MBS School of Business and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) are strengthening their academic cooperation with the creation of a Franco-Chinese Institute in Chengdu. From the start of the 2026 academic year, nearly 250 students will be able to enrol in jointly developed programmes covering strategic fields such as finance, marketing, artificial intelligence, and supply chain management. Through this initiative, the two institutions reaffirm their commitment to developing internationally oriented programmes and building lasting bridges between the French and Chinese academic ecosystems.

An ambitious academic partnership

MBS School of Business is taking a new step in its international development with the creation of a Franco-Chinese Institute in partnership with Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE), one of China’s leading universities in finance, economics, and management.

From the start of the 2026 academic year, nearly 250 students will join the various programmes offered by the Institute, which is the result of academic cooperation between the MBS and SWUFE teams. Through this initiative, the two institutions aim to strengthen academic exchanges between France and China and provide programmes that respond to the transformations taking place across economies and businesses.

The project will officially launch on 16 and 17 September 2026 on the MBS campus in Montpellier, ahead of an opening ceremony to be held on 13 October 2026 in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of China’s most dynamic metropolitan areas.

An alliance between two renowned institutions

Based in Chengdu, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics has built a strong academic reputation in China and internationally. The university educates tens of thousands of students each year and is recognised for its expertise in finance, economics, and management.

Its location at the heart of Chengdu is also a major asset for this new partnership. A dynamic economic, technological, and entrepreneurial hub, the city provides a favourable environment for developing new collaborations between higher education institutions, businesses, and local communities.

SWUFE also holds the prestigious EQUIS and AACSB international accreditations, reflecting the quality of its academic model and its international reach.

This cooperation is therefore built on the complementary expertise of two institutions that share a common ambition: preparing tomorrow’s talent to thrive in constantly evolving economic environments and an increasingly demanding international context.

Programmes addressing the challenges of economic transformation

From the start of the 2026 academic year, the Franco-Chinese Institute will welcome nearly 250 students across several programmes jointly designed by the academic teams at MBS and SWUFE.

Teaching will focus in particular on four strategic areas for businesses and organisations:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Supply Chain and International Logistics

These programmes will enable students to develop skills that meet the needs of businesses in a globalised environment and to enhance their qualifications through recognised professional certifications.

MBS faculty members will work alongside their SWUFE counterparts to encourage the sharing of expertise, intercultural approaches, and the internationalisation of the programmes.

A shared vision for higher education

For Mohamed Afennich, General Director of MBS:

“The creation of this Franco-Chinese Institute with Southwestern University of Finance and Economics marks a major milestone in MBS’s international development. Beyond being a simple academic partnership, this project reflects our commitment to building lasting cooperation with institutions of excellence that share our values of openness, innovation, and academic rigour. By combining the expertise of MBS and SWUFE, we are creating a unique learning environment that enables students to develop high-value skills in an international context.”

He adds:

“In the face of the major economic, technological, and societal transformations reshaping the world, educating future decision-makers requires closer cooperation between higher education institutions more than ever. This Franco-Chinese Institute fully embodies this ambition and will contribute to building lasting connections between the French and Chinese academic ecosystems.”

Further recognition of MBS’s international reach

This partnership also reflects MBS’s international development strategy, which is based on building long-term academic partnerships with institutions recognised for their excellence, innovative capacity, and global outlook.

For André Deljarry, President of MBS:

“We are particularly proud to partner with Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, a university recognised for the excellence of its programmes, the quality of its research, and its international reputation. This partnership reflects the trust placed in MBS and our ability to forge strategic alliances with leading institutions around the world.”

He continues:

“Located in Chengdu, one of China’s most innovative and attractive metropolitan areas, SWUFE offers an exceptional environment for developing high-value academic cooperation. Through this Franco-Chinese Institute, we are helping to build lasting bridges between the talent, businesses, and communities of our two countries.”

A new chapter in Franco-Chinese academic relations

Through the creation of this Franco-Chinese Institute, MBS and SWUFE reaffirm their shared commitment to academic excellence, international openness, and the development of the skills needed for the economies of tomorrow.

This cooperation also demonstrates the ability of higher education institutions to bring cultures closer together, facilitate the mobility of knowledge, and support business transformation on a global scale.

The official ceremony to be held on 13 October 2026 in Chengdu will mark the launch of this new academic and human journey, which is set to grow in the years ahead for the benefit of students, socio-economic partners, and both institutions.

MBS School of Business is taking another major step in its development with the first intake of students enrolled in the MSc Supply Chain & Procurement and MSc Marketing & Business Development programs at its new Paris campus. The 2026 academic year marks the beginning of a new chapter for the school, bringing together academic excellence, innovation and the evolving needs of the business world.

