【Member Spotlight】Merck China: Partnering with Peking University National School of Development to Strengthen Enterprise Talent Development

Merck China has partnered with Peking University National Development Institute for 17 years, training over 400 leaders and business professionals

The 9th Merck trainees successfully graduate, and the 10th cohort officially begins

Focusing on talent development in the AI era, exploring new paths for leadership and organizational transformation

Beijing, March 11, 2026 — The management team of Merck, a global leading technology company, visited Peking University National Development Institute at Chengze Garden to jointly witness the graduation ceremony of the 9th Merck trainees and the orientation for the 10th cohort with leaders from Peking University.

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Rogier Janssens, President of Merck China and Managing Director of Merck Life Science China; Marc Horn, former President of Merck China; Wang Yong, Head of Legal and Compliance, Acting Head of Human Resources; Ma Li, Head of Corporate Communications; and Li Ye, Head of Corporate and Government Affairs, also attended at Chengze Garden, engaging with new and old trainees to discuss leadership and talent development.

Professor Huang Yiping from Peking University National Development Institute delivered a speech:

This is a project of profound significance. Peking University not only provides professional academic resources and an open learning platform but also, through decades of steadfast cooperation with Merck, jointly promotes talent cultivation and sustainable development, aiming to create greater social value. Looking ahead, we hope to deepen our collaboration with Merck China, continue advancing this program, explore innovative practices in this field, and provide more growth opportunities for trainees, making them active drivers of social progress.

Professor Huang Zhuo, Vice Dean of Peking University National Development Institute, shared an engaging talk on AI, analyzing future trends and their profound impact on enterprises, dissecting industry transformation and organizational challenges, and discussing directions for corporate transformation. Zhao Chun, Deputy Director of the Institute’s Training Department, also attended the event.

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During the AI discussion session, Professor Huang Zhuo, Rogier Janssens, Wang Yong, and Li Ye shared insights on the challenges and opportunities brought by the complex and changing AI environment, Merck’s strategic responses, how leadership and talent development can adapt to future needs, and how to better establish a growth-oriented mindset. They engaged with trainees, sharing experiences and inspiring young managers’ growth and progress.

Rogier Janssens, President of Merck China, stated:

The core of the AI era is not just technology itself, but elevating from artificial intelligence to human intelligence — we focus on practical implementation, making AI a trusted work partner for every employee, balancing speed and ethical standards in technological innovation, ultimately empowering human potential and driving sustainable long-term corporate growth.

After 17 years, four alumni representatives shared their growth journeys during the discussion. They recounted their transformations in management thinking, business strategies, and global perspectives, which raised expectations among the new 10th cohort of trainees.

On the same day, Professor Lin Yifu, Honorary Dean of Peking University Boya Chair, National Development Institute, and South-South Cooperation and Development Institute, along with Rogier Janssens, Wang Yong, Ma Li, and Li Ye, held in-depth discussions on strengthening future cooperation between the Institute and Merck. They reviewed the deep connections built over decades and the excellent results achieved in various collaborative projects, looking forward to sharing resources and knowledge to foster innovation, cultivate high-quality talent, promote technological progress, and deepen strategic partnerships in social responsibility.

About EMMP

Since 2009, Merck China has partnered with Peking University National Development Institute to run the “Peking University-Merck Emerging Markets Management Training Program (EMMP),” aimed at cultivating corporate talents with international vision and management skills, especially in effectively managing and operating in a constantly changing market environment to address complex business challenges. Over 17 years, the program has trained more than 400 leaders, business professionals, and high-potential talents.

As a vibrant technology company, Merck firmly believes that investing in talent growth is the best way to drive company development. We continuously strive to create an ecosystem where everyone can thrive and contribute, generating greater value for patients, customers, employees, companies, and society.

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Merck is a global leading technology company focused on life sciences, healthcare, and electronics. With over 62,000 employees worldwide, Merck aims to create more enjoyable and sustainable lifestyles, positively impacting millions of lives. By 2025, Merck’s total sales in 65 countries will reach €21.1 billion.

Scientific exploration and responsible corporate spirit have always been key to Merck’s technological progress and the secret to its vitality since 1668. The Merck family, as the company’s founders, still holds most of the shares today. In most of the world, we are called “Merck,” except in the US and Canada. Merck’s three major sectors—Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics—are known as “EMD Serono,” “MilliporeSigma,” and “EMD Electronics” respectively in these two countries. Merck has a history of over 90 years in China, with nearly 4,500 employees and 21 registered companies in Beijing, Shanghai, Wuxi, Suzhou, Nantong, and Hong Kong.