On July 26, the AY2024 Master’s Scholarship Recipients Welcome Reception and Industry Visit organized by the NUS Guangzhou Research Translation and Innovation Institute (NUS GRTII) was successfully held. Scholarship recipients returned to Huangpu District with pride, exploring the boundless potential of their future through in-depth exchanges and gaining insights into cutting-edge industries during the site visits—setting new coordinates for their personal career paths.
At the welcome reception, Fu Xiaofang, Senior Associate Director of NUS GRTII, extended a heartfelt welcome to the returning graduates on behalf of NUS GRTII. She encouraged students to take this opportunity to network with alumni in the Greater Bay Area, gain forward-thinking industry insights, and lay a solid foundation for their professional growth.
Alumni Sharing
Making Career Choices with Shared Vision
In the alumni sharing session, Dr. Lu Yimei, a 2018 NUS alumna and Principal Scientist at BeOne Medicines, shared her experience of joining the company after graduation. BeOne Medicines is a global biotechnology company based in Guangzhou’s Huangpu District, focused on innovative cancer therapies, and committed to providing accessible and affordable treatment options for cancer patients worldwide. Dr. Lu highlighted that BeOne Medicines offers a comprehensive talent structure encompassing R&D, production, and functional roles, and welcomes students to explore job opportunities aligned with their interests. She encouraged fresh graduates to start with a grounded mindset—leveraging their strengths to overcome unfamiliarity and grow into their roles. Her sharing offered students a clearer understanding of the biomedical industry in Huangpu District and provided valuable guidance for their career paths.
▲Dr. Lu Yimei, a 2018 NUS alumna and Principal Scientist at BeOne Medicines
Reading Huangpu District Through Its Exhibition Hall
Exploring the City’s Pulse Through Time and Vision
As part of the visit, students toured the Huangpu District Planning Exhibition Hall and the International Bio Island Pavilion. These immersive visits provided a comprehensive view of Huangpu District’s industrial strengths and its trajectory of reform, opening-up, and innovation.
At the Planning Exhibition Hall, with strategy, industry, technology and urbanization as the main themes, an expansive city model and dynamic visual displays illustrated Huangpu District’s transformation from a major manufacturing district to a leading hub of intelligent manufacturing. Students explored the district’s “Three Cities and One Island” industrial blueprint, the five hundred-billion-level industrial clusters, and three ten-billion-level industrial clusters, gaining a deep appreciation for the district’s strengths in sectors such as advanced displays, automotive manufacturing, high-end equipment, and green energy.
At the International Bio Island Pavilion, students learned about landmark projects, key enterprises, and the “4+n” core industrial development system. The guided tour helped students better understand the innovation ecosystem and growth potential of the Bio Island, offering a broader perspective on Huangpu District’s thriving biomedical industry.
Company Visits
Exploring Career Opportunities in a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem
During the industry visit, students visited HongKe Technology Co., Ltd., located in Huangpu District’s Science City. As a national-level “Little Giant” enterprise specialized in niche, high-tech innovation, HongKe is recognized for its 70+ patents and advanced technology solutions. CEO Ms. Chen Qiuyuan warmly welcomed the students, introduced the company's “Seven Business Units + Three Core Modules,” and shared her advice for new entrants to the workforce. She emphasized that the company is actively seeking talents who bring technical expertise, a proactive attitude, and sharp insight.
Next, the group visited NEXWISE, a leading AI company in the district. Ms. Zeng Yuanyuan, NUS alumna and Marketing Director at NEXWISE, introduced the company's foundational technologies and applications in AI. Drawing from her own career journey and industry knowledge, she offered forward-looking advice on talent trends in AI industry and shared strategic tips for career planning. She encouraged students to stay attuned to global trends and approach their careers with an international outlook.
These industry visits gave students a more well-rounded understanding of Huangpu District’s AI and smart manufacturing ecosystem, helping them better assess their own career planning and solidify their intent to pursue professional growth within the district.
Students’ Reflections
A Two-Way Journey with Huangpu District
In this journey of innovation and personal growth, students expressed sincere takeaways:
Lin: “One major takeaway for me was stepping outside of my purely technical perspective and beginning to appreciate how branding and market operations work together. It was a critical shift in how I perceive industry as a whole.”
Zhao: “When visiting the companies, I was particularly struck by the emphasis on customer-centric thinking. The insights shared by the professionals were immensely practical. I really appreciated the chance to engage in these conversations—it will certainly help shape my development in the workplace.”
Peng: “I'm truly grateful to the NUS alumna who introduced us to her company. This visit helped bridge the information gap I previously had and deepened my confidence in building a future career in Huangpu District.”
This event was more than just a warm homecoming for NUS scholars—it was a vibrant example of how the Master’s Scholarship Program at NUS GRTII supports Huangpu District’s ambition to attract and cultivate top talent. Looking ahead, we hope to see more global minds join hands with Huangpu District through the golden bridge of NUS GRTII, contributing to the waves of technological innovation and co-creating a grand vision of personal growth and regional prosperity!
