The WeBank Scholarship Summer Camp, a meticulously crafted brand of Shenzhen University WeBank Institute of FinTech (SWIFT), has successfully taken excellent students to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and other locations. During these journeys, students have broadened their horizons, stimulated their intellects, resonated with the world, and led the future through “learning,” “practicing,” and “observing.” And in this year, 10 students started a 10-day deep dive into the exploration of FinTech in the UK under the guidance of teachers.

During these 10 days, students visited Cambridge University for academic learning, deeply experienced British culture, and also traveled to London to visit several well-known companies... The exploration was not just a learning journey, but a new starting point for the launch of knowledge and dreams. Now, let’s review this wonderful journey filled with collisions of wisdom and sparks of inspiration, reliving those beautiful moments of learning, growth, and exploration.


University Learning: Cambridge

Embarking on the Splendor Hall of FinTech

As Cambridge has nurtured countless wisdom and innovative ideas, the students of WeBank Scholarship Summer Camp seemed to step into the shining hall of FinTech. Bryan Zhang, co-founder and executive director of the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance at Cambridge Judge Business School, along with researcher Anton Dek, introduced six distinctive courses to the students, opening a gateway to an unknown world. The courses included “Regulation of Digital Assets”, “Enterprise Strategy and Compliance for Digital Assets”, “Digital Assets and ESG - The Geographic Footprint and Environmental Impact of Digital Assets”, “Digital Assets and Inclusive Finance”, “Data of Digital Assets”, and “FinTech Market - Decentralized Financial Market Infrastructure”. Each course was like a meticulously laid knowledge staircase, guiding students to climb the peak of FinTech.

Beyond the master classes, the Cambridge experience could not complete without wandering through this world-renowned university during leisure time, listening to its history and culture that span nearly a millennium. From experiencing the elegance of the Corpus Clock, exploring the ancient wisdom of King’s College and Trinity College, to visiting the stone tablet of Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again, the apple tree of Newton’s discovery, and the Mathematical Bridge, students immersed in the poetry and inspiration that transcend time and space. Then, taking a boat on the River Cam, students were captivated by the tranquility and beauty where nature and culture perfectly merge, allowing the soul to be utterly released and purified.


Corporate Visiting: London 

Feeling the Collision between Old and New in FinTech

From the academic palace of Cambridge, to the bustling metropolis of London, the students’ exploration has never ceased. They traversed between history and modernity, experiencing the collision and integration of old and new forces in FinTech.

By visiting four financial institutions: IO FINNET, Lloyd's of London (headquarter), LGT Wealth Management, and Barclays Bank (headquarter), students not only experienced the limitless potential of FinTech but stimulated their boundless imagination about the future financial ecosystem. Each immersive experience and in-depth communication provided a profound understanding and insight into FinTech, as well as a valuable accumulation for their future careers.

IO FINNET

As a leading enterprise in the FinTech field, IO FINNET focuses on the application of cutting-edge technologies such as Blockchain and AI. During the visit, Iowa, IO FINNET’s Strategic Director, comprehensively showcased the company’s solid foundation and diversified business layout, leveraging his profound industry insights and rich practical experience. He also delved into the latest development trends of blockchain technology and the FinTech field, guiding students to perceive the pulse of future technology. At the same time, he generously shared his valuable work experience accumulated in three major international financial centers, allowing students to deeply appreciate the vastness and infinite possibilities of the industry. With his approachable demeanor, he engaged in lively discussions and interactions with the students, offering detailed and patient answers to their questions. The atmosphere was vibrant, and students expressed that they gained a lot and were greatly inspired.

Lloyd’s of London

As a shining star in the global insurance industry, Lloyd’s of London is renowned for its long-standing history and extensive business presence worldwide. It is a meticulously managed and highly standardized leading enterprise. It’s headquarter building, the Lloyd’s Building, is not easily accessible to outsiders without special authorization. Fortunately, under the comprehensive planning and leadership of the teachers from SWIFT, students were granted the opportunity to step into this desirable business hall and experience the charm of a world-class enterprise.

In this visit, the students gained an in-depth understanding of the grand development history and unique market strategies of Lloyd’s Insurance. Besides, it was as if they traveled through time, experiencing the perfect fusion of corporate culture and artistic aesthetics through visiting the precious collections of Lutine and Nelson, the historic Adam Room, and the art-filled galleries. During the tour, the students actively asked questions and engaged in enthusiastic interactions with the guides. Not only did this broaden their horizons, but it also inspired boundless aspirations and in-depth reflections on their future careers.

LGT Wealth Management

LGT Wealth Management, with its royal heritage and a history spanning over a century, is not only a model of high-end wealth management services, but a trusted financial planning partner to clients worldwide. During this meaningful visit, through the vivid explanations of the staff, students gained insights into LGT’s leading position in wealth management. They were also exposed to the most cutting-edge financial planning concepts and strategies, feeling as if they were at the heart of the global financial market. In the exchange session, the staff generously shared their valuable work experience at LGT, patiently and meticulously answering students’ questions, demonstrating high professional quality and approachability.

Barclays Bank

Barclays Bank, as one of the four pillars of the British financial sector, carries a profound historical heritage and boasts an extensive global network, wielding extraordinary international influence. Same as Lloyd’s of London, Barclays Bank is also renowned for its exceptional management rigor, making it challenging for outsides to gain insight into its internal operations without strict authorization.

During the visit, the students delved into Barclays Bank’s illustrious history and diverse business structure, gaining a more intuitive understanding of its profound heritage and global perspective. Notably, Nidhi, a staff member of Barclays Bank, elaborately presented the rigorous application process for new hires; another staff member, Ade, shared his valuable experiences and profound insights during his internship at the bank with great enthusiasm. Sophia, another bank staff member, engaged in an in-depth and fruitful business discussion with the students around the current social hotspot - student fraud issues, which not only enhanced students’ risk prevention awareness but promoted a deeper understanding of the social responsibilities of the banking industry, laying a solid foundation for their future learning and career development.

After completing the Cambridge lectures and visiting enterprises in London, the students deeply experienced the centennial history and culture of the UK. They explored London’s iconic landmarks, gently touching the veins of history and feeling the pulse of the era. From gazing upon the majestic steel structure of Tower Bridge and the grandeur of the London Eye, to listening to the melodious chimes of Big Ben, and then taking a river boat tour along the Thames, the students unconsciously merged into this enchanting scene, feeling the flowing poetry.

The students also visited the V&A Museum, the British Museum, the Bank of England Museum, and the National Gallery. They explored Windsor Castle, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and the university town of Oxford, as if traversing a tunnel through time. They listened to the voice of precious collections and ancient architecture that quietly narrate the splendor and vicissitudes of human civilization, feeling the power of knowledge and the brilliance of wisdom.


Conclusion

The Ship of Dreams Sets Sail

Although the 2024 WeBank Scholarship Summer Camp has drawn to a close, it leaves an inexhaustible legacy of contemplation and inspiration for students. From this journey, the students not only gained valuable knowledge and experience but also planted the seeds of innovation and dreams in their hearts. Let us look forward together to seeing these passionate and dream-bearing students thrive on the broad and open platform of SWIFT. We hope they will continue to explore and strive for excellence on their future paths in FinTech, writing their own glorious chapters with their wisdom and diligence!