Leeds alumni: China volunteer hub

Thank you to everyone who expressed an interest in volunteering at our offer holder events – although spaces are limited, you can register your interest in future events by completing our form.

Take a moment to learn about our volunteers and get to know the individuals who helped on the day, including their backgrounds, experiences, and roles within the alumni community.

Arts, Humanities and Cultures

Wei Wu (MA Design 2020)

I am design student graduated in 2020 from school of design. My current role is a visual designer manager in a e-commerce company. I am responsible for the Amazon flagship store’s visual design and operations. During my year of study at the University of Leeds, I gained extensive design skills and methodologies, which fundamentally reshaped my understanding of design. Guided by these methodologies and insights, after completing my studies, I successfully joined an international company in China. There, I applied what I had learned and contributed to enhancing the visual quality of the company’s products.

Yuan Yuan (MA Applied Translation Studies 2010)

I'm Yuan Yuan, Director of Department of Global News Reporting of International Financial News. Fifteen years of media work experience in IFN, which is a subsidiary publication of People's Daily, China's official media. This job gives me both fantastic and challenging opportunities to interview political figures and famous business leaders from various countries, and participate in important global events such as the G20 Summit, the Davos Forum, etc.

Going to study at Leeds was my first time living and studying abroad. I spent a very impressive and meaningful year in Leeds. Receiving a Masters degree is only part of the reward. More importantly, studying in a multicultural university with a large international community offered me a wealth of opportunities to exposure to different cultures, broaden my horizon, deepen the understanding of the world and learn how to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds.

Tingyu Chen (MA Global Fashion Management, 2010)

I am Tingyu Chen, a recent graduate who earned my MA in Global Fashion Management from the University of Leeds in December 2024. I currently work in overseas operations at a jewellery brand. My time at Leeds provided me with a strong foundation in key areas such as trend forecasting, retail and supply chain dynamics, and data analysis—skills that I now apply directly in my role and that continue to guide my growth in the global fashion industry.

Jason Zang (MA Linguistics 2020)

I am Jason, the Head of Science & Sixth Form Physics and Maths Teacher, Lucton School Chongqing. As a secondary school teacher in a British international school, not only do we aim for academic excellence, but also to teach pupils to become better people. It's easy for me because that's what I experienced in Leeds. My degree from Leeds opened me up to the international education industry in China. My study in Leeds was holistic in every sense of the word - it not only gave me the skills I needed, but also to understand and appreciate the logic of a British education. My year of MA in Leeds was the happiest year of my life, and certainly the best decision I ever made.

Nannan Li (MA Music and Education 2006)

Nannan Li is the Founder and Music Teacher of her own studio in Chengdu, where she guides students through ABRSM piano and music theory in a bilingual learning environment. Her teaching approach, which blends international perspectives with cultural understanding, is built on a foundation of diverse professional experience.

After her postgraduate studies in Music and Education at the University of Leeds, she further refined her skills at Newham College in London and as an IELTS teacher at the New Oriental Education Group in Beijing. This unique combination of UK teacher training, international classroom experience, and cross-cultural communication enables her to design a curriculum that prepares students in Beijing and Chengdu for global success, a result demonstrated by their achievements such as ABRSM Piano Grade 8 with Distinction and First Prizes in international piano competitions.

Charlotte Cai (MA Global Fashion Management 2020)

I am currently a Global Influencer Marketing Specialist at Gomo, a Chinese tech company in Guangzhou. My passion for digital marketing and its role in brand building began during my studies. As a Link to Leeds Ambassador, I gained hands-on experience in digital marketing, which laid the foundation for my career in social media management and influencer marketing.

The University of Leeds provided invaluable support in my career journey, offering employment assistance, job fairs, and university job opportunities that helped ease the transition from student life to the professional world. I’m grateful for the experience, connections, and skills I developed during my time there.

