On July 18, the “Industrial Engineering and Data Analytics” Summer School (hereinafter referred to as the “Summer School”), organized by the Department of Industrial Engineering at Tsinghua University, successfully concluded. Over the course of 14 days, 15 outstanding students from the United States, Brazil, Peru, Germany, Vietnam, South Korea, and India engaged in intensive academic and cultural exchange. They explored the frontiers of industrial engineering and data analytics, gained insight into the development of Chinese industries, participated in diverse cultural experiences, and forged deep friendships across cultures.

Group Photo of Summer School Participants

Exploring Academic Frontiers, Deepening Systems Thinking

The Summer School featured a series of courses covering topics such as intelligent production systems, system reliability, human factors engineering, quality management, sustainability, and large language models. These courses were designed to help students understand how industrial engineering methods are applied to real-world challenges. Instructors incorporated case studies and emerging trends to guide students through key methods such as data-driven decision-making and complex systems modeling and optimization. Two experimental courses were particularly well received, allowing students to deepen their understanding of production and supply systems through hands-on participation. Additionally, students visited Tsinghua’s Fundamental Industrial Training Center to learn about the university’s approach to engineering education and practical training platform development.

Students Learning in Class and Experiments

Visiting Leading Enterprises, Witnessing Industrial Vitality

Led by Associate Professor Ye Cheng, students visited leading technology companies including Huawei, JD, and Xiaomi, gaining firsthand insights into China’s practices in intelligent manufacturing, supply chain management, and digital operations. In Zhengzhou, the group toured Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group, Nissan, xFusion, and Sanquan Food, experiencing technological transformations and industrial innovation in equipment manufacturing, food processing, and information technology. These company visits connected classroom learning with real-world industry, enabling students to better understand the transformation and technological progress of Chinese industry.

Exploring Chinese Manufacturing and Technological Innovation

Embracing Cultural Richness, Discovering a True China

Outside the classroom, students immersed themselves in Chinese culture by practicing traditional arts such as tea ceremony and paper-cutting, experiencing the delicacy and tranquility of Eastern aesthetics. They explored landmarks like the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Bird’s Nest Stadium, witnessing the fusion of history and modernity. Visits to the Tsinghua History Museum, the Shang Dynsaty Ruins Museum, and the Henan Museum allowed students to trace China’s rich historical roots and understand the evolution and diversity of its civilization. Through daily interactions, students shared their cultural backgrounds and life experiences, building friendships and fostering an inclusive, multicultural learning atmosphere.

Experiencing Cultural Diversity and Shared Learning

Showcasing Learning Outcomes, Gathering Youthful Wisdom

On the afternoon of July 18, the closing ceremony was held successfully. Asso. Prof. Ma Liang, Asst. Prof. Wang Feifan, and Asst. Prof. Li Chuanhao from the Department of Industrial Engineering attended the event, with Ms. Wang Haitao, Director of the International Master’s Program, serving as host. Student teams presented project results on themes such as high-speed train, new energy vehicles, smartphones, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence. Each presentation was followed by feedback and questions from the faculty judges. The ceremony also featured student representative speech, a recap video, and cultural performances including Vietnamese and Peruvian songs and Brazilian Capoeira, showcasing vibrant cultural exchange. Certificates and scholarships were awarded to enthusiastic applause. In the closing remarks, Associate Professor Ma Liang, commended the students’ diligence and engagement. He encouraged them to take this journey at Tsinghua as a starting point for deeper understanding of China and broader global perspectives, transforming their experiences into lasting motivation for academic and professional growth. A group photo marked the conclusion of this memorable program.

Group Photo at the Closing Ceremony

Highlights from the Closing Event

This Summer School was not only a journey of academic exploration and cultural immersion but also a meaningful encounter of youth across borders. Looking ahead, the Department of Industrial Engineering at Tsinghua University will continue to develop high-quality international exchange programs, cultivating young talent with global vision and practical skills to face the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological era.

As one chapter ends, another begins. May the memories forged at Tsinghua this summer inspire each student to strive for excellence and embrace the future with confidence.

Writer: Rui Lu

Photographers: Tonmoy, Prabina

Reviewers: Liang Ma, Lefei Li