A New Academic Year for MBS School of Business in Paris

The 2026 academic year marks an important milestone for MBS School of Business, as the first students enrolled in the MSc Supply Chain & Procurement and MSc Marketing & Business Development programs begin their studies at the school’s new Paris campus.

This new location in Paris supports MBS’s development ambitions and strengthens the school’s presence in one of Europe’s most dynamic business environments.

Through its programs in management, marketing, business development, supply chain and procurement, MBS School of Business provides students with educational pathways designed to address the transformations shaping businesses and the evolving needs of the professional world.

A Conference Exploring the Transformations Shaping Business

To kick off the first academic year at the Paris campus, students took part in a conference bringing together professional expertise and academic insight.

The session was led by Catherine Bonneville from Air France-KLM and Dr. Alejandro Allera from MBS School of Business.

Discussions focused on several key challenges facing organizations and future managers, including organizational transformation, innovation, management, marketing and supply chain.

These topics are closely aligned with the skills developed through the two MSc programs hosted at the Paris campus. They also gave students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the changes transforming careers and practices in marketing, business development, procurement and supply chain management.

Connecting Academic Learning with the Realities of Business

The conference reflects MBS School of Business’s commitment to bridging academic learning and professional experience.

Engaging with professionals and industry experts gives students the opportunity to connect the knowledge gained throughout their studies with the concrete challenges businesses face today.

For students enrolled in the MSc Supply Chain & Procurement and MSc Marketing & Business Development programs, these interactions also provide valuable insights into the transformations currently reshaping organizations and the skills needed to help drive their evolution.

A New Year Driven by Innovation and Opportunity

This first academic year at the new MBS School of Business Paris campus marks the beginning of a year focused on academic excellence, knowledge sharing and openness.

By welcoming students to a new learning environment in Paris, MBS is continuing to expand its presence while pursuing its ambition to prepare future professionals to navigate and shape the transformations taking place across the business world.

Welcome to the students of the MSc Supply Chain & Procurement and MSc Marketing & Business Development programs as they begin this first academic year at MBS’s Paris campus. And thank you to Catherine Bonneville and Dr. Alejandro Allera for contributing to this special launch.

How can entrepreneurship help address the major social and environmental challenges of tomorrow? This is the question explored by around twenty second-year students from the MBS Grande École Program during an immersive week in Warsaw, Poland. Bringing together more than 100 participants from across Europe as part of the Blended Intensive Program (BIP), the experience gave students the opportunity to develop social business projects, collaborate in international teams, and discover new approaches to impact-driven innovation.

Collaborating Across Europe on Impact Projects

Throughout the week, participants worked in multicultural teams to design social business projects aimed at tackling today’s social and environmental challenges.

From idea generation to pitch deck development, students created innovative solutions while strengthening their skills in project management, creativity, communication, and teamwork. It was a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives with peers from across Europe and gain valuable insights into different approaches to entrepreneurship and innovation.

An Immersive Learning Experience

The program embraced a hands-on, experiential learning approach, combining case studies, team challenges, company visits, and meetings with professionals working in the impact economy.

One of the highlights of the week was the Warsaw Video Challenge, which encouraged participants to take on a creative assignment while discovering the Polish capital from a fresh perspective. These activities fostered collaboration, cultural openness, and learning by doing—key elements of MBS’s international educational approach.

Exploring the Businesses of Tomorrow

Through conferences, workshops, and discussions with experts, students explored the key issues surrounding responsible entrepreneurship and social innovation.

This immersive experience helped them gain a deeper understanding of how businesses can combine economic performance with positive impact, while developing more sustainable models that contribute to society.

A Memorable International and Human Experience

Beyond the academic learning, this week in Warsaw will remain a defining personal and international experience for MBS students. Working alongside participants from different countries, sharing experiences, and co-creating innovative solutions provided invaluable opportunities for growth and learning.

MBS would like to thank Kozminski University for its warm welcome and the outstanding organization of the program, as well as the school’s International Office teams whose support made this experience possible.

This initiative is yet another example of MBS’s commitment to international openness, innovative teaching methods, and the development of future leaders capable of making a positive impact on the world around them.

What if France’s tourism competitiveness were first decided in the skies? This central question was at the heart of an event organized by the Pégase Chair—the first French academic chair dedicated to the economics and management of air transport, tourism, and aerospace—which brought together more than 200 industry professionals at the Aéro-Club de France. The event focused on a key strategic issue: the role of air transport in enhancing France’s tourism appeal.

The Pégase Chair: A Leading Player at the Crossroads of Aviation and Tourism

Affiliated with MBS School of Business, the Pégase Chair holds a unique position within the French academic landscape. As the first chair dedicated to the economics and management of air transport, tourism, and aerospace, it produces applied research designed to support industry professionals and actively contributes to the major debates shaping these rapidly evolving sectors.