Kai Hu (MA Design 2024)

Kai is a First-Class graduate of the University of Leeds, where she specialised in Design with a focus on wayfinding and user experience. During her studies, she was selected as a winner in an industry-led Interactive Design competition in collaboration with Sensmart, developing a healthcare app concept to improve patient services. Prior to her postgraduate studies, Kai worked as a visual designer in Shanghai, contributing to projects including the Shanghai Expo (Flower Expo), before transitioning into art and design education.

She currently teaches Design within the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Foundation Programme at an international school in Shanghai, guiding students from 2D to 3D design development, design thinking, and Western art history. Kai credits her time at Leeds with providing both the academic foundation and international perspective that enabled her to enter and thrive in global art and design education.

Jia Chen (Communications Studies 2010)

Jia Chen is a communications and cross-cultural professional with over a decade of international experience across the UK, the United States, Thailand, and China.

After completing her Master's degree in Communication Studies at the University of Leeds, she built her career at the intersection of business, education, and non profit sector. She has served as Chief Brand Officer of an AI innovation school in China.

Earlier in her career, she worked in international NGOs with a focus on fundraising, contributing to projects that raised tens of millions of RMB in support of educational equity in China. She remains deeply passionate about education and the social impact sector, and currently serves as a board member of Roots & Shoots Chengdu.

Shuyuan Kang (Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship 2025)

I currently work within the theatre and cultural industries, focusing on creative communication and audience engagement. My background combines performance studies with hands-on project experience, including community workshops, intercultural events, and visual storytelling.

Studying Performance and Cultural Industries at the University of Leeds had a lasting impact on me. It trained me to approach culture as a space for dialogue and collaboration. Through working on live projects and community-based initiatives, I developed both creative sensitivity and practical skills in communication and project coordination. Leeds not only shaped my professional direction, but also gave me an international perspective that continues to inform my work today.

Xiaodou Ren (Music Management 2025)

I am a graduate of the Music Management program at the Leeds University School of Music in 2025. The knowledge I acquired at the Univeristy of Leeds enabled me to quickly land a position as a project manager. Currently, my main responsibilities involve coordinating the tours of international symphony orchestras in China. The artists and symphony orchestras I have been in charge of include the Russian National Symphony Orchestra, the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra, the Pletnev and Rachmaninoff Symphony Orchestra, etc.

The music management program at the University of Leeds has provided me with a more comprehensive understanding of both music and business. It has also given me a deeper insight into the industry. I have learned about the various positions in this field, the responsibilities of each position, and the professional knowledge required. The courses at the University of Leeds have taught me these things and have helped me develop a habit of critical thinking. As a result, I can handle unexpected situations at work more appropriately.

Shihan Liu (Music and Management 2024)

I graduated from the University of Leeds in November 2024, where I majored in Music and Management. During my time at Leeds, I was involved in various event planning and execution projects, which provided me with invaluable practical perspectives alongside my academic studies.

Following a period of professional experience in Human Resources, I integrated my organisational skills with my background in arts management to establish my own event management venture in November 2025. My business approach has since received positive market feedback and initial support. I truly value the balance between academic and practical learning at Leeds, which has been immensely helpful to my professional development. I look forward to connecting with students and sharing my personal reflections on the journey from Leeds to entrepreneurship.

Lei Xu (Design 2023)

Lei Xu earned her MA Design from the University of Leeds in 2023. She currently serves as an Assistant Lecturer at a college in China, where she integrates the global perspectives and appreciation for diversity cultivated during her studies in Leeds into her teaching practice, enriching students’ creative and academic learning experience.

Liyu Tian (Design 2021)

Liyu Tian graduated from the University of Leeds School of Design in 2021 with an MA in Design, and now works as a HMI (Human-Machine Interface) Designer, crafting seamless digital experiences for modern vehicles and smart systems. Her time at Leeds shaped a deep appreciation for user-centric thinking and cross-disciplinary design—skills that now drive her work in creating safe, intuitive, and aesthetically engaging interfaces. Beyond professional practice, Liyu Tian is committed to mentoring emerging designers and is excited to connect with Leeds’ prospective students to discuss the journey from design academia to the dynamic world of HMI.

