Launched three years ago, the programme is jointly managed by the two institutes. This year, 22 students have joined the programme in Suzhou and will be engaged in learning about big data and AI in the coming two years. After a brief introduction to SKEMA's SKY25 strategic plan, Matthieu Dumont, director of the Suzhou campus, said: "All of you will have a great time studying at XJTU and become outstanding alumni of SKEMA in the near future."
Patrice Houdayer (SKEMA's vice dean of programmes, international and student life) and Nicolas Servel (director of the MSc programme) welcomed everyone online and extended their congratulations to the students who joined the programme after a tough competition with other candidates. Wenqing Xu, chief of Suzhou Dushu Lake Innovation, invitees from XJTU Suzhou Academy, and other staff were also present at the welcome ceremony.
"In the digital era, the joint programme is closely aligned with the booming industry, especially in big data and artificial intelligence, and helps students' personal growth and career development," said Gengzhong Feng, dean of the School of Management at XJTU.
AI School for Business
The first class of students admitted in 2020 have finished their master's dissertations and passed oral examinations, which marks a milestone in the programme development, according to Wenyu Dou, academic dean of SKEMA China. "The establishment of AI School for Business in SKEMA suggests that more resources will be allocated in relevant fields, and it is a great opportunity for our students," he said. The MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Management) aims to train future elites and industry leaders in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation with a focus on big data and artificial intelligence.
This joint programme is open to applicants from L3 to M2 level. At the end of the two years of study, students receive a degree from SKEMA (MSc) and a study certificate from XJTU.