On February 27, 2026, Tongji SEM warmly welcomed more than 80 new international students from 25 countries around the world.

Traveling thousands of miles to gather at Tongji, the students embarked on a new academic journey to explore cutting-edge business knowledge and appreciate profound Chinese culture, surrounded by the warm sweetness of Lantern Festival glutinous rice balls and the vibrant beats of a lion dance performance.

Deputy Dean’s Address: Uphold the Passion for Knowledge, Serve as a Cross-Cultural Envoy

The opening ceremony kicked off in a lively atmosphere. Professor LIANG Jian, Deputy Dean of Tongji SEM, delivered a speech, extending his sincere welcome to all international students. He highlighted China’s remarkable achievements in recent years in science, technology and culture, especially its rapid progress and leading position in intelligent manufacturing, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

From the perspective of cross-cultural psychology and against the backdrop of an inclusive and diverse era, he explained the theory of cultural adaptation in an accessible yet insightful way.

Professor LIANG encouraged the new students to stay true to their original aspiration for knowledge, embrace different civilizations with an open and inclusive mind, and act as ambassadors for cross-cultural exchange. He urged them to scale new heights in academic research and shine brightly in the mutual learning of civilizations.

Warm Guidance: Multi-Departmental Support for a Smooth Start

To help new international students settle quickly into campus life, faculty members from the International Cooperation & Accreditation Office, Undergraduate & Postgraduate Education Center, and Student General Branch Office attended the ceremony.

They provided comprehensive guidance on key topics including visa procedures, academic requirements and daily living support, followed by an interactive Q&A session. Their detailed explanations and thoughtful advice eased the students’ initial anxiety and unfamiliarity, while conveying the school’s sincere care and strong support.

Cultural Experience: Integration of Diversity and Oriental Charm

The cultural experience segment stood out as a highlight of the ceremony.

• International students showcased unique cultural characteristics from their home countries and shared inspiring stories behind them, promoting mutual understanding and exchange among diverse civilizations.
• During the Lantern Festival celebration, students tasted glutinous rice balls, solved lantern riddles, and handmade glowing goldfish lanterns, blending the warmth of reunion with cross-cultural friendship.
• Accompanied by the inspiring soundtrack of Fearless, a spectacular lion dance performance took center stage. The new students participated in the traditional eye-dotting ceremony and interacted closely with the performers, experiencing the charm of traditional Chinese art and witnessing ancient culture thrive with youthful energy.

Campus Tour: Exploring Tongji’s Century-Old Heritage

To help new students integrate quickly, the school arranged a guided tour of the Siping Campus. Accompanied by faculty and student volunteers, the students walked along tree-lined avenues, visiting elegant and classic teaching buildings, well-stocked libraries and dynamic sports facilities.

They personally experienced the profound heritage and vibrant academic atmosphere accumulated over a century of Tongji’s history.

A New Journey Begins: Sailing with Wisdom, Writing a Brilliant Youth

This was an immersive cultural enlightenment and a remarkable academic inauguration. In the days ahead, the new international students will absorb knowledge, broaden their global vision and grow on the fertile ground of Tongji SEM. Guided by their original aspirations and powered by wisdom, they will embrace the collision and integration of diverse cultures and write their own brilliant chapters of youth.

About Tongji SEM

Adhering to the strategy of “Deeply Rooted in Germany, Linked to the World”, Tongji SEM established its first overseas platform — the Tongji SEM German-Sino Center in Berlin, Germany in 2024.

The school has developed in-depth industry-university-research cooperation with more than 100 top universities in over 30 countries and regions, offering more than 30 dual-degree programs and over 100 non-degree exchange programs, forming a diversified international talent training system.

With outstanding faculty and rigorous academic standards, Tongji SEM maintains a leading position in global rankings: it is consistently ranked among the Top 10 Business Schools in Asia-Pacific by the Financial Times, its Master in Management program was ranked 8th globally in 2025, and its Full-time MBA program was ranked 31st worldwide. In terms of academic influence, the school is also among the Top 10 mainland Chinese business schools in the UTD Worldwide Business School Research Rankings 2022–2025; 8 faculty members were selected for the 2024 Elsevier “Most Cited Chinese Researchers”, and several professors are listed among the world’s top 2% of scientists. These achievements fully demonstrate the school’s high-quality academic strength and high-level international influence.