On 28 May 2026, the FHNW School of Business welcomed a delegation from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) to its Olten campus. The visit focused on renewing the existing student exchange agreement and discussing future opportunities for cooperation in various fields.
The partnership between the FHNW and the USST has been in place since 2014. For the FHNW School of Business, international networking is a key component of its educational mission. Partnerships with foreign universities give students and staff access to international perspectives and promote intercultural exchange.
Following the official welcome, the renewed student exchange agreement was.signed. Both institutions then presented their universities and strategic priorities. Dr Rico Travella, Director of the FHNW School of Business, gave an overview of the FHNW, the School of Business and the Swiss education system. In particular, he highlighted the practical orientation of universities of applied sciences and their mandate in education, continuing education, applied research and development, and services.
Prof. Dr Markus Melloh, Head International at the FHNW School of Business, emphasised that student exchange provides an important foundation for collaboration. Where there is a strong academic fit, selected partnerships can gradually develop into broader collaboration formats. Prof. Michael Jeive from the China Centre emphasised China’s continuing importance as a partner for the FHNW School of Business and referred to the long-standing tradition of study visits to China.
USST, for its part, was represented by Prof. Zhao Laijun, Dean of the Business School, Prof. Tan Hua, Executive Vice Dean of the Research Institute for Science and Technology Development, and Prof. Chen Qi, Director of the International Affairs Office. They presented the development and international network of USST. The university looks back on a history of over 120 years and is one of China’s leading applied universities. Like the FHNW School of Business, the USST Business School is accredited by AACSB and maintains partnerships with universities in Europe, North America and Asia.
During the concluding discussion, the participants considered possible next steps. In addition to continuing student exchange, they also explored broader collaboration formats. One possible next step is to scope a focused pilot format with clear value for both institutions.
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