30 doctoral students from the 2024 class of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program of School of Business (MSB) of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) participated in a study tour and enterprise research trip to Shanghai from 13 to 15 May 2026. Led by program director Associate Professor Zhang Zhuo, the research focused on the theme of “Intelligent Manufacturing and the Development of Artificial Intelligence Industry”, combining enterprises visits and exchange with universities to gain a deeper understanding of cutting-edge technologies and industry trends.
On 13 May, the team first visited Shanghai FANUC Robotics Co., Ltd. Leveraging its leading control system technology, the company possesses strong R&D and manufacturing capabilities, primarily providing high-reliability industrial robots, intelligent automation solutions, and IoT and AI integrated application services. In the product showroom, the practical application scenarios of intelligent equipment provided the teachers and students with a direct and profound experience, fully demonstrating the achievements of China’s intelligent manufacturing development.
Group photo of the DBA students at FANUC Robotics Co. , Ltd.
The team then visited the Quicktron Smart Industrial Park. As a representative of Shanghai-based artificial intelligence companies, Quicktron has long been deeply involved in the field of smart logistics and has achieved collaborative operation of a cluster of thousands of robots. Through on-site explanations and demonstrations, the teachers and students gained an in-depth understanding of the company’s technology roadmap and industrial layout, and closely observed core technologies such as robot autonomous navigation, cluster scheduling, and precise sorting, practically recognizing the surging power of technological innovation driving industrial development.
Group photo of the DBA students at Quicktron Smart Industrial Park
On 14 May, the team visited Tongji University and was warmly received by Professor Wang Hongwei, Vice Dean of the School of Economics and Management; and Professor Yin Xuefeng, Dean of College of Electronic and Information Engineering, and also Dean of the Graduate School. Professor Wang Hongwei delivered a lecture entitled “The Application Challenges and Breakthrough Paths of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing”. He started with the profound impact of Transformer technology on generative AI, combined with engineering innovation practices of cutting-edge models such as DeepSeek, and explored in depth the development path of AI empowering manufacturing based on practical application scenarios. The course content balanced theoretical depth with practical value; and during the interactive sessions, teachers and students actively exchange ideas, further broadening academic perspectives and industry awareness. That afternoon, arranged by the host university, the team visited the Tongji University campus, Gallery of Tongji University History, and the museum, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the university’s century-long development, educational achievements, disciplinary characteristics, as well as deeply appreciated its rich humanistic heritage and outstanding research capabilities.
Group photo of the DBA students at Tongji University
On 15 May, the team visited the International Center of Midea Group (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. to gain a deeper understanding of the company’s globalization strategy and brand achievements overseas. Through a systematic presentation of global market data and distribution channels, the team gained a more comprehensive understanding of Midea’s entire chain model , from product development to international market operations. The team also engaged in an in-depth exchange with the company on overseas market expansion and cross-border brand management, truly experiencing the continuous improvement of Chinese brands in global competition.
DBA students visited the International Center of Midea Group (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
In addition to conducting enterprise research, the team also visited the Suzhou Creek Industrial Civilization Museum in Putuo District, as well as the “Home for Private Enterprises.” They gained a deeper understanding of Putuo District’s development history as an important birthplace of modern Chinese national industry, and of the practical efforts and real-world outcomes associated with continuously optimizing the business environment and promoting the high-quality development of the private economy.
This study tour and enterprise research activity in Shanghai effectively promoted exchanges and cooperation between Shanghai and Macau in the fields of high-level talent cultivation and industry-university-research collaborative innovation through visits to smart manufacturing enterprises and dialogues with renowned universities. It also enabled the MUST DBA students to gain a more intuitive and comprehensive understanding of the innovative breakthroughs and high-quality development achievements of China’s manufacturing industry, further deepening their understanding and recognition of the country’s scientific and technological innovation and industrial development, and better integrating into the overall national development strategy.
(Contributed and reviewed by Associate Professor Zhang Zhuo, format reviewed by Helen Kam)
