On 7 September 2024, the commencement ceremony of Soochow University's MBA class of 2024 was held ceremoniously in Cunju Hall of Soochow University. Yao Jianlin, Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Soochow University, Zhang Jinping, Dean of the Graduate School of Soochow University, Liu Zhiming, Secretary of the Party Committee of Soochow University Business School, Feng Bo, Dean of Soochow University Business School, Huang Xiaohui, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Soochow University Business School and Vice Dean of Soochow University Business School, Shen Weise, Deputy Director of Soochow University MBA Centre, Li Ke, President of the MBA Alumni Association of Soochow University, Qi Wenshi, Chairman of the MBA Federation, representatives of the MBA Federation, Alumni representatives, representatives of students applying for 2025 MBA, and all the new MBA students of class 2024 attended the opening ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Wang Weisha, Jiangsu Provincial Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of MBA Centre.

In his speech, Yao Jianlin, Standing Committee of the Party Committee of Soochow University and Vice President of Soochow University, firstly expressed his heartfelt congratulations and warm welcome to the new MBA students of the Class of 2024, and expressed his heartfelt thanks to friends from all walks of life who cared about and supported the development of MBA education in Soochow University. Yao Jianlin introduced the long history, construction and development of Soochow University as well as the outstanding contributions made in talent cultivation and social service in recent years. Since the operation of Soochow MBA programme, Soochow University has delivered various kinds of professional talents to the society and made important contributions to the economic construction and social development of the country. He also put forward three expectations for all the new students: to establish global vision and strategic thinking, to be good at examining problems and formulating strategies from a global perspective; to strengthen the sense of innovation and practical ability, and to transform the knowledge gained into the ability to solve practical problems; to adhere to the integrity-based and responsibility, to abide by the professional ethics, and to be brave enough to take social responsibility, and to contribute to the construction of a harmonious society. Finally, President Yao expressed his best wishes to all the new students.

Professor Feng Bo, Dean of the School of Business, firstly introduced the history of the development of the School of Business, and then introduced the several characteristics of SU MBA programme, which are: integration of industry and education, cultivating excellent talents; intellectual empowerment, boosting economic development; boldness to take on responsibility, fulfilling the mission of the society; and firmness in the beginning, bearing the responsibility of the times. Finally, President Feng encouraged the new students to be firm in their ideals, to move forward bravely, to stand at the head of the tide, and to dream a new journey.

Professor Ma Juan, the representative of the faculty of Soochow University Business School, said that she would do her best to provide students with quality teaching services and to teach and solve problems for them, and also pay attention to students' personal development and give full play to their potential. At the same time, she encouraged everyone to communicate with each other, inspire each other and make progress together.

Yang Yiyi, the representative of new students, shared his reasons for enrolling in SUU MBA. He chose SU MBA not only because of the profound humanistic heritage of Soochow University, but also the rich forum communication and theoretical and practical activities of SU MBA. Yang Yiyi said that on the platform of SU MBA, we should learn from each other, integrate and develop, hone ourselves, face difficulties and challenges bravely, and become stronger and more mature. Finally, I wish all of you have a fulfilling and enjoyable learning experience.

In the alumni speech, Xu Pan, 2019 MBA alumnus of Soochow University, shared his own experience and gains from studying MBA. Xu Pan shared his experience of studying MBA at Soochow University, including the rich classroom content, the rich competition activities, and the many excellent classmates he has met during his study. In the end, Xu Pan wished everyone could relive the happiness of the campus, gain professional knowledge and find their own lighthouse in life.

Li Shuangshuang, the representative of the current students, shared her thoughts on her MBA study. Combining her own experience, she encouraged everyone to actively integrate into the classroom body, deeply participate in classroom discussion and group cooperation as well as academic or sports and cultural competitions, and grow up together with SU MBA. Finally, she hoped that everyone would have a pleasant, rewarding and fulfilling MBA journey.

Jiang Xiadan, a candidate for SUU MBA 2025, shared her determination and expectation to join the SUU MBA family. Expecting to be admitted to SUU MBA and re-experience campus life, she also emphasised that SUU MBA's faculty team with international vision and the teaching method that integrates practice and innovation have attracted her to attend SUU MBA, and she is looking forward to meeting all of you in the future in the journey of SUU MBA, and writing a wonderful chapter together.

Mr Ye Xiaoming, the founder and chairman of Qianrong Holdings, shared with MBA freshmen the ‘Analysis of Macroeconomy and Investment Environment’, and briefly analysed the evolution of science and technology creation wave, the iteration of investment strategy at this stage, and the creation of industry chain ecology. She explained the current situation and connection between science and innovation, investment environment, and composite industrial ecology, and gave a wonderful report to everyone.

Finally, the seniors of MBA Alumni Association and Federation introduced the organisational structure and activities of MBA Alumni Association and Federation, as well as the rich experiences and thoughts after the Desert Challenge of Asia-Pacific Business Schools, Xinjiang Challenge and Xuanzang Road Gobi Challenge. They let everyone know the important events and main activities that they can participate in during their MBA study in Soochow University, and hope that they can choose the right events to participate in according to their own interests, enrich their MBA experience in school and achieve more brilliance.

So far, the opening ceremony of Soochow University's MBA class of 2024 has come to a successful end! We will usher in a new beginning. May all the MBA new students take courage as the sail and wisdom as the rudder, defy difficulties and go forward. In the coming days, prove the value with actions and write brilliance with achievements.