Yixuan He (Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship 2025)

Currently at a jewellery company with rich frontline experience in international expansion, e-commerce, and marketing. Having worked in the UK, I have accumulated substantial marketing experience in the British market, and also served in the e-commerce department of a leading Chinese tech company, gaining valuable insights into domestic e-commerce.

Biological Sciences

Bing Hou (PhD Biomedicine 2015)

Bing Hou is a scientist and drug development leader specializing in innovative anti-cancer therapies. Trained at the University of Leeds, he has led the discovery and translation of multiple novel drugs into clinical trials, submitting around thirty patent applications to address unmet medical needs.

As Executive Director of Drug Discovery at Antengene, he leads a multidisciplinary team advancing first-in-class oncology treatments, including the world’s first CD24-targeting antibody to reach clinical development. In recognition of his contributions to science and international collaboration, he was named a recipient of the British Council’s Science and Sustainability Award.

Xinyue Jin (International Health 2024)

I currently work in the healthcare training industry at a multinational company.

My master’s studies at Leeds not only deepened my understanding of global public health but also exposed me to a truly multicultural environment, which broadened my worldview and strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills. These valuable experiences have been essential in supporting my career development and enabling me to thrive in an international workplace.

Luo (Sophia) Yun (Public Health 2022)

I'm a University of Leeds alumna, having completed my Master's in Public Health (MPH) in 2022.

Before Leeds, I worked as a nurse for over three years, then moved into clinical research. Over the past decade, I've worked as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) and Project Manager on clinical trials—mostly in oncology and vaccines—with multinational companies including Covance, PPD, and Kelun-Biotech.

My Leeds degree gave me a broader understanding of public health and helped me move from clinical work into more senior project management roles in the pharmaceutical industry. The skills and confidence I gained there have stayed with me throughout my career.

Currently, I'm studying a second Master's in Gerontology at Lingnan University in Hong Kong. I'm hoping to build a career here in Hong Kong, focusing on the city's ageing population and applying my public health and clinical research experience to make a difference locally.

Yushan Qi (Design 2020)

My name is Qi Yushan, born in 1996. I joined the University of Leeds in 2019 to pursue an MA in Design. Since graduation, I have settled in Beijing and am currently working as a UI Designer at China Telecom, a Fortune Global 500 company.

My degree from the University of Leeds has been instrumental in my career development. As a member of the Russell Group and a top 100 university in the QS rankings, a Leeds degree is highly recognized both in China and internationally, which has opened up numerous job opportunities for me.

Haoxin Li (Design 2024)

My name is Li Haoxin. I graduated from the School of Design at the University of Leeds in 2024 with a Master of Digital Design Futures (Distinction) degree. Currently, I work as an Interaction Designer in the Commercialization Department of Kuaishou Technology Co., Ltd.

My study experience at the University of Leeds not only cultivated my rigorous academic attitude but also provided me with rich educational resources and platforms, enabling me to continuously explore the possibilities of the future. This experience has profoundly influenced my career development and made me more confident and innovative in the field of design.

Xueying Luo (Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship 2024)

I graduated from the School of Performance and Cultural Industries at the University of Leeds with an MA in Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship.

I am currently the Student Development and Activity Center Supervisor at Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA). I lead the design and delivery of student programmes and creative initiatives that nurture confidence, encourage participation and foster a sense of belonging. My work focuses on creating meaningful experiences that support students’ growth.

Leeds was a transformative chapter in my life. I still remember in our first lecture being told that “interdisciplinary knowledge is one of the greatest strengths in academia.” That idea shaped how I approach learning and leadership. The critical thinking, global outlook, the encouragement of my friends, and the guidance of my professors continue to influence my work today. I am proud to be part of the Leeds alumni community.

