On March 12, emlyon business school Asia held the opening ceremony for the 2026 Spring Asian Campus Semester (ACS) at East China Normal University’s Downtown Campus in Shanghai. Students from different programs and diverse cultural backgrounds gathered together to officially begin their academic and exploratory journey in Shanghai, in the presence of school representatives, corporate partners, and alumni guests.

This semester, students participating in the Asian Campus Semester come from the following programs:

• Global BBA Year 3
• Master in Management – Grande École
• MSc in Healthcare Innovation and Data Intelligence
• MSc in Global Sales Excellence

As an important component of emlyon’s global learning ecosystem, the Asian Campus Semester offers students a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into Asia’s business environment and cultural context. Through academic courses, company engagement, and intercultural exchange, students are able to broaden their perspectives in a truly international setting and build valuable experience for their future careers.

Inspiring Remarks from Academic and Industry Leaders

During the ceremony, several distinguished guests delivered remarks, sharing their perspectives and expectations for the upcoming semester from the viewpoints of academic collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and career development.

▲ Dr. Wenlong XING, Dean, emlyon business school Asia

Dr. Wenlong XING, Dean, emlyon business school Asia, welcomed the students and emphasized that the Asia Campus is not only a place to study business, but also an important gateway for understanding different cultures and business environments. He encouraged students to remain curious and open-minded, to observe Chinese society and its business landscape, and to continue exploring beyond the classroom so that the semester becomes a truly international learning experience.

▲ Prof. Shuguang KUAl, Director, International Cooperation & Exchange Division, Office of International Education at ECNU

Prof. Shuguang KUAI, Director, International Cooperation & Exchange Division, Office of International Education at ECNU, reflected on the longstanding partnership between the two institutions. He noted that the arrival of more international students continues to enrich the university’s multicultural campus environment. He encouraged students to take full advantage of the open and inclusive learning atmosphere, engage with peers from different countries, and immerse themselves in campus life. The university, he added, will provide strong support to help students integrate smoothly into their academic and daily life in Shanghai.

▲ Mr. Antoine LAMY, General Manager China of Lingge Group, emlyon alumni (ESC, Class of 2000)

Representing emlyon’s alumni community, Mr. Antoine LAMY, General Manager China of Lingge Group and an emlyon alumni (ESC, Class of 2000), shared insights from his professional experience in China. He encouraged students to actively build networks, expand their social connections, and gain a deeper understanding of local culture through authentic interactions. He also emphasized that maintaining an open mindset and experimenting with new ways of communication in cross-cultural environments are essential skills for future professional development.

▲ Prof. Nikola ZIVLAK, Associate Dean for Programs and international Cooperation at emlyon Asia

Following this, Prof. Nikola ZIVLAK, Associate Dean for Programs and international Cooperation at emlyon Asia, presented a series of data and examples highlighting China’s rapid development and Shanghai’s economic vitality. From industrial scale to innovation ecosystems, he illustrated the growing importance of the Chinese market from multiple perspectives.

He also introduced the structure and key components of the ACS semester, providing students with a clearer understanding of the courses and corporate projects they will engage with in the coming months. For many students, this presentation served as their “first class” after arriving in China, opening new perspectives for the semester ahead.

Looking Ahead: Beginning a Cross-Cultural Learning Journey in Shanghai

The opening ceremony not only marks the beginning of a new academic semester, but also the start of a cross-cultural journey. Over the coming months, students will live and study in Shanghai—one of the world’s most dynamic international cities—while gaining deeper insights into China’s business environment and social culture.

Through academic learning, corporate engagement, and campus activities, students will continue to strengthen their cross-cultural communication skills and deepen their understanding of the global business landscape. For many of them, this semester represents not only an academic experience, but also an important stage for broadening perspectives and rediscovering the world.

As cultures meet and new perspectives emerge, we hope that every student will build meaningful friendships and achieve personal growth at the emlyon Asia Campus—turning this encounter across continents into the starting point for an even broader future.