Summer Program Recap | SUSTech School of Design Hosts the APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program 2026

From June 22 to July 3, the APRU Undergraduate Leaders' Program (APRU ULP 2026), jointly hosted by the Southern University of Science and Technology and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), and organized by the SUSTech School of Design and SUSTech Global, was successfully held at SUSTech. Under the theme “Future Ready: Leadership in the Age of AI and Robotics,” the program brought together 58 students from 23 universities across 14 economies, deepening mutual understanding and collaboration among young people in the Asia-Pacific region in the areas of technological innovation, cross-cultural exchange, and leadership development, while contributing to youth exchange, technological cooperation, and people-to-people connectivity within the APEC framework.

Designed and coordinated by the SUSTech School of Design under the guidance of its design education philosophy, the program adopted project-based and experiential learning approaches. Learning was not confined to the classroom, but extended into Shenzhen’s distinctive innovation ecosystem, guiding students to reflect on how emerging technologies are shaping society and the future of work.

 

First day team building

 

 

Deepening experiential learning through real-world scenarios

The program organized a series of thematic lectures, workshops, and group discussions, helping students better understand trends in artificial intelligence and robotics and their impact on future society. Faculty members and experts from different disciplinary backgrounds encouraged students not only to consider the possibilities of technological development, but also to reflect on ethics, design, human experience, and social impact.

At the same time, the program took students to innovation and entrepreneurship scenarios including UBTECH, Shenzhen Robot Valley, Shenzhen InnoX Academy, and Huaqiangbei, extending the classroom into research platforms, companies, industries, and urban space. Through on-site observation, students experienced firsthand Shenzhen’s achievements in technological innovation, industrial transformation, and the cultivation of an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

 

Lectures and workshops

 

Students get into real-world scenarios deepening experiential learning

 

 

Fostering cross-cultural understanding in the city

In addition to coursework and site visits, the program also included cultural activities and peer exchange. Students visited the Shenzhen Puppet Art Theatre, where they experienced the unique charm of traditional Chinese puppetry and deepened their understanding of China’s rich cultural heritage through artistic appreciation and interaction. Participants also gained a fuller sense of Shenzhen’s urban character, innovative atmosphere, and social cultural context through city observation, group activities, and independent exploration, while building deeper understanding and genuine friendships through cross-cultural interaction.

 

Experience at the Shenzhen Puppet Art Theatre

 

 

APEC Shenzhen 2026: Advancing with AI

During the program, students also joined in the youth event “APEC Shenzhen, Advancing with AI,” held at SUSTech from June 29 to 30. There, they joined young people, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and experts from around the world to discuss the profound impact of artificial intelligence on society. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and cross-cultural exchange, students explored how emerging technologies can be applied responsibly to advance sustainable development, inclusive growth, and international cooperation.

 

 

Presenting final outcomes through project-based learning

On July 2, APRU ULP 2026 concluded with team-based capstone presentations. Vice president Jin Li of the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) attended the event and delivered opening remarks. During the program, students worked in 10 groups, collaborating across cultures and disciplines. Drawing on what they had learned and observed through coursework, company visits, workshops, and urban exploration, each group developed distinctive proposals on future leadership in the age of AI and robotics, covering directions such as using augmented reality to foster human connection and supporting agricultural communities and social wellbeing.

Following the presentations, the organizers conducted a comprehensive evaluation based on innovation, social concern, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quality of expression, and presented the Design Creativity Award, Design that Connects Award, Design for Good Award, and People’s Choice Award to recognize outstanding work in research, teamwork, and creative expression.

Beyond the academic gains, students widely described the relationships formed during the program as one of its most valuable outcomes. Participants built friendships across borders, exchanged views on shared global challenges, and further expanded international networks with lasting potential.

 

 

Students at captstone presentation

 

Presented the Design Creativity Award, Design that Connects Award, Design for Good Award, and People’s Choice Award

 

Final Group Photo

 

The cultivation of future leaders is not only about helping young people understand and respond to technological change, but also about guiding them to remain grounded in human values, respond to real-world issues, and care for social development. APRU ULP 2026 provided young people across the Asia-Pacific with a platform to learn, discuss, and create together, while also demonstrating the proactive efforts of the SUSTech School of Design in advancing international youth exchange and future talent development through its strengths in design education and technological innovation.

 

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APRU and APRU ULP

Founded in 1997, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is a network of leading research universities connecting the Americas, Asia, and Australasia to advance research, education, and innovation. Through initiatives such as the Undergraduate Leaders' Program, APRU empowers the next generation of leaders to address shared regional and global challenges and contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected future.

As one of APRU's flagship student programmes, the Undergraduate Leaders' Program brings together students from diverse academic disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds to foster global understanding, collaborative learning, and leadership development. Since its inception, the programme has equipped hundreds of students across the Pacific Rim with the knowledge, networks, and confidence to become future changemakers.