Business School (LUBS)

Chen Lin (Human Resource Management 2019)

I graduated from MA in Human Resource Management in 2019. After graduation, I returned to China and based in Shanghai. I previously worked at Ford China and GM China as a Graduate Trainee and HRBP. Now, I am an entrepreneur working with my family, focusing on entrepreneurship consulting for enterprises and individuals, and currently exploring AI-driven upgrades for our business.

Leeds means far more to me than a master degree—it was the most precious experience in my younger years. Alongside world-class professional knowledge, I learned to think critically and embrace an inclusive mindset, and gained a broader global vision. Besides, I also made many lifelong friends, even today after graduating 7 years. All these have shaped my life and become lifelong treasures.

Ziyi Tang (International Marketing Management 2022)

My name is Tang Ziyi, and my English name is Evelyn. I come from Shanghai. I proudly graduated from the University of Leeds Business School with a Master's degree in IMM (International Marketing Management), achieving First Class Honours in 2022. Currently, I work in the municipal culture tourism industry in Shanghai, focusing on marketing research.

I have received the appreciation letter from the Chinese Consulate in Manchester for my volunteer work during the pandemic. Additionally, I participated with the Enactus team and worked in some part-time roles on Leeds campus, assisting with freshmen orientation.

The greatest value my studies at Leeds was teaching me "how to cultivate critical thinking" and "how to connect with people and the world around you." I believe this experience will benefit you for a lifetime. Here, you will encounter not only knowledge, but also your future self.

Yuying Wang (Marketing Management with Advertising 2025)

I graduated with a Master's degree in English Translation from Peking University in 2014 and a Master's degree in Marketing Management from the University of Leeds in 2025. I spent over a decade as a university English lecturer, specifically within international programs of Sino-foreign cooperative education, where I led the teaching of language and cultural courses.

During my teaching career, I developed a deep interest in student psychology, consumer behavior, branding, and the education market. Eager to explore these areas more systematically, I made the decision to pursue further studies in the UK. My time at the Leeds University Business School provided me with the clear, structured insights I was looking for.

I would also like to express my immense gratitude to LUBS for sponsoring my week-long study tour at POLIMI University in Milan. It was an incredibly enlightening experience. We were exposed to cutting-edge knowledge such as the intersection of neuroscience and consumer behavior. The trip was truly unforgettable, featuring visits to a renowned caviar production base and a historic winery where we tasted authentic Italian caviar and precious wines. The university even arranged a guided city tour of Milan for us after the course. The accommodation was also generous—single rooms with breakfast. I was particularly impressed that all mentioned above was funded by the school. It was a surprisingly delightful and memorable trip!

Yuanzheng Chen (IMM 2023)

My name is Yuanzheng Chen, and I am currently Director at Shanghai Asian Development International Transportation (ADP), where I lead market expansion in Chengdu and build a regional team focused on international logistics and strategic growth.

Before this role, I spent over three years in international clinical trial supply chain management, working on global multi-center projects across Asia and Europe. I was responsible for regulatory-compliant import and export of investigational medicinal products, overseas depot management, and end-to-end cold chain coordination. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation of how operational precision and global collaboration directly support medical innovation and patient safety.

My Master’s study at the University of Leeds was a turning point in my professional journey. It strengthened my critical thinking, enhanced my research-driven decision-making, and broadened my global perspective. More importantly, it gave me the confidence to transition from operational leadership to strategic management.

Suocheng Shi (Accounting and Finance 2013)

During 2008-2009, I did the International Foundation Year University of Leeds. And I got the scholarship which was ￡2,000 per year.

Thanks to my career, now I get a chance to do some research on Native Cryptocurrency, Central Bank Digital Currency, and Stablecoin. As a senior investment manager work in the wholly-owned subsidiary of the China Electronics Corporation (referred to as "CEC") , I find the financial world is ever-changing at a rapid pace. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge I gained at University of Leeds.

