Stephen Young Global Leader scholars attend SWUFE Global Academy Summer School
Two Stephen Young Global Leader scholars have been given the opportunity to attend the SWUFE Global Academy Summer School as the Enhanced Leadership Development component of their scholarship.
Jessalyn Gerbholz and Pius Andru'da, who are both students on the full-time MBA programme, will take part in the summer school at the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) in Chengdu - one of China’s most rapidly changing cities with abundant cultural heritage - from July 8-17.
The Summer School theme is "Where Fintech Meets the Global Economy" and the two MBA students will join peers from around the world for cross-cultural learning and connection. The SWUFE Global Academy is an international academic programme, now in its seventh year, designed to foster global education and cultural exchange. Leveraging the college’s expertise and resources in FinTech, the camp delivers lectures and workshops in finance and technology, supported by platforms such as the International Joint FinTech Lab.
Pius and Jessalyn will take part in academic exchanges led by renowned global experts, focusing on the digital economy, fintech AI, ESG and digital currency. Alongside the academic content, they will also take part in cultural activities, as well as corporate visits to leading enterprises in Chengdu which will provide insights into China's business landscape and innovative business practices, highlighting achievements in innovation, market expansion and corporate social responsibility.
Pius (pictured) said, "I got the opportunity to join the SWUFE Global Academy through the Stephen Young Institute's Enhanced Leadership Development (ELD) programme for Stephen Young Global Leaders Scholars (SYGL), and the partnership between Strathclyde and SWUFE.
"I'm looking forward to the programme as it's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about digital innovation in Finance in one of the world's fastest growing economies. I'm also looking forward to interacting with students from China and other countries represented at the summer school. I went to Shanghai for a competition in June and had a wonderful experience with the people and culture, but didn't get enough time to truly explore. This programme provides a chance to explore China while learning about a topic I'm truly interested in."
Professor Emma Macdonald, Director, Stephen Young Institute, said, “Participating in the SWUFE Summer School provides an exciting opportunity for two excellent Strathclyde Business School students to connect with other MBA students from China and the rest of the world and is consistent with the vision of Dr Charles Huang whose donation through the Charles Huang Foundation makes this exchange possible.”
The Stephen Young Global Leaders scholarship programme (SYGL) seeks to honour Professor Stephen Young, a former Head of the Department of Marketing and Dr Charles Huang’s supervisor and mentor during his PhD studies.
Through the SYGL scholarship, the Charles Huang Foundation provides scholarships for scholars of exceptional merit undertaking the Strathclyde MBA or an MSc in Strathclyde Business School on a full-time study basis.
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Published: 3 July 2026
