Tianshu Yu (Grace) — Blossoming in China’s Bioproduct Industry
“Studying in Finland brings me to a bigger stage – I never thought I could work in a big international company like UPM.”
When Grace Yu arrived in Finland in 2020, she embraced every challenge with curiosity and optimism. Her internship at TAMK’s summer program Learning Lab taught her teamwork, leadership, and creativity — lessons that shaped her professional confidence.
After graduation, she joined UPM Changshu as a Category Buyer, leading strategic sourcing and supplier collaboration. Her role integrates global sourcing insights with deep knowledge of China market, enabling synergy across UPM’s paper operations and driving commercial excellence.
Like Grace, Chongcong Liu (Kasper) joined UPM as a Process Development Specialist, improving bioproduct processes for three years after graduating from TAMK. His passion for innovation brought him back to Finland, where he is now pursuing a Master’s degree at Aalto University to deepen his knowledge in this field. (Read more: UPM Graduates Life: Taking risks opens doors of opportunity | UPM Adhesive Materials)
Guorong Cai works at Sun Paper, one of China’s leading pulp and paper enterprises. Her daily tasks bridge research, production, and sustainability — continuing the values and mindset she developed in TAMK’s bioproduct engineering program.
Xiaojiao Feng (Dawn) — Taking Root in Finnish Research
“In Finland, curiosity is the best tool any engineer can have.”
Positive and determined, Dawn built her research career in Finland. She has worked at Boreal Bioproducts and Kemira’s Discovery & Innovation Team and continues at Boreal as a Laboratory Assistant while pursuing her master’s degree at Aalto University. As a participant in Female Leader Engineer Finland 2025, she represents a new generation of globally minded engineers shaped by Finnish education.
Fujiao Cui — From VTT to Global Chemical Innovation
“My journey in Finland was a turning point — it gave me the courage to grow through self-reflection and guided me toward the world of scientific research.”
Fujiao began her career in Finland as a Research Scientist at VTT, Finland’s leading research center, before returning to China as a Chemist at Allnex Shanghai. She now applies her Finnish research experience to drive innovation in the global chemical industry.
Growing into Scholars and Researchers
“The flexibility of TAMK’s education enabled me to broaden my knowledge across various fields, laying a solid foundation for my future career path.” — Dr. Changshuo Liu
Many TAMK–Qilu graduates have continued their studies and research in Finland. Dr. Changshuo Liu came to Finland in 2015 and fell in love with its open research culture. After completing his studies at TAMK, he earned a Master’s and PhD at Tampere University, researching how the soil bacterium Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 converts plant-based biomass into valuable biochemicals.
Now working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Tampere University, Changshuo continues his research with the same determination and enthusiasm.
Chengji Yang and Hao Xi, also graduates of this program, conduct research at Aalto University on sustainable bioproducts and materials. Both have been awarded the prestigious ANDRITZ Scholarship, which recognizes exceptional student innovation and research potential in the bioproduct and pulp technology field.
Expert Insight
“These students are ambassadors of Finnish sustainability values. Their achievements show how education can transform not only individuals but entire industries.” — Dr. Ulla Häggblom, Former Project Initiator of TAMK’s Bioproduct Engineering Program
About the TAMK–Qilu Double Degree Program
Launched in 2012, the TAMK–Qilu double degree program allows students from Qilu University of Technology to study bioproduct engineering in Finland and earn dual qualifications.
Over the years, 75 Chinese students have studied at TAMK through this program, while six Finnish students have studied in China and obtained dual degrees from both universities. Together, they form a bridge between two worlds — helping Finland’s bioproduct and paper expertise reach new markets and inspiring a new generation of globally minded professionals.
Moreover, it has become a model of international cooperation in sustainable technology education, strengthening TAMK’s global reputation and showcasing Finland’s contribution to the future of the bioproduct and circular economy industries.
Text: Tanyu Chen
Key Account Manager, Business Operations
Tampere University of Applied Sciences
tanyu.chen@tuni.fi, +358406280413
Photo collage: Yuxing Ikonen
