Alumni Voices @ BUPT: Choices and Stories from One of Our First Cohort Graduates
On October 15th, 2025, the BUPT-QMUL Joint Student Innovation Centre hosted an engaging dialogue with alumnus Mr. Jiazan Zhang (Class of 2004). Now a Senior AI Director at China Unicom, he shared his journey from the programme's first cohort to a leader in industrial AI, offering students valuable insights on technology, career development, and personal growth.
Author: Chao Liu
On October 15th 2025, BUPT-QMUL Joint Student Innovation Centre (JSIC) hosted a special session in the Alumni Voices series, featuring Mr. Jiazan Zhang, one of the very first cohort in the year of 2004 of the BUPT-QMUL JP/JEI, now Senior Director of the Artificial Intelligence Division at China Unicom (Beijing) Industrial Internet Co., Ltd.
The event, hosted by Dr. Chao Liu, Deputy Director of the Joint Student Innovation Centre (JSIC), is part of the Fresher to Thriver (F2T) programme, which supports students’ development in employability and entrepreneurship through engagement with alumni and industry leaders. With Dr. Liu leading the conversation, the session took the form of an engaging dialogue rather than a formal lecture, creating a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere as students gathered to hear from one of the pioneers of the programme.
Throughout the conversation, Mr. Zhang reflected on his journey from being part of the first cohort of the BUPT-QMUL JP/JEI in 2004 to becoming a leader in China’s industrial AI sector. He shared the reasoning behind his decision to join the joint programme at a time when it was still new and unfamiliar, and how that experience broadened his global perspective and professional vision.
Mr. Zhang also offered valuable insights into the intersection of AI and the Industrial Internet, describing how China Unicom is driving digital transformation and innovation across key industries. He spoke about the practical applications of AI in areas such as infrastructure, public services, and enterprise solutions — encouraging students to think about how emerging technologies can reshape traditional sectors.
Beyond technology, the conversation touched on topics that resonated deeply with the audience: career choices, employability, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Mr. Zhang emphasised the importance of cultivating core skills such as adaptability, critical thinking, and continuous learning — qualities that help young professionals thrive amid uncertainty and change.
The Q&A session that followed allowed students to engage directly with Mr. Zhang, raising thoughtful questions about career paths, the future of AI, and how to bridge academic learning with real-world practice.
The event concluded with warm applause and appreciation for Mr. Zhang’s openness and insight. For many attendees, it was not only an inspiring story from an alumnus but also a reminder of the shared roots and limitless possibilities that connect all graduates of the BUPT-QMUL JP/JEI.