A Unifying Event Around a Strategic Challenge

Bringing together more than 200 professionals from the aviation and tourism sectors in one place was the successful challenge taken up by the Pégase Chair at this event held at the Aéro-Club de France. The program featured the presentation of the Chair’s latest report, a panel discussion with key industry players, and high-quality exchanges among professionals from diverse backgrounds. The day highlighted the importance of dialogue between academia and industry in advancing thinking on complex issues such as France’s tourism appeal.

A Panel Discussion with Leading Industry Figures

The discussions were enriched by contributions from three prominent industry figures: Mathieu Cuip, representing Groupe ADP; Nicolas Dayot, from the French Confederation of Tourism Stakeholders; and Sébastien Justum, from Air France-KLM. Their combined perspectives shed light on the many dimensions of the relationship between air transport and tourism appeal, spanning operational constraints, economic considerations, and environmental challenges.

To learn more and explore the conclusions and recommendations from the Pégase Chair’s latest research, the full report is available for free download by clicking here.

Last Friday, the MBS School of Business campus came alive for the 20th edition of the MBS Alumni Day. Over 1,150 students, 120 alumni, 30 talks and 20 companies mobilised: an extraordinary day built around exchange, transmission and connection.

A Powerful Opening Keynote to Set the Tone

The day kicked off with an opening keynote introduced by Thibaut Rochette, President of MBS Alumni, and Eric Le Deley, Deputy Academic Director General of MBS, and hosted by Maryne Avril and Loïc Sitbon, both PGE 2019 graduates. Three outstanding alumni took the stage to address a defining question: how do we guide the next generation in a world undergoing profound transformation — economic, technological and geopolitical?

Marie Aussant, Bachelor 2010, now at Lacoste, Jamil Tadili Fariss, PGE 2010, founder of JAD PARTNERS, and Frédéric Collet, PGE 1996, Partner at KPMG, shared their insights, convictions and experiences with refreshing honesty and generosity — setting the tone for a day defined by authenticity.

30 Talks, 800 Connections: Real, Unfiltered Conversations

Throughout the day, our students had the opportunity to take part in over 30 themed talks led by MBS alumni. Straight-talking, hands-on discussions covering career paths, professional choices, opportunities — and the realities of the working world. No polished speeches, just genuine experiences that help our students better understand and prepare for the professional landscape ahead.

In total, over 800 connections were made in the course of a single day — each one a new piece of advice, a fresh perspective, or the start of a meaningful professional relationship.

Over 20 Companies on Campus to Recruit and Connect

The MBS Alumni Day is also a prime opportunity to connect with the business world. This year, more than 20 partner companies made the trip to campus to meet our students, share insights about their industries and explore recruitment opportunities: Africa Global Logistics, Altémed, CDC Habitat, Conceptole Industrie, Coopérative U, Deloitte, DYNEFF, Fortil, French Property Consulting, Gemmaris, Lidl France, Groupe Nicollin, Oracle, Orchestra, PwC, UFF – Wealth Management Advisory, and VINCI Facilities Building Solutions.

Their presence is a testament to the trust these organisations place in MBS-trained profiles and to the school’s growing appeal in the recruitment market.

The MBS Community: A Lasting Force

What truly makes the MBS Alumni Day special, beyond the numbers, is the spirit that drives it: a tight-knit, committed and generous community. Our alumni never really leave — they come back, they share, they inspire.

A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of them for their presence, their dedication and their desire to give back. This is where it all begins.

Relive the highlights of this special day on our social media channels!

On Thursday, March 12th, the Montpellier campus of MBS School of Business hosted the annual MBS and MBS Foundation Scholarship Ceremony. An exceptional evening dedicated to recognition, inclusion and equal opportunities, bringing together scholarship recipients, philanthropic partners and members of the MBS community.

A Concrete Commitment to Equal Opportunities

For several years now, MBS School of Business and its Foundation have been actively working to enable every talented student, regardless of their background or circumstances, to pursue their ambitions. The Scholarship Ceremony is the most visible expression of this commitment: it recognises remarkable journeys and provides outstanding students with the means to continue their studies in the best possible conditions.

A Wide Range of Scholarships to Support Every Profile

This year, no fewer than fourteen scholarships were awarded during the evening, covering a broad spectrum of areas including academic merit, admissions excellence, inclusion, encouragement and international mobility:

• Merit Scholarship – SG Courtois presented by Philippe Ferrando, Regional Director of the Hérault and Sud Aveyron Agency Group, SG COURTOIS, to Nihad BENJAAFAR, Abderrahman ZBIRIYY, Charlotte BEX and Emmie ZEBIB.

