On October 1, 2012 - China's National Day - the Robert H. Smith School of Business hosted executive MBA students from Peking University HSBC School of Business (PHBS). The 31 executives were travelling across the U.S. on a study trip, visiting several U.S. cities and universities to learn more about the global economy from a U.S. perspective.

The students participated in a half-day series of interactive talks at the University of Maryland's campus in College Park. Smith School Dean G. "Anand" Anandalingam gave a special welcome and overview of the school. Assistant Dean of PHBS Professor Haifeng Huang introduced the EMBA delegation and gave an overview of PHBS. Assistant Dean of Executive Programs Greg Hanifee discussed the executive education programs at the Smith School. Dr. Kai Duh, Director of the Maryland International Incubator, talked about the connection between Chinese businesses and the University of Maryland, and the Incubator’s role for helping international, technology-based companies to enter the U.S. marketplace. And host Dr. Hui Liao, Professor of Management at the Smith School, spoke about strategic human resources management and leadership issues for global companies.

Professor Haifeng Huang, Assistant Dean of Executive Programs at PHBS, led the EMBA delegation to the Smith School. He kindly forwarded the greetings from the Vice President of Peking University and Founding Dean of PHBS Wen Hai, and Associate Deans Vincent Chang and Wei Wei. On behalf of PHBS, Professor Huang presented a silk-made book, "Master Sun's Art of War" to the Smith School. Professor Huang provided positive feedback about the experience at the Smith School, noting that "it was a historic visit at Smith School, which starts the cooperation between the two renowned business schools."

The Smith School has had a very long relationship with Peking University's Guanghua School of Management in Beijing, China. However, this was the first cooperation with the Shenzhen campus' PHBS. "The PHBS EMBA students were exceptional and all of them seemed very professional and enthusiastic,” said Dr. Liao. “We look forward to furthering our cooperation with PHBS through multiple formats, such as student exchanges and other opportunities at the executive education, MBA and MS levels."

The day was capped off with lunch in the Stamp Student Union, as the executives joined Dean Anand, Greg Hanifee and Hui Liao for a casual meal before boarding the bus to continue their journey.

About the Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, MS in business, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.