On April 23, the opening ceremony of the University of Science and Technology Beijing– Zenith Steel Group Executive Development Program in Business Management was held at Zenith Steel Group (Nantong) Co., Ltd..
Attendees included Zhao Jintao, Vice President of Zenith Steel Group; Dong Liyuan, Group Vice President and General Manager of the Nantong company; Zhang Dalin, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission at USTB; and Wei Gu, Dean of USTB's School of Economics and Management.
Zhang said USTB, the first higher education institution dedicated to the iron and steel industry established after the founding of the People's Republic of China, has maintained close ties with the sector. Drawing on that heritage, SEM has developed strengths in business management, the digital economy and green development, supported by substantial teaching and research expertise. It has educated many managers with interdisciplinary skills. Since their partnership began in 2016, USTB and Zenith Steel have achieved results in recruitment, professional development and research innovation. Zhang described the program as a further step in their strategic partnership and in integrating education with industry needs.
Dong emphasized the importance of innovation and skilled personnel to corporate competitiveness. He said Zenith Steel's next stage of development requires managers with broad knowledge and interdisciplinary expertise. He hoped the program would broaden participants' perspectives and strengthen their professional capabilities, while creating opportunities for further cooperation.
Participant representative Zhang Wenqin pledged to engage actively in the program, enhance his management knowledge and professional capabilities, and contribute to the company's high-quality development.
At the ceremony, leaders from both parties presented books to participant representatives and pinned USTB badges on them, symbolizing their shared expectations for the participants' continued learning and professional growth.
Following the ceremony, Wang Lei, Associate Professor in SEM's Department of Business Administration, delivered a lecture entitled “Leadership with Chinese Characteristics in the AI Era,” examining the concept's core principles and practical applications in light of current AI developments.
Gong Yishan, deputy general manager of Zenith Steel's Nantong subsidiary, chaired the ceremony. Company department heads, SEM faculty representatives and all program participants attended.
