From January 11 to January 18, 2026, our Future Leaders Program students embarked on an extraordinary journey to Yunnan Province, a region in the southeast of China renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich ethnic diversity, and thriving industries.
The week-long program took students to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, and Pu’er, a region famed for its tea and coffee. Throughout the trip, students engaged with local leaders, industry experts, and communities, gaining firsthand insights into Yunnan’s unique blend of cultural heritage and economic innovation.
In Kunming, students visited the Dounan Flower Market, one of Asia’s largest flower trading hubs, where they witnessed real-time auctions and learned about the dynamics of the global flower market. They also toured Yunnan Baiyao, a renowned company blending traditional Chinese medicine with modern innovation, and Kunming Yunnei Power, a leader in advanced engine technology.
The journey continued in Pu’er, where students immersed themselves in hands-on workshops included picking and brewing coffee, creating traditional tie-dye at the Pu’er Beautiful Star Village ——a rural community.
Adding depth to that experience, students attended expert-led lectures and sessions with Starbucks, Yunnan University and Yunnan Agricultural University to learn about how local industries connect to global markets, such as global coffee innovation, industrial integration, intangible cultural heritage.
Throughout their time in Yunnan, students did more than learn—they lived the culture, exploring how tradition and innovation coexist in Chinese business and how communities build resilient economies.
This transformative experience was made possible through the support of Yunnan Baiyao, Kunming Yunnei Power, the Wuhua District Culture and Tourism Bureau, Yunnan University, Yunnan Agricultural University, and Starbucks. We extend our heartfelt thanks to these organizations for their invaluable contributions to this enriching journey.
