Bringing together education, trade and industry

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to widening access to business education and developing the next generation of global trade leaders, building on longstanding ties between the three organisations. During Baolong's early international expansion, the company tapped on Global Sources, to connect with overseas customers. Global Sources was founded by Dr Merle A. Hinrich, Founder and Chairman of the Hinrich Foundation.

Dr Hinrich has been involved in advancing international trade, particularly across East Asia and emerging markets for more than six decades. In 2012, he established the Hinrich Foundation, an independent, privately endowed philanthropic institution that supports research and education to advance mutually beneficial and sustainable global trade.

Dr Hinrich said: “The future of global trade depends on leaders who understand that trade is not simply about the movement of goods and capital, but about building relationships, creating shared value and strengthening prosperity across economies.

“We are pleased to partner with NUS Business School and Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corporation to support talented MBA students as they develop the knowledge, international perspective and leadership capabilities needed to make a positive contribution to global trade.”

The partnership also draws on Baolong's longstanding relationship with NUS Business School. Mr Zhang Zuqiu (Charles), Chairman and President of Baolong, graduated from NUS Executive MBA (Chinese) programme in 2007. Since then, more than a dozen Baolong executives have completed the NUS EMBA (Chinese) programme, reflecting the company's continued investment in leadership development.

In 2025, Baolong established the Baolong Automotive Bursary, an endowed bursary supporting financially needy undergraduates at NUS Business School. Its support for the Global Trade Leaders Scholarship builds on this commitment to education and talent development.

Mr Zhang said: “As a company that has grown from Shanghai to markets around the world, Baolong understands first-hand the importance of global connectivity, innovation and talent. We are pleased to support the next generation of business leaders through the Global Trade Leaders Scholarship. We hope this initiative will encourage MBA students to look beyond individual markets, embrace international opportunities and contribute to the future of global business.”

The Global Trade Leaders Scholarship was launched at a gift signing ceremony on 28 October 2026, followed by a fireside conversation with Dr Hinrich and Mr Zhang on their experiences in international business and global trade.