Xuxi Li (Management 2017)

I graduated from the University of Leeds in 2017 with a Master’s degree in Management. Currently, I work as an Assistant Professor and full-time lecturer specialising in Human Resource Management at Tourism College of Zhejiang Tourism. Meanwhile, I am a PhD candidate in Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. My degree from the University of Leeds has greatly supported my career development. It helped me secure my current academic position and also provided a strong advantage during my PhD application process.

Mengzi Zhang (Advertising and Marketing 2018)

I am currently engaged in political work in the Party Committee Office of an engineering bure au, responsible for ideological publicity, organizational coordination, and Party building. A s a cadre with long-term experience in the system, I have deep expertise in Party affairs and administrative management, with extensive practical experience at the grassroots level and in policy implementation.

My master’s degree from the University of Leeds has not only added an international perspective and cross-cultural communication skills to my professional background but has also significantly enhanced my profile. My study and life experience in Leeds honed my ability to independently tackle challenges and adapt to diverse environments. This period of growth has made me more composed and inclusive, enabling me to incorporate more open-minded thinking into my Party affairs work.

Engineering and Physical Sciences

Shihong Zhang (PhD Fuel and Energy 2001)

In October 1998, Shihong Zhang came to the University of Leeds to pursue a PhD project with a UK scholarship on catalytic combustion of methane under the supervision of Dr. Valérie Dupont and Professor Alan Williams. Her four years at Leeds not only led to a successful PhD but also shaped her personality, fostering qualities like diligence, rigor, and strong communication skills.

The results of fundamental research with groundbreaking discoveries at Leeds University, UK were published on Chemical Engineering Science in 2001. She accessed world-class facilities, including rare experimental setup- stagnation point flow reactor. She also learned more about industrial history about Leeds and  about the research available at Leeds. On a deeper level the UK is different in terms of cultural context and industry origins. After returning to China in 2002, with the support of national policies and through international collaboration, she established a research team focusing on catalytic combustion and low-carbon energy and environmental protection at Beijing Key Lab of Heating, Gas Supply, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Engineering. This team included experts from both China and abroad, as well as graduates and current students of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA).

Hongyu Zhu (Environmental Engineering (2025)

My name is Zhu Hongyu. In December 2025, I obtained a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering and Project Management from the University of Leeds. After returning to China, I joined Sinopec through participating in the autumn recruitment of central enterprises. My employer is Sinopec Engineering Incorporation (SEI), which is the best petroleum refining design institute in China. My position is an oil and gas storage and transportation engineer in the Utilities and Facilities Department. 

Objectively speaking, obtaining a graduation certificate from the University of Leeds is definitely one of the necessary conditions for me to have the opportunity to compete for my job position. But what I want to emphasize more is that this is not the only thing I have gained in my study life at the University of Leeds. The faculty and students at the University of Leeds are very friendly, and the school's infrastructure is also very sound.

What fascinates me the most is the city of Leeds. Leeds has all the necessary conditions for every student's life and study, without excessive noise. This is a wonderful balance, and it's rare.

Jiyun Hou (Mathematics 2018)

I graduated from University of Leeds with a master degree in statistics on 2018. My time at the university was not only academically enriching but also instrumental in shaping my career path. The courses I took provided me with a strong foundation in statistics, which I now apply daily in my role as senior programmer in pharma . Also my degree is a key to getting into company.

Beyond the classroom, my involvement in workshops and clubs helped me develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These experiences taught me how to collaborate effectively with diverse groups of people and navigate complex challenges—skills that are critical in my current position.

Looking back, the supportive environment and opportunities at University of Leeds played a key role in preparing me for the professional world. I’m excited to share my journey and offer insights to help prospective students envision their own paths forward.

