University of Stirling student’s 5,000-mile journey to celebrate history-making degree

A student has travelled more than 5,000 miles to celebrate becoming the first graduate of a pioneering programme at the University of Stirling.

Yong Wang flew from Rizhao City, in Shandong province in eastern China, to the University after achieving his Doctor of Management (DMan) degree — the first Sino-UK joint professional doctorate programme in business management approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Yong said: “I'm incredibly proud to become the first person to achieve the DMan degree and grateful for all the support I received throughout my five years on the programme.

“Attending graduation marks the culmination of my academic journey and it was a delightful and unforgettable experience.

“Participating in the ceremony represents not only a celebration of my academic achievements but also an invaluable opportunity to personally convey my gratitude to the staff at Stirling Management School.”

The programme was launched in 2020 as part of a partnership between the University of Stirling Management School and the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS) in Beijing. 

UCASS is a prestigious research-intensive higher education institution, directly overseen by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. 

Teaching is delivered through a hybrid model of in-person and online learning. In-person teaching takes place and is provided by lecturers at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Science (UCASS) in Beijing.

University of Stirling lecturers also travel to UCASS to teach in person, and students are given the opportunity to travel to Scotland and learn on-campus within Stirling Management School.

Yong enrolled in the programme to broaden his knowledge of business internationally as his company expanded overseas and says that the experience he gained during his five years studying helped to shape his management practice. He is co-founder and deputy general manager of Sanhui Glass Group, a large glass manufacturer in his homeland. 

Reflecting on his experience, Yong said: “In the summer of 2023, I visited the University of Stirling with my family for the first time and the campus's beauty left a lasting impression on all of us. 

“A year later, I returned to attend the offline course and experienced the professional instruction provided by the teachers in person. 

“The learning experience has proven to be highly rewarding for my personal and professional growth. During my academic tenure, I not only acquired new knowledge but also engaged in profound reflection on my management practices.” 

Professor Kevin Grant, Dean of Stirling Management School, said: “We are delighted that Yong had such a positive experience at the University of Stirling, and it was great to welcome him back to campus to celebrate his achievement. 

“Our DMan programme is a highly important and prestigious partnership for Stirling Management School and UCASS. It is producing excellent graduates who will be prepared to address some of the managerial and organisational challenges we all face as part of the fourth industrial revolution.” 

Professor Oliver Mallett, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Stirling Management School, added: “It was a great pleasure to co-supervise Yong Wang’s doctoral studies alongside Professor Jun He from UCASS. 

“Yong Wang is not only an exceptional and diligent student but also an insightful senior manager with extensive international expertise. Our discussions provided invaluable insights, and I learned a great deal from his perspective. 

“Yong Wang exemplifies the profound benefits of international collaboration, demonstrating its value for all involved.”