The 2024 Winter Graduation Ceremony of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) took place at the D.H. Lawrence Auditorium on 16 November. 7 undergraduate, 406 master's, and 12 PhD students from the Nottingham University Business School China celebrated the completion of their studies.

Professor Xincheng Xie, President of UNNC, presided over the graduation ceremony, extending congratulations to all graduates for the outstanding and successful completion of their studies.

Professor Jon Garibaldi, Provost of UNNC expressed his warmest congratulations and heartfelt expectations for the graduates, "The world needs innovators, problem solvers, and compassionate leaders, and I am confident that each of you has the potential to be just that. I wish you great success and happiness in the years to come. Always be bold and resilient and look to change the world for the better. "

At the ceremony, Dr Chenhui Yang, Executive President and Managing Partner of Dahua CPA LLP, Vice-Chairman of Profession Talent Working Committee, CICPA, was awarded the Honorary Fellow. The Business School attaches great importance to a close relationship with the industry and has signed an internship cooperation agreement with Dahua CPA LLP, providing internship opportunities for students in the MSc Finance and Investment (Professional Accounting) programme.

Professor Kok Wei Khong, Dean of the Business School, announced the list of graduates. They were also greeted by Dr Jie Yu, Associate Dean for Global Engagement and Partnership.

Linchuan Tang, a student representative from MSc International Business, delivered a speech, "We have been lucky to meet the high-quality faculty at the Business School, which helps make business visualized, inspirational, and innovative. Engaging with professors and classmates from various cultural backgrounds has enriched my understanding of international markets and business strategies. The emphasis on real-world case studies and collaborative projects cultivated my critical thinking and fostered a spirit of teamwork. Moreover, to fulfill the ambition of being international, interactive, and innovative, the internships and industry visits allowed me to vividly understand the essence of business philosophy and exert effective leadership in organizations. For now, I am equipped with capabilities to deal with the complexities of global commerce and I am excited to leverage what I have learned as I embark on my new journey."

After the successful conclusion of the ceremony, the Business School also planned a warm and grand graduation party for the graduates. At this joyous celebration, teachers and students gathered once again to look back on the past and look forward to their bright futures. Professor Kok Wei Khong attended the event and sent sincere blessings to the graduates. He expressed his hope that the graduates would stay in touch with the school and share their growth stories.

Words from graduates

Sirui Cheng, PhD in Finance

"The days I spent studying at UNNC are the most cherished and unforgettable precious moments of my life. Here, there are the best mentors who not only serve as beacons of knowledge but also provide me with immense support and encouragement. The environment is elegant and pleasant, creating a quiet harbor for the questing soul. The academic atmosphere is free and open, like the vast and boundless sky, allowing every student to realize the wonder and vastness of the world in their hearts. UNNC is not only a hall of knowledge, but it also endows us with infinite possibilities, allowing us to grow into the shape of our aspirations."

Waleed Abdulhakim Anaam Ghilan, MSc International Management (Marketing)

"A great potential becoming a reality, learning and experiencing real life situations based on real case studies, preparing my mentality to be critical and thinking beyond the box. A wonderful experience that didn't end today but expanded to future chapters."

Xinzhe Jiang, MSc International Management

"The teaching style and curriculum at UNNC have allowed me to gain a lot, comprehensively enhancing my skills. At UNNC, academics are certainly important, but life here is equally vibrant. The campus offers a variety of club activities, providing a stage for everyone, whether you're a music enthusiast or a sports lover. Every attempt here allows us to enjoy life's pleasures amidst our busy studies and find our rhythm. Speaking of the learning environment, UNNC's library and teaching buildings are truly a paradise for UNNCers. Although my time here lasted only a year, this experience marks my journey of growth. It has not only taught me knowledge but also the importance of cherishing everyone around me. These beautiful memories will forever be engraved in my heart as the most precious treasures in my life journey."

Yixuan Mao, MSc International Business

"The MSc International Business at UNNC, as an interdisciplinary master's programme, offers non-business students the opportunity to engage in business-focused professional studies, with a well-structured curriculum and broad applicability. Faculty members come from diverse international backgrounds, providing a global perspective. The teaching style is dynamic, assessments are varied, and student engagement is high. The Business School offers substantial support to IB students in areas such as career development, academic writing, and language skills, helping us integrate smoothly into an English-language academic environment and experience an enriching learning atmosphere."

Wanlin Shen, MSc International Management (Business Analytics)

"Coming to UNNC, joining the Business School, and enrolling in the MSc International Management (Business Analytics) programme has been incredibly meaningful to me. The open and inclusive campus atmosphere, strong academic environment, diverse cultural setting, and global perspective have provided me with an unforgettable learning experience. Although my time here was only a brief year, the course structure was incredibly enriching, covering topics from SQL to Python and then to Machine Learning, providing a comprehensive understanding of data analysis within a business context. This experience has been particularly valuable for me, as a science student aiming to transition into the commercial field. I am deeply grateful for the engaging and in-depth classes provided by each of our professors, as well as the enthusiastic support from our Teaching Assistants."

Ruotong Wang, MSc Finance and Investment

"My time at UNNC felt like a fast-paced adventure. At first, diving into academic English and managing a heavy course load was like falling into a knowledge black hole. Yet, with the encouragement of classmates, the guidance of professors, and every challenge I faced, I found my 'power-ups'. Late nights writing papers, inspiring discussions, and the unwavering support of friends helped me grow professionally and gave me the confidence to think independently and face the future. UNNC transformed me into not only a learner but a knowledge explorer, pushing me to venture into endless possibilities in academics, career, and life. Thank you, UNNC, for providing me with a map to explore the world. With this growth and newfound courage, I'm ready to embrace my next adventure!"

Ruobing Zhang, MSc International Business (Supply Chain Management)

"This year has been incredibly fulfilling and meaningful. In Meishan, I immersed myself in a focused academic environment, absorbing the nourishment of knowledge. Later, at MIT, I experienced life at a world-class university, engaging in enriching exchanges and collaborations with numerous exceptional mentors, and gaining invaluable experience and insights. Returning to UNNC, I was once again captivated by its vibrant, open, diverse, and inclusive campus life, where the atmosphere always feels free and refreshing. This year, both in my academic pursuits and interpersonal interactions, I have benefited tremendously, laying a solid foundation for my future."

Jingjing Zou, MSc International Management (Marketing)

"Having spent five years at UNNC, I have formed a deep connection with this place. I believe UNNC is a university that genuinely prioritizes its students' learning experiences, providing abundant resources to expand our horizons. I am profoundly grateful to the mentors I encountered here, whose expertise is vast and whose passion for teaching is unwavering. Whether I needed clarification on theories and methodologies or sought advice on personal matters, they were always ready to provide insightful guidance and support. I am equally thankful for my friends, each with their unique strengths—some excelled academically, while others offered profound perspectives on life. Their ideas consistently broadened my thinking and enriched my understanding. My time at UNNC has been a journey of growth and discovery, equipping me with the confidence and determination to chase my dreams and adding an unforgettable chapter to my life."