On October 21, Kenneth McPhail, Dean of Alliance Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester, and Sherry Fu, Director of the University of Manchester China Centre, visited Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Dean Fangruo Chen welcomed the delegation, joined by Janet Chen, Acting Director of International Office.

Dean Fangruo Chen introduced Antai College's strategy of "two types of scholarship, horizontal (academic) and vertical (industry), reinforcing each other and connecting theory with practice." He shared the College's recent efforts to strengthen connections between academic research and industry practice, enhance teaching, and engage alumni through industry community courses.

Kenneth McPhail expressed great interest in Antai's forward-looking strategy, noting its similarities with the University of Manchester's concept of "partner-enabled learning". He hoped to learn more about Antai's experience in implementing this approach.

Both sides also discussed potential opportunities for international collaboration and innovative approaches to talent development. Kenneth McPhail suggested exploring joint education programmes tailored to specific industry needs. Dean Fangruo Chen emphasised that, in addition to university reputation and research strengths, the industrial characteristics and advantages of a partner institution's region should also be considered when identifying international partners.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange ideas and explore new directions for future cooperation.