Chenxi Li (Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering 2020)

Chenxi Li graduated from the University of Leeds with a master’s degree in Engineering Project Management. She currently works at a leading consulting firm in Shanghai, specializing in international engineering consulting. Her time at Leeds greatly enhanced her English ability, broadened her global perspective, and provided a strong academic and professional foundation for her career. She is very happy to share her experience and insights with future University of Leeds students and show how Leeds has changed her life in person.  

Environment

Guoqing Zhang (Transport Planning and Engineering 2013)

I am the Deputy Marketing Director (Malaysia & Vietnam) at Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute (Group) Co., Ltd. My supervisor James Laird brought a lot of knowledge and experience, and we co-wrote papers published in magazine and conferences in Hong Kong and Scotland. My studies in the Institute for Transport Studies made me competent for transport modelling and economic appraisal for both public and private sectors in China, Vietnam, Kenya, Jordan, UAE, Serbia,  Romania and UK.

Zhouqian Yang (Transport 2018)

Yang Zhuoqian graduated with a PhD in Transportation and Environment in 2022 and is currently a lecturer at the School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, primarily engaged in teaching and research in the field of sustainable transportation. Her research continues the direction she explored during her doctoral studies at the University of Leeds, focusing on sustainable freight transport and vehicle emissions monitoring, with a particular emphasis on low-emission zone policies and the electrification transition of freight vehicles.

Currently, she is also in charge of the joint master's program between the School of Transportation and Logistics at Southwest Jiaotong University and the Transport Institute at the University of Leeds, continuously promoting cooperation and collaboration between the two institutions in talent development and academic exchange.

Yucheng Gong (Geography 2024)

I’m a BA Geography student at the University of Leeds during 2021 – 2024. After the undergraduate program at Leeds, I went on study at the LSE’s Master’s program MSc Urbanization and Development. I had some very good experiences in Leeds and been given lots of useful support from my mentors, professors and the student life support team in Leeds.

I think the three years I spent at the University of Leeds were incredibly valuable. As a UK university, it helped me develop a strong understanding of the culture of this remarkable island. At the same time, it is also a global institution, which broadened my horizons throughout my academic journey.

During those three years, my tutor and dissertation supervisor supported me greatly. The study skills and theoretical knowledge I developed there have been extremely useful in my postgraduate studies.

Besides that, having the opportunity to study a subject I am truly interested in on an aesthetic campus, with a very strong academic atmosphere, was a real joy.

Jinyang (Kristina) Han (Food Science 2023)

Dr. Jinyang (Kristina) Han completed both her Master’s degree and her PhD at the University of Leeds, where her PhD research focused on nanomedicine and drug delivery systems. After Leeds, she continued her research in Europe as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Padova in Italy, working on nanoparticle-based therapeutic delivery and formulation development.

She is now the founder of Lumineur, a platform exploring how artificial intelligence can support the design and optimization of nanomedicine delivery systems. Jinyang believes that her time at Leeds offered more than a degree.  It provided an international environment that fostered critical thinking, resilience, openness to new perspectives, confidence, and the courage to explore new paths across science and innovation.

Social Sciences

Mingxuan Gao (LLM International Business Law 2023)

I work as a Solicitor at Hui Ye Law Firm, specialising in assisting enterprises from Chinese mainland with the establishment of overseas companies, focusing on key jurisdictions in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore) and the Middle East (Dubai, Saudi Arabia). My scope also covers associated cross-border labour issues and the inbound and outbound movement of funds, alongside handling corporate litigation and arbitration cases.

Ying Xie (MA Society, Culture and Media 2023)

My name is Ying Xie, an alumna of the University of Leeds. Currently, I work at a university, where I apply the knowledge and skills gained from my master’s degree every day. The Master’s in Society, Culture and Media has been invaluable to me—it is not only a source of personal growth but also an essential prerequisite for my current role. The comprehensive curriculum, critical thinking training, and global perspective fostered during my time at Leeds have equipped me with the ability to excel in my work and connect with diverse groups of people, and I am eager to share how this transformative degree can shape one’s future with the offer holders.

