On 18 February, the first cohort of trainees from the Samsonite Young Talents Advanced Training Programme successfully graduated after three stages of intensive study, under the joint approval of the professors of the Nottingham University Business School China (NUBS China) and the executives of Samsonite.

This programme is designed to improve the comprehensive business ability of Samsonite's young talents through a three-stage course that helps students understand themselves and this current dynamic era and deepen their understanding of Samsonite's organisation and strategy. The programme has provided courses with both theoretical and practical knowledge, encouraging participants to integrate knowledge and experience to develop a new mode of business cognition and thinking.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Innovation and Enterprise Building at UNNC. Professor Kok Wei Khong, Dean of NUBS China, addressed the participants with welcoming remarks, "We believe that education is about more than just acquiring knowledge. It is about developing the skills, confidence and adaptability necessary to tackle complex challenges to drive positive change. We hope that through our executive education programme, you have gained not only a comprehensive and systematic understanding of business knowledge but also a deeper understanding of yourselves and the world around you."

Professor Khong also encouraged trainees to celebrate their success. As a part of a remarkable group of executives and leaders, they have a unique opportunity to create positive change in organisations, industries and communities.

Subsequently, the training programme's six groups presented their achievements, and put forward several good ideas and plans for the development of Samsonite given the impact of digitalisation and new consumption, which was highly praised by the guests.

Mr Frank Ma, President of Samsonite Greater China, expressed his gratitude for the trainees' learning and growth. He said that he was very honoured to work with UNNC to develop high-potential talents for the company's sustainable development. Mr Ma also stressed the importance of applying what has been learned, "It is easier to learn than to do. I hope all the trainees will not only maintain this spirit of perseverance in learning, but also apply what you have learned and thought during the training to practical work. I hope you all will become the mainstays of the company in the future."

Mr Gavin Chen, a student representative, shared what he has learned during the whole programme. He mentioned that meeting his peers and teachers here was a wonderful experience, which benefited him a lot.

Professor Martin Liu, Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange at NUBS China, said in the end that the gathering here and now should not make everyone sad because of the parting, but instead, there should be joy because of the progression everybody made. "The programme is not the end, but another beginning. I hope you will contribute to the digital transformation of the future."

NUBS China's top-level executive training aims to provide solutions, wisdom, support and innovative power to cultivate international talent for industry leaders (such as CRRC, AVIC, CR Pharmaceutical, POWERCHINA, and others). The programme is supported by world-renowned scientific research and a faculty that has rich industry and consulting experience. It closely integrates multidisciplinary fields such as engineering, humanities and the social sciences. The programme combines cutting-edge academic knowledge, practical results, the best global business cases and concepts in liberal arts education which are then delivered in the classroom. The programme is always in close contact with industry leaders to actively explore the talent needs and management strategies of large enterprises. The goal is to help Chinese enterprises become world-class in stature by cultivating world-class enterprise leaders and contributing to their strengths.