In August, SCPKU hosted Professor Andrew Walder's Summer Seminar course, "China's Largest Corporations: A Case Study Workshop," a dynamic program bringing together nine students from Stanford University and nine students from Tsinghua University. The workshop focused on in-depth analysis of China’s leading corporations, providing an unparalleled opportunity for students to explore corporate structures, business models, and international growth prospects in China’s dynamic economic landscape.

The program began with lectures and group discussions on the complexities of China’s corporate environment. The highlight of the workshop was a field trip to Qingdao, where students had the unique opportunity to interact directly with executives and managers from some of China’s most influential companies.

During the Qingdao trip, the nine Stanford students visited several major corporations, including Hisense, Haier, Tsingtao Brewery, and Shandong Port Group. These site visits offered students a chance to see the inner workings of global businesses with deep roots in China’s industrial and consumer markets. Each visit featured a sit-down discussion where students engaged with company executives and posed insightful questions. Among the topics discussed were the companies’ key export products, their strategies for maintaining export growth, and the primary international markets they target. Students explored how these companies balance domestic and international revenues, as well as their experiences with overseas investments and subsidiaries.

At Hisense, students learned about the company’s strategies for maintaining competitiveness in the dynamic global electronics market. The discussion at Haier centered on smart home innovations and how the company has successfully expanded its brand internationally through overseas subsidiaries. During the Tsingtao Brewery visit, students delved into the company’s long history and success in both domestic and international beer markets. They explored Tsingtao’s strategies for maintaining brand recognition abroad and how it positions itself in diverse cultural contexts. The visit to Shandong Port Group offered insights into the challenges of managing global trade infrastructure and logistics, providing a fascinating look at China’s growing role in international commerce.

In addition to the business analysis, students were particularly interested in how these corporations finance their overseas investments. Discussions explored various methods, including bank loans, retained earnings, and the use of international capital markets. Students also learned about the companies' plans for future global expansion, the challenges they face in extending their international operations, and the biggest successes they have achieved in global markets to date.

Students from Stanford and Tsinghua brought diverse perspectives to site visits and group discussions, creating a unique environment for intellectual and cultural exchange. The China’s Largest Corporations seminar embodied SCPKU's commitment to immersive learning experiences that prepare students to engage with the complexities of the global business environment. Through the combination of theoretical analysis and practical, real-world engagement, this workshop provided students with the tools to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by China’s largest corporations as their influence and global scope continue to expand.

*Faculty interested in leading a Summer Seminar in August 2025 may submit a proposal here.
Student applications for 2025 Summer Seminars will open in February on Stanford SOLO.