On July 7, 2025, Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Xuhui Campus welcomed 80 outstanding students from 22 countries and 28 top global universities as the Antai Global Summer Program (AGSP) commenced its 2025 edition. Over the next three weeks, participants will embark on an immersive journey into Chinese business practices and cultural experiences, spanning from Xujiahui to Lingang and from classroom lectures to corporate visits.

Since its launch in 2013, AGSP has drawn over 500 participants from elite institutions including Harvard, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, and the National University of Singapore. This year’s cohort—comprising undergraduates, postgraduates, PhD candidates, and young professionals—marks the program’s most diverse and largest scale in three years. 

Opening Ceremony: Building Bridges Through Academia

Director of Antai’s International Office, Phil Wang, extended warm welcome and hosted the opening ceremony. 

Professor Xi QU, Vice Dean of Antai College of Economics and Management, addressed attendees at the opening ceremony. She emphasized how the program would equip students with insights into China’s economy, exposure to its cultural heritage, and opportunities to forge global connections. "May this vibrant summer in Shanghai inspire you with a transformative academic and cultural experience," she remarked. As part of the curriculum, Professor Qu will share her scholarly expertise through the advanced course Data, Models, and Decisions, examining quantitative approaches to complex business challenges.

Professor Ming JIANG, Academic Director of AGSP, emphasized the program’s interdisciplinary approach: "Through case studies on China’s digital economy and hands-on workshops, we aim to equip you with frameworks to analyze emerging markets—where theory meets real-world complexity." 

Mr. John Van Fleet, advisor to the summer program, shared industry perspectives: "Whether you’re interested in fintech or green energy, this program will redefine your global business mindset."

Icebreaking: Diversity Sparks Innovation

The 2025 cohort represents a dynamic mix of backgrounds and expertise. Led by Yiming ZHAO and his team, students discussed 'Business in China' expectations through interactive icebreakers to ease their transition into Shanghai. Over the next three weeks, participants will gain cutting-edge knowledge from academia and industry leaders, visit Shanghai’s corporate and cultural landmarks and develop a multidimensional understanding of China’s economic pulse. This convergence of academic exchange, business discovery, and cultural immersion promises to catalyze cross-border collaboration and cultivate a global vision for the future. As a flagship initiative of Antai College, AGSP continues to bridge cultures and empower the next generation of business leaders to explore China’s opportunities—and collectively shape a better tomorrow. 

About AGSP

Antai Global Summer Program (AGSP) is an intensive three-week, credit-bearing program conducted entirely in English. The program offers specialized courses in Chinese business, economics, and culture, complemented by corporate visits and networking events. Since its 2013 launch by Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, AGSP has bridged academic excellence and industry practice. By combining Antai faculty's cutting-edge research with corporate leaders' insights, the program delivers an immersive framework for decoding China's unique business ecosystem and cultural dynamics.