• Admissions Excellence Scholarship presented by Audrey Hodicq, Director of Admissions, MBS, to Alban BOSCHI.

• Staff Scholarship presented by Lionel RIVIERE, Full Professor, MBS, to Démétria LISTER.

• Roland Di Meglio Scholarship presented by Jean REVEILLER, President of the Rotary Club du Pic Saint-Loup, to Lucas GONÇALVES.

• Alumni Scholarship presented by Caroline ESCARIOT, Alumni 2002, Kelly MAGNE, Alumni 2017 and Thibaut ROCHETTE, President of the MBS ALUMNI Association, Alumni 2010, to Rajesh CHETLUR, Vincent Ntiense DANIEL, Louna HENRIQUES, Hind IDRISSI AIT ELOUALI, Démétria LISTER, Madjena MEDE-JEAN-PIERRE and Brandy WUITCHEU MONTHE.

• MBS Inclusion Scholarship presented by Emeline DUMONT, HR Development Officer and Deputy National Disability Representative, COOPERATIVE U, Jean-Philippe DUBAR, Director of Cooperative Engagement and CSR, BANQUE POPULAIRE DU SUD, and Julien PRIOLET, South-East General Director, SYNERGIHP, to Sara CHETIOUI, Andréa PILI and Guillian TABART.

• International Excellence Scholarship presented by Christelle LAILLE, Head of HR Development Department, CAISSE D’EPARGNE LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON, to Tamar KAVTARADZE.

• Excellence Scholarship presented by Mathieu MASSOT, Chief Executive Officer, Groupe FDI, to Sosso DABO.

• Excellence Scholarship presented by Johanna MORA, Human Resources Partner, ROYAL CANIN, to Ali ANNASERI.

• Excellence Scholarship presented by Maud MOLLET, HR Development Manager, COOPERATIVE U, to Fadéla ZENATI.

• Excellence Scholarship presented by Philippe FERRANDO, Regional Director of the Hérault and Sud Aveyron Agency Group, SG COURTOIS, to Nihad BENJAAFAR.

• Excellence Scholarship presented by Sébastien ALLESFREDE, Human Resources Manager, Béziers Regional Division, LIDL, to Jason FRENN and Rauhani MERVIN.

• Excellence Scholarship presented by Christelle LAILLE, Head of HR Development Department, CAISSE D’EPARGNE LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON, to Sabera KOUKOUCH and Abdalah ZAMMIT CHATTI.

• Academic Encouragement Scholarship presented by Marie-Claude JUANICO, Equal Opportunities and Social Outreach Project Officer, MBS, and Jean-Philippe ANDRÉ, President of the MBS FOUNDATION, to Mokhtar CHEBEL, Louna HENRIQUES, Hind IDRISSI AIT ELOUALI, Madjena MEDE-JEAN-PIERRE, Brandy WUITCHEU MONTHE and Achraf ZOURHAIBA.

Philanthropic Partners at the Heart of the Initiative

This ceremony would not have been possible without the loyal and generous commitment of MBS and its Foundation’s philanthropic partners. Companies, institutions and alumni come together each year to financially support students whose talent and determination deserve to be nurtured. Their involvement reflects a shared vision: that of an education system that is accessible, inclusive and forward-looking.

The MBS Community United Around Strong Values

Beyond the scholarships themselves, this evening brought the MBS community together around the values it holds dear: inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities. It reflects the deep conviction of MBS and its Foundation that academic excellence should never be a privilege, but an opportunity open to everyone.

Relive this special evening through photos and videos on our social media pages!

MBS School of Business recently welcomed Ramaz Kukuladze, President of Alte University, to its Montpellier campus — marking a significant milestone in the development of a promising academic cooperation between Georgia and Occitania.

A Strategic Partnership Rooted in Shared Academic Values

Alte University, a young and forward-looking private institution based in Georgia, has established itself as a key academic partner for MBS School of Business in the region. The visit of its President to the Montpellier campus was an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a structured and ambitious cooperation, built on a shared commitment to academic excellence and student mobility.

A Cross-Functional Team Committed to International Development

The meeting brought together key figures from MBS School of Business: Eric Le Deley, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs, Oussama Ammar, Dean for Programmes, Xavier Rajot, Director of International Academic Partnerships, and Bérengère Vauterin, Progression Partnerships Coordinator. Together, they engaged in constructive discussions to define the contours of this collaboration and the opportunities it will generate for students on both sides.

Building Bridges for the Next Generation of Global Students

At the heart of this partnership lies a clear ambition: broadening the horizons of internationally minded students. Through meaningful academic pathways between Georgia and Occitania, MBS School of Business reaffirms its commitment to global education — preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world and fostering cross-cultural understanding through transformative academic experiences.