On 16 October 2026, Associate Professor Anis Bensadi led Chinese and international students from the "Financial Risk Analysis" and "Financial Risk Management" courses into Xiaomi's Shenzhen International Headquarters for an immersive corporate visit.
The campus houses Xiaomi's R&D centre for the K-series smartphones and hosts key ecosystem and international business functions, giving students a first-hand view of how the company coordinates R&D, product development and global operations under one roof. Seeing Xiaomi embedded in Shenzhen's dense innovation ecosystem, where artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors and smart hardware cluster within a few square kilometres, students gained a tangible sense of the competitive pressures, supply-chain interdependencies and growth opportunities that shape technology companies.
The day began with an overall introduction to Xiaomi: its founding culture of creating "products that touch hearts at honest prices", the leadership of founder and CEO Lei Jun, and its landmark 2018 Hong Kong IPO. Students then examined Xiaomi's core business structure, from smartphones and AIoT to its fast-growing smart electric vehicle segment, and mapped out the company's presence across global markets.
The visit then turned to Xiaomi's automotive business, where students learned in detail about the company's electric vehicle strategy and technology, and viewed the full lineup of its latest models.
Next, students explored Xiaomi's broader consumer ecosystem and its "Human × Car × Home" strategic vision.
For students of financial risk, the visit was far more than a product showcase. Seeing how a company manages risk across smartphones, IoT, internet services and now electric vehicles—sectors that differ sharply in capital intensity, supply-chain exposure and regulatory complexity—brought abstract risk frameworks to life. Examining Xiaomi's segment revenue structure, the capital requirements of its EV expansion and the margin pressures on its traditional hardware business gave students a concrete sense of how financial risk is identified, priced and managed inside a real multinational corporation. The experience also made corporate strategy tangible: students saw that behind every financial statement stand a culture of innovation, visionary leadership and a fast-executing workforce. For many, it was an inspiring reminder that risk analysis is not a back-office function but a lens for understanding how ambitious companies navigate uncertainty.
The visit was equally valuable for employability. Students practised translating technical product information into financial and strategic language—a skill consistently prized by employers in risk management, corporate finance, banking, consulting, asset management, fintech, and the automotive and technology industries. By examining Xiaomi's segment revenue structure, EV investment cycle, supply-chain dependencies and margin pressures, students accumulated concrete cases to draw on in interviews and applications to demonstrate commercial awareness and analytical judgement. The team's international composition fostered cross-cultural teamwork and the ability to discuss complex issues across different academic and cultural backgrounds. The office tour also gave students direct insight into how a multinational coordinates R&D, product development and global operations, helping them understand what roles exist, how functions interact, and what evidence employers look for when assessing candidates. For international students in particular, the visit built a bridge between academic theory and China's technology ecosystem, strengthening their confidence in navigating cross-border business environments. It also expanded their professional networks and provided a concrete, credible corporate case to cite in CVs, cover letters and interviews. Most importantly, it inspired many students to see risk analysis as a strategic career path rather than a narrow technical function—a shift in perspective that directly enhances their competitiveness in an increasingly cross-industry, technology-driven job market.
The visit once again connected theory with practice, giving students from China and abroad a common language for discussing corporate finance, strategy and risk. Special thanks go to the Xiaomi team for their warm hospitality and for opening their doors to the next generation of finance professionals.
Written by: Anis Bensadi
Photography: Xiaomi
