthen our global alumni community, so keep checking our website for our latest events, news and updates and see how you can get involved.
Beijing event photos
View the photos from the Beijing event on Flickr
View photos from the Beijing event on Baidu (password: m8az)
Shanghai event photos
View the photos from the Shanghai event on Flickr
View the photos from Beijing event on Baidu (password: shpq)
Guangzhou event photos
View the photos from the Guangzhou event on Flickr
View the photos from the Guangzhou event on Baidu (password: Ae72)
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