Peking University's 'Future Leaders' Program: Shaping Global Innovators for Tomorrow

In September 2025, Peking University's Guanghua School of Management marked a significant milestone by welcoming the sixth cohort of its internationally recognized "Future Leaders" International Undergraduate Program. Established in 2019, this dual-degree program is designed to cultivate leaders who possess a profound understanding of China as well as a broad international perspective. Over the years, it has developed a robust network with 15 prestigious business schools around the globe, drawing in a total of 235 high-achieving students from a remarkable 35 countries and regions.

What sets this program apart is its innovative structure, which assembles top scholars from each partner university. After spending their initial two years at their home institutions, these students transition to Peking University for an immersive two-year experience. This model allows participants to engage with a rigorous curriculum while collaborating directly with industry-leading enterprises. With courses offered not only in Beijing but also at various Guanghua satellite campuses across China, students gain first-hand exposure to the country's diverse economic landscapes and its innovative drive. This setup enables aspiring leaders to develop a practical understanding of Chinese markets and business practices, enriched by the perspectives of a truly diverse student body.

The significance of this initiative was accentuated at the recent Future Leaders Deans Forum held in Beijing, where deans from 16 partner institutions convened to discuss and promote the signing of the "Consensus on the Future of Business Education." This document underlines the importance of adapting business education to current trends, emphasizing digital transformation, sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and developing ethical leaders with a global mindset.

Professor Liu Qiao, Dean of the Guanghua School of Management, expressed the program’s philosophy: "Business education is at a crossroads. We must prepare our students not just with technical skills, but with imagination, values, and the courage to tackle complex societal problems." His insights reflect the program's commitment to not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of its participants.

Admission to the program is highly competitive, targeting students from the top 20% of their respective universities. This involves a rigorous two-stage evaluation process, ensuring a cohort that is not only academically accomplished but also culturally diverse.

Graduates of the Future Leaders Program are making impactful strides in various fields, including finance, consulting, technology, and social innovation, with alumni landing positions at prestigious organizations such as Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Tencent, and the United Nations. Additionally, many choose to further their education at esteemed institutions like Stanford, Harvard, and Oxford.

One notable success story is Niklas Muennighoff, a graduate from the inaugural cohort currently pursuing a PhD in AI at Stanford University. He reflects on his experience by stating, "The Future Leaders Program gave me a real understanding of China's business culture and how to work effectively across borders. The capstone project experience was transformative in shaping my professional outlook."

As the Future Leaders Program's network expands through dialogue and partnerships with institutions in the UK, Australia, Mexico, and Indonesia, it evolves into a pioneering experiment in how universities can collaborate to better prepare students for the complex challenges of a shared global future. This initiative not only enhances educational opportunities but also fosters an international community of leaders equipped to respond to pressing global issues in innovative ways.

In conclusion, Peking University's Future Leaders Program stands as a testament to the institution's commitment to shaping the next generation of global leaders. By integrating local insights with a global perspective, it creates a thriving environment for young talents to rise and excel in an ever-changing world.