On September 8, 2026, Year 2 students from the 2025 cohort of the English-taught Master of Science in FinTech (MSFT) Programat the School of Finance, Renmin University of China, welcomed the incoming 2026 cohort for an evening of conversation and community building. Held from 6:00 p.m. at G032, Qiushi Student Community Development Space（求实学生社区成长空间）on the Tongzhou Campus, the gathering created a relaxed setting in which students from the two cohorts could meet, exchange practical experience, and begin building connections across year groups.

The evening commenced with a light-hearted self-introduction and ice-breaking session.New students raised questions about campus facilities, daily life in Beijing, course planning and selection, and opportunities to gain internship experience in China. The discussion offered them an early opportunity to hear directly from peers who had recently navigated many of the same choices and adjustments.

Year 2 students Yap Xin Yi, Oliver Jettoo and Eiman Noor Asif shared their own approaches to arranging courses and reflected on their internship experiences in China. Their practical observations helped connect academic planning with longer-term professional development. By discussing both the opportunities they had pursued and the lessons they had learned, they encouraged the new cohort to plan ahead, remain open to different paths, and make active use of the resources available within and beyond the university.

At 6:50 p.m., alumnus Cristian Meijia and class advisor Professor Xiao Gang joined the students online for a conversation with the two cohorts gathered on campus. Drawing on his experience in the program and beyond, Cristian offered suggestions on course planning and shared insights from internship and job interviews. During the question-and-answer session, he also explored with students the respective roles of hard skills and soft skills in today's workplace. The discussion highlighted that technical knowledge is essential, while communication, teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to present one's ideas clearly can be equally important when turning knowledge into professional impact.

Before the close of the event, Professor Xiao offered guidance to both cohorts and encouraged students to approach the new academic year with curiosity, discipline, and mutual support. He also delivered a warm welcome message to the incoming students, marking the beginning of their journey in the FinTech program and inviting them to contribute actively to its academic and student community.

The exchange concluded at 8:00 p.m. with a group photo of the 2025 and 2026 cohorts. More than a welcome gathering, the evening served as a bridge between different stages of the same learning journey. It enabled new students to begin the semester with practical information and familiar faces, while giving Year 2 students an opportunity to pass forward their experience. Through open conversation among current students, an alumnus, and the class advisor, the event reflected the program's commitment to peer learning, international exchange, and a supportive community at Renmin University of China. The gathering also strengthened a culture in which students learn not only from formal instruction, but also from the candid experiences, questions, and encouragement of those around them.