Qian He (MA TESOL Studies 2022)

I am Qian, a proud graduate of the MA TESOL Studies program at the University of Leeds in 2022. Currently, I work as an English teacher at a primary school in Foshan, Guangdong Province, where I apply the knowledge and skills gained during my time at Leeds to inspire young learners.

My experience at the University of Leeds has been invaluable in shaping both my personal and professional growth. Two aspects stand out in particular: first, the vibrant and unforgettable student life at Leeds made my postgraduate journey not only meaningful but also deeply enriching. Second, the exceptional faculty and well-structured curriculum equipped me with expert-level knowledge that continues to support my teaching practice today. This foundation has even enabled me to succeed beyond the classroom—recently, a paper I wrote in my current role was awarded second prize at the provincial level in Guangdong.

Lei Xiao (International Banking and Finance Law 2015)

Lei Xiao is a dual-qualified lawyer in England & Wales and China with over 15 years of experience across the private and public sectors. Currently serving as Head of Legal at an airline company, Lei is also a senior arbitrator and a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) and the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (FHKIArb).

Lei attributes much of his professional development to his time at the University of Leeds School of Law. As a Chevening Scholar, he valued the School’s emphasis on connecting academic study with practical industry insights. For Lei, the primary value of his time at Leeds remains the intellectual foundation it provided for his subsequent legal career.

Yao Peng (MSc Law and Finance 2022)

I am currently a lawyer in China and am working at Grandall Law Firm. My current practice mainly focuses on providing legal services to corporate clients, including but not limited to capital markets, investment and financing, intellectual property, international business, and corporate dispute resolution.

The University of Leeds marks the starting point of my professional aspirations. After resigning from my long-term position in the banking sector, I chose to pursue further studies at Leeds. It was during my unforgettable academic and life experiences there—especially the countless days and nights spent in the Edward Boyle Library—that I fell in love with law, discovered the field I am passionate about for life, and decided to devote myself to legal services as my lifelong career. In this sense, the University of Leeds has been my “goddess of fortune,” much like Minerva, and represents a pivotal turning point in my life.

Ren Shengwei (MA Society, Culture and Media 2024)

I'm Ren Shengwei, 25 years old, with a master's degree in society, culture and media from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. During my undergraduate years, I was responsible for the creation and operation of the WeChat official account of the League Committee, planning and pushing content and building activity communities, and accumulated solid experience in content editing, platform operation and community organisation. In the postgraduate stage, I systematically studied courses such as media and cultural sociology and cultural communication methods, which strengthened content planning and cross-cultural communication skills. Participate in the content writing of the official account, video account operation and offline activity planning and implementation at work, and have good expression ability and project agreement.

Yuxin Song (LLM International Business Law, 2022)

My name is Yuxin Song, I’m a PhD Student at the School of Law , Sichuan University.

My current research focuses on Constitutional and Administrative Law, specifically regarding China’s legislation and the development of a law-based government. Although my current field differs from my studies at Leeds, my time there was invaluable; the critical thinking skills I developed allow me to bring unique perspectives to my research, and the rigorous academic writing training provided a strong foundation for my current work. Most importantly, my life in Leeds gave me the space to reflect deeply on my goals and truly define my career path.

Zhoumengchi Chen (MA TESOL Studies, 2020)

Zhoumengchi Chen is an English teacher at a Foreign Language School in Nanjing. She holds an MA in TESOL Studies from the University of Leeds, where she highly valued the School of Education’s ability to bridge advanced theory with practical teaching skills—an experience that proved invaluable to her career.

While at Leeds, she was a frequent participant in the "Get Out, Get Active" weekend bus tours, and she loved exploring the diverse opportunities offered by the Leeds University Union (LUU) and its 300+ societies.

At the event, Zhoumengchi Chen is excited to share her experiences on everything from balancing academic workloads to the best weekend getaways and local Leeds hidden gems.

