Participants from 10 countries wrapped up a three-week learning journey at the 2025 BEST Workshop, hosted by Shanghai University of Finance and Economics as part of its Shanghai Summer School program, on July 18.

Twenty-one students from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, the United States, Belgium, Estonia, Ukraine, the Republic of Korea, and Indonesia took part in a hands-on program that integrated business, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and Chinese culture.

In a packed series of thematic lectures, students analyzed real-world cases, simulated boardroom scenarios, and debated investment strategies. They explored how China's booming new energy vehicle sector is creating space for venture capital and industry investors, studied digital marketing tactics tailored to the NEV market, and discussed platform economy practices unique to China. SUFE faculty and guest experts guided them through resilience-building strategies for companies, using data and early warning tools, and explained the country's innovation and entrepreneurship policies at national, municipal, and regional levels.

In off-campus visits, students teamed up with SUFE volunteers to explore leading enterprises. At NEV companies, they examined design processes and brand positioning. At a one-stop investment service center, they learned how cross-border enterprises navigate local business landscapes. At a startup incubation center, they engaged with early-stage entrepreneurs and reviewed the resources available to bring ideas to life, from policy support to financing.

Cultural immersion was equally hands-on. With brushes in hand, students practiced Chinese calligraphy by writing characters such as "福" (blessing) and "和" (harmony). They sewed silk sachets for the Dragon Boat Festival, mimicked tai chi movements, and hand-painted traditional fans. During a tea ceremony, they sampled different brews while learning about etiquette and preparation. After each activity, they presented the stories behind their creations.

On the final day, students delivered business pitch presentations that drew on their cultural insights, market research, and on-site visits. Each team proposed product or service ideas rooted in cross-cultural trends, showcasing market awareness and strong teamwork.

"The three weeks of rich content and cultural immersion reshaped how I understand China," said Hidayah Osman from the United States. "Conversations with SUFE students gave us the clearest bridge to real, relatable cultural understanding."

French student Louis Olivares added, "The on-site visits were a turning point for our business pitch. The industry insights we got inspired our startup plan. I'm especially grateful for the SUFE team's practical advice during our modeling process — it captured the East-West exchange at the heart of this program and strengthened my confidence in working with the Chinese market."

Source: Official WeChat account of SUFE International Cultural Exchange School at "SHUPL-SICE"