Recently, a second group of 29 teachers and students from Xiangtan Institute of Technology embarked on a summer study tour at the University of Macau, focusing on the theme of "Business Communication and Leadership." This initiative aimed to broaden the international perspective of the participants, cultivate students’ comprehensive skills, and promote the development of an innovative, high-level university.

The 27 student participants were selected through an open selection process across the university. Vice Dean Xu Mei of Tanzhou Academy and Vice Dean Wang Huimin of the School of Humanities and Arts led the group. The program adopted systematic coursework, flexible teaching strategies, and cross-cultural exchanges to enhance the participants' cross-cultural management abilities and core professional skills in business communication and leadership.

All participants received recommendation letters and certificates of completion from the University of Macau, earning high praise from professors. Teams led by Liu Xinyi and Chen Xiaofen from the School of Foreign Languages and Liu Fangqi from the School of Humanities and Arts were named “Outstanding Groups,” while teams led by Xiao Yafang and Peng Wei were recognized as “Creative Groups.”

### Thematic Learning to Enhance Leadership Skills

The study program included four modules: "Critical Thinking and Decision-Making in Leadership," "Developing Future Leaders for the 21st Century," "Business Communication Skills for Leaders," and "Business Management and Leadership." These courses were taught entirely in English by experienced professors at the University of Macau.

On the morning of July 22, Associate Professor Jiang Shaofa kicked off the program with a course on "Critical Thinking and Decision-Making in Leadership." His teaching style was unique, with a clear thought process and concise content. He used a series of thought-provoking images to guide students through the course. By raising questions, he encouraged students to deepen their understanding of critical thinking.

**Class Discussion Format**

In addressing how humans perceive the world, Professor Jiang explained that what people see is not necessarily the objective world but a reflection of their own perceptions. He urged students not to passively receive information but to actively question, analyze, and evaluate it.

**Class Example: A Person Using a Telescope, Seeing Only Their Own Brain**

Xiao Yafang from the School of Foreign Languages reflected, “Each of us comes from different backgrounds and environments, so naturally, our perspectives vary. We need to think more critically to break free from fixed ways of thinking and update our ideas.”

On July 23, Dr. Deng Yuming, a tutor from the Stanley Ho College at the University of Macau, delivered a course titled "Developing Future Leaders for the 21st Century." He shared two entrepreneurial projects, “Funny Eye Craft Beer” and “Macau Biopetech Eco-Friendly Malt Cat Litter,” to illustrate the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship skills.

Dr. Deng emphasized that innovation and market insight are crucial for entrepreneurship. Under his guidance, both projects have successfully launched products into the market.

**Dr. Deng Introducing Stanley Ho College**

The class was highly interactive, with students eagerly participating in discussions. Fan Wei and Peng Jie from the Automotive Engineering School shared their own entrepreneurial projects. Fan Wei appreciated Dr. Deng’s precise feedback, noting, “His suggestions are very helpful for updating and advancing our team’s project.”

**Xiangtan Institute of Technology Students Presenting Their Team Projects**

On July 24, Associate Professor Chen Jiawei from the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Macau introduced the concept of “Mindful Leadership” in a course on business communication. She highlighted the importance of “living in the moment,” “awareness,” and “overcoming biases” as the three key elements of mindful leadership.

Professor Chen’s course combined theory and practice. After explaining the concept of mindful meditation, she led the students in a practical session to help them focus and manage their emotions. The final 20 minutes of the class were devoted to group discussions, helping students apply business communication skills in practice.

**Professor Chen Introducing Mindful Meditation**

On July 25, Associate Professor Li Wanwen taught a course on “Business Management and Leadership.” She divided the course into several segments, each covering key points on leadership. Professor Li emphasized that leadership is about influence, and the core of influence lies in its positive and lasting impact on others' thoughts, emotions, and actions.

She also introduced the concept of mindful leadership, explaining that leaders who practice mindfulness can better understand and collaborate with others, promoting effective teamwork. However, she pointed out that without followers, there can be no leadership.

**Professor Li’s Course on Business Management and Leadership**

Reflecting on the course, Liu Xinyi from the School of Foreign Languages remarked, “The content was incredibly valuable. I realized that developing business communication and leadership skills not only promotes understanding and cooperation but also enhances personal growth.”

### Showcasing Youth and Sparking Intellectual Collaboration

The study tour brought together teams from Xiangtan University and other universities, including Shanxi University, Guangdong Ocean University, and Guilin University of Electronic Technology. The students were divided into eight teams to present project conclusions.

**Team 1’s Project Presentation by Peng Jie**

On the morning of July 26, the project presentations were held in Lecture Hall G068 at the Lui Che Woo Building of the University of Macau. The presentations covered a wide range of topics, with students delivering all-English presentations. The clear structure of their PowerPoints, creative videos, fluent oral presentations, and outstanding impromptu performances showcased the talent of Xiangtan University students.

**Team 6 Responding to Professor Chen Xiaoyun’s Questions**

Associate Professor Chen Xiaoyun praised the students' performances, encouraging them to turn their knowledge into practice and face future challenges with innovative spirits and open minds.

**Professor Chen Xiaoyun Offering Feedback**

Vice Dean Xu Mei expressed her satisfaction with the experience, saying, “I believe this study tour will be a lifelong benefit for the students.”

### Reflecting on the Study Tour and Looking to the Future

Peng Wei from the School of Humanities and Arts shared her thoughts, stating that she had gained a deeper understanding of the responsibility and mission of practicing “unity of knowledge and action, striving for excellence.” She also admired the architectural fusion of East and West at the University of Macau and its open education philosophy.

**Students and Faculty Visiting the Macao Communications Museum**

Zhao Qianqian from the Automotive Engineering School said the study tour made her realize the importance of continuously expanding her horizons and maintaining a passion for learning and self-improvement. She is now more determined to make meaningful contributions to society.

Looking back on the seven-day study tour, Li Xiaoyan from the School of Foreign Languages said, “This unforgettable experience not only enriched my knowledge of business communication and leadership but also gave me a sense of accomplishment from successfully completing a group presentation. It inspired me to strive for excellence.”

Finally, the students expressed their gratitude to the university for providing this valuable opportunity, which expanded their perspectives and improved their comprehensive skills. They are determined to use the knowledge and experiences gained in Macau as motivation for future growth and to continue exploring new opportunities.

**Group Photo of the “Business Communication and Leadership” Program Participants**