Hogeschool PXL Students Bring Entrepreneurial Energy to Shanghai

In May 2026, twelve students from PXL Business (Hogeschool PXL) arrived in Shanghai to kick off a 16-day study tour across China, joined during part of their trip by students from Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and Washburn University. The Benelux Chamber of Commerce was pleased to support the group during their time in the city, organising a series of visits and activities designed to connect the students with Shanghai's professional community.

Among the highlights of the Shanghai leg was a visit to Volvo Cars' Asian Pacific Headquarters, where the group was welcomed by Geert Bruyneel, senior advisor and board member, and Stephanie Tang, responsible for business and employee communications. The session offered students a candid look at the opportunities and challenges of operating in China's ultra-competitive automotive market, and how a major European brand navigates that landscape while staying true to its identity.

The students also visited the Consulate General of Belgium in Shanghai, where they were warmly received by Consul General Pascal Buffin. There, they presented their start-up ideas to a panel of nine jury members drawn from Shanghai's business community, including Philippe Snel (DaWo Law Firm), Jonathan Xu (General Manager, Benelux Chamber of Commerce Shanghai), Hans U. (MD, Reality Group), Hansje van den Noort (Senior Legal Director, Philips Greater China), Hans Kreemers (APAC Sales Director, Bekaert Deslee), Jan Van Loon (Founder, White Caviar), Carmen Guo (KBC China), and Jan Van der Borght (Representative, Port of Antwerp-Bruges). A networking reception followed, giving students the opportunity to build connections and explore potential future collaborations with professionals across a range of industries.

From Shanghai, the group continued to Wuhan, where they were hosted by Wuhan University of Science and Technology, a fitting next stop given the 20-year partnership between WUST and Hogeschool PXL. That long-standing academic relationship has provided a strong foundation for student exchanges and collaborative projects between Belgium and China, and this latest visit is a further expression of both institutions' shared commitment to international education.

The Benelux Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting student delegations and facilitating meaningful encounters between European students and the Shanghai business community. 

Students interested in applying for an internship through the Benelux Chamber of Commerce can visit https://intern2china.org.