Qianxin Huang (Law 2016)

Currently a senior lawyer at Yingke Law Firm (Guangzhou), specialising in commercial disputes. I lead legal risk assessment projects for Chinese enterprises investing in "Belt and Road" countries, handle high-value disputes (exceeding RMB 120 million), and provide tailored legal counsel for clients.

My Leeds LLM degree is the cornerstone of my cross-border legal practice: it deepened my expertise and international legal norms, bridged Chinese and Western legal systems, and honed my bilingual legal research, writing and cross-cultural communication skills. Proficient in Mandarin, Cantonese and English, I bring a global legal perspective forged at Leeds to every aspect of my professional work.

Keran Wang (International Relations 2021)

Keren Wang is a PhD candidate in Cultural Cognitive Linguistics at Southwest University, specialising in cross-cultural communication and China’s overseas image studies. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at the University of Leeds and later earned a Master’s degree in Culture and Translation from the University of Warwick during the pandemic period. Across nearly six years of living and studying in the UK, she developed strong intercultural competence, resilience, and analytical expertise.

During her time at Leeds, Keren served for two years as an International Student Ambassador and as Vice President of the Leeds Model United Nations Society, taking active leadership roles in supporting prospective students and fostering global dialogue. Alongside her academic research, she also runs a lifestyle and study-abroad content platform on Red Book (Xiaohongshu), where she shares overseas experiences and cross-cultural insights with a broad audience.

She credits her time at Leeds with shaping her leadership, global mindset, and confidence to engage across cultures. To offer holders, she encourages embracing every opportunity to lead, connect, and challenge themselves, because the experience at Leeds will not only define academic growth, but lay the foundation for a truly international future.

Ziwei Li (Society, Culture and Media 2024)

I am currently a Music Rights & International Partnerships Manager at a music rights company in China, where I oversee international copyright collaborations. I work closely with artists and partners from around the world to develop and promote high-quality music content. I am also one of the leads on our company’s AIGC initiative, exploring how AI can be used to create innovative and meaningful work.

I completed my Master’s degree in Society, Culture and Media at the University of Leeds. My time at Leeds strengthened my understanding of global media and cross-cultural collaboration, which continues to shape my work today. Many of my current collaborators are also Leeds alumni, and I am truly grateful for the supportive alumni network that connects us.

Wenbo Cai (International Corporate Law 2018)

I'm a member of the Executive Committee in Jiangsu Shanshui Law Firm. I was also appointed chairman of the Foreign-related Legal Service Committee of Chongchuan Lawyers Association in 2025. I specialise in International Trade & Investment and Commercial Litigation & Arbitration. Recently, I hold associate memberships in both Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

The University of Leeds has not only endowed me with a Master of Laws degree that distinguishes me from other candidates, but also instilled in me the confidence derived from its distinguished faculty, enabling me to continually surpass my own limitations and evolve into a more accomplished individual.

Xinyu Yang (Education 2021)

I graduated from the University of Leeds in 2021 with a degree in Education. During my time at Leeds, I was actively involved in extra-curricular volunteering activities related to my major “Education”, including teaching ESOL students for improving their daily English in Hamara Centre and in-curricular placement activities in a local primary school called Kippax Primary School. Now, I work as a post-study teacher at New Oriental Future Abroad (Beijing), focusing on writing study abroad application documents. I am passionate about helping prospective students and their families gain insights into life at Leeds, and I look forward to sharing my experiences. 

Lianjia Gao (International Relations 2015)

Gao Lianjia is a veteran practitioner of translation and interpretation as well as a long-standing researcher on intercultural communication. Mr. Gao is a BA in Russian Language and Literature from PLA Institute of Foreign Languages, MA in English Language and Literature from PLA Institute of International Studies, and MA in International Relations from University of Leeds.

Gao is well-versed in language & culture studies, translation theories, research on international relations, global communication, with translation works in literature, politics, economics, military studies, laws, business and other sectors. Gao is now a research fellow on international relations and geopolitics.