Marketing students were rewarded with prizes and a valuable experience through recent company visits to two leading mainland enterprises, Galanz Enterprise Group and Gree Air-Conditioner International Corporation Ltd.

In April, Dr Daniel Ding, Associate Professor in the Department of Marketing, organized a three-day visit to Galanz and Gree for third-year students majoring in China Business in April. Students diagnosed problems faced by the enterprises. Their findings were presented to senior management of the two companies at a prize presentation ceremony on 17 May.

The consultancy project provided hands-on experience and helped students map out their career plans. Marketing student Jojo Wong said: "Instead of seeking references from newspapers and the Web, we had direct discussions with top management. I found it very useful in understanding their management style."

Guests attending the ceremony included Professor K K Lai, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Business, Mr Yu Yaochang, Vice General Manager of Galanz, and Mr Xiao Chuanneng, a Gree senior manager. Students' proposals were praised for being practical and feasible. Representatives from the two companies said they look forward to future cooperation with CityU academics and students.