To strengthen university–industry collaboration and align education with the evolving needs of China’s innovation economy, a delegation from the Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI), Xiamen University, visited four major technology companies in Shenzhen from December 16 to 18, 2025. The visit was led by Deputy Deans Professor Gan Senzhong and Madam He Dongmei, and included both Chinese and international faculty as well as administrative staff.
Shenzhen, known as China’s innovation hub, offered the delegation valuable insights into how technology, design, and artificial intelligence are transforming talent expectations and educational priorities. The visits aimed to deepen cooperation under the theme of “University–Industry Synergy for Creative Talent Development.”
Exploring Potential Industry Partnerships
The ICI delegation’s first stop was OPPO, a fast-growing global leader in smart devices and mobile technology. During the visit, faculty members and OPPO leadership exchanged insights on how AI-driven design is reshaping creative education and industrial innovation. OPPO executives presented their company’s design and R&D strategies, demonstrating how AI and user-centered innovation are reshaping creative processes. OPPO’s HR and design directors highlighted the growing demand for graduates with interdisciplinary thinking, cultural literacy, and global awareness—strengths that align closely with ICI’s international curriculum. ICI alumna Lin Yaxin, now a professional at OPPO, shared how her cross-cultural education gave her a competitive edge in the industry.
BYD, a global leader in new energy vehicles and sustainable technology, exemplifies this vision through its commitment to cultivating multidisciplinary, globally minded professionals. As the second stop on their industry tour, the ICI delegation visited BYD, where executives showcased breakthroughs in new energy technology, from blade batteries to intelligent driving systems. During discussions, BYD’s HR management emphasized that successful graduate candidates must demonstrate communication, problem-framing, and cross-cultural collaboration skills, beyond technical qualifications. Both sides agreed to explore new models of practical training and global partnership.
Tencent, a globally recognized leader in internet technology and digital services, embodies innovation that connects people and industries through its “Tech for Good” philosophy. At Tencent, the ICI delegation explored interactive exhibits showcasing digital innovation and its positive impact. Discussions centered on targeted talent development programs and collaboration in internships, employment guidance, and enterprise mentorship. Tencent executives also emphasized the need to nurture designers who can bridge creativity with ethical technological practices.
The ICI delegation’s industry tour concluded at Maxvision Technology, a leading high-tech enterprise specializing in AI, robotics, and multimodal perception. Discussions centered on new talent needs in AI-driven industries, highlighting the growing importance of design interpretation, storytelling skills, and the ability to integrate international cultural perspectives into technological solutions.
Building Industry-Ready Global Graduates
Across all four enterprises, a consistent message emerged: today’s industries demand graduates who blend technical expertise with creativity, communication skills, and intercultural understanding. This alignment reinforces ICI’s unique position as a bridge between global creativity and China’s innovation ecosystem, integratin international teaching excellence with practice-oriented education. Moving forward, the Institute will translate these partnerships into tangible collaborations—through joint courses, practice bases, and internship programs—to nurture graduates capable of thriving at the intersection of design, technology, and human experience.
