Recently, at the Nottingham University Business School China Student Engagement and Employability Development (SEED) Scholarships Award Ceremony, 93 students from the Business School, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science and Engineering were honoured for their exceptional accomplishments in business consulting, business competitions, research, and innovative practices. Their achievements underscore the significant value of the SEED Scheme in supporting students' career development.
Acting as a bridge between classroom learning and industry practice, this year's SEED Scheme introduced the new SEED Innovation and Social Impacts Scholarship, providing a broader perspective on students' transformative journey from theory to practice.
In his opening address, Professor Kok Wei Khong, Dean of the Business School, extended his congratulations to all award recipients and mentioned, "At the heart of our university lies a mission: to empower students to learn, create, and grow. We exist to foster a vibrant community where ideas collide, from software development to lifelong learning. SEED Scheme embodies this spirit by celebrating robust, real-world learning—not just textbooks, but experiences that shape adaptable thinkers." He emphasised that the newly redesigned scholarship framework not only nurtures academic excellence but also encourages practical innovation, aiming to cultivate well-rounded professionals with both expertise and a sense of social responsibility.
Hosted by Dr Yi Wang, Director for Educational Development and Outreach at the Business School, the ceremony saw Professor Khong, along with faculty members Bo Huang, Lin Huang, and Judy Tang present certificates to the recipients. Among them were budding first-year talents who had shone in business competitions, consulting teams that had delivered solutions for enterprises, interdisciplinary research groups uncovering insights through collaboration, and innovators dedicated to rural development.
Award-winning student representatives shared reflections on their growth and hands-on experiences, offering profound inspiration to the audience. The SEED Scholarships not only document students' progression from academic study to practical application but also celebratestheir bold exploration of career pathways.
The establishment and sustained operation of the SEED Scholarships are made possible by the comprehensive support of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China Education Foundation. Moving forward, the Business School will further strengthen industry-academia collaboration, creating platforms that integrate theory and practice to help students advance steadily and confidently in their career pathways.