On 15 December 2025, the School for Business and Society at University of York visited the School of Economics and Management (SEM) at Beijing University of Chemical Technology. The delegation consisted of Neil Lunt, Associate Dean for International Affairs at the School for Business and Society; Kiet Duong, Lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Finance; and Helen Feng, International Partnerships Officer. Dean Li Bin of the School of Economics and Management, alongside heads of departments of SEM, attended the signing ceremony.

Dean Li Bin extended a warm welcome to the delegation on behalf of SEM. He emphasized the School’s steadfast commitment to cultivating versatile professionals with a global perspective. The University of York’s profound expertise in business education is highly aligned with the developmental needs of our School, and both parties have already established a solid foundation for cooperation.

During the discussion meeting, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions centred on the foundation of prior cooperation, the specifics of existing cooperative intentions, and future partnership frameworks. Dean Li Bin and Neil Lunt jointly signed a framework agreement for cooperation, marking a new phase of cooperation between the two schools. This signing not only clarified the direction of cooperation but also effectively accelerated the transition of collaborative projects from ‘consensus’ to ‘practice’.

Following the signing ceremony, the University of York delegation delivered a thematic presentation. Led by Dr Kiet Duong, the presentation was attended by faculty and students from the School of Economics and Management. The presentation focused on ‘The Impacts of Extreme Weather and Biodiversity Risks on Corporate Financial Decisions’. Dr Kiet Duong systematically analysed the profound implications of these two major environmental risks on corporate financing behaviour, alongside corresponding response paths. The presentation, combining academic depth with practical relevance, resonated strongly with attendees, leading to a lively interactive Q&A session.

The visit by the University of York delegation has clarified the mutual consensus on cooperation between the two schools, further deepening academic exchange and mutual learning between the universities. Both parties have expressed their commitment to treating this signing as a new starting point, accelerating the implementation of joint talent cultivation and research cooperation projects, and contributing positively to advancing international higher education exchange.