Oscar Xing

Alumni

Money, Banking and Finance MSc

Study level:Postgraduate
Home country:China

Oscar works as a General Manager & Chairman Assistant at Shanghai Imilab Technology.

Oscar Xing smiling and standing against a grey background

Watch in Mandarin via WeChat

Meet Oscar from Shanghai Imilab Technology Co., Ltd | Built in Birmingham | University of Birmingham

Transcript

My name is Xing Xing, and this is my Chinese name.
And my English name is Oscar.

I studied at the University of Birmingham from 2012 to 2013.
I studied a Master’s programme called Money, Banking and Finance.

Currently, I'm working at a company called IMILAB,
and we are now one of the biggest home security camera makers in China.
I’m leading the entire overseas business of this company.

The reason why I chose to study at the University of Birmingham comes down to many factors.
A lot of Chinese students tend to apply to multiple schools,
but for me, I wanted to find a place where I could balance my learning and life,
and somewhere not as expensive as London.

So, Birmingham came into consideration.
Then, I looked for a good university in this city —
and the University of Birmingham was absolutely the best choice for me.
It has a really good ranking and offers very comprehensive courses,
so I could choose what I really wanted.

I felt very welcomed as an international student.
A lot of staff on campus were friendly, and it was very easy to ask for help.
There was a lot of support available, especially from the Guild of Students,
so the atmosphere was really nice and comfortable.

I benefited from my degree programme in two major ways:

First, I developed strong logical thinking.
My programme required intense mathematical skills and logical reasoning.

Second, I improved my teamwork skills.
Some courses required group work to complete essays or projects.
As an international student, I had to work with people from different countries,
which sometimes led to culture shock or different understandings.

Learning how to align mindsets and solve problems with such diversity was challenging,
but I gained a lot of experience from it.
This has helped me in my current role,
where I work with clients from Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
Understanding their perspectives can be difficult,
but thanks to my experience at the University of Birmingham,
I’ve become quite good at handling it.

We also had a Career Centre at the university.
When I was about to finish my degree,
I went there for support — to find out what kind of job might suit me.
There were many professional coaches and several seminars and sessions.

One session I benefited from the most was about how to use LinkedIn —
how to reach out to professionals, send cold emails,
and get through the frustrating interview process.
That seminar was very helpful,
and I’m still using techniques from it today to build strong connections.

I would definitely recommend all students to apply to the University of Birmingham.
It’s a reputable university — especially in China, where many people recognise it.
That makes it easier to be acknowledged once you return.

At the university, you’ll meet many people
and experience a different life filled with stories and opportunities.

It’s going to be a truly unforgettable experience.

My Graduate Story

My name is Xing Xing, though I also go by my English name, Oscar. I completed my MSc in Money, Banking and Finance at the University of Birmingham in 2013. I am currently the General Manager of Overseas Business and Chairman Assistant at IMILAB Technology, one of China’s largest home security camera manufacturers.

In my role, I lead the entire overseas business operation. This involves working with clients and partners across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. I coordinate international strategies, manage cross-cultural teams, and work closely with the Chairman on the company’s long-term global vision.

IMILAB is a fast-growing technology company known for its smart home products, and it has rapidly become a leader in the home surveillance market.

A Day in My Life

My workdays are dynamic and international in scope. I engage in strategic planning, product positioning, and communication with global partners. I often find myself navigating different business cultures and expectations—skills I began building during my time at Birmingham.

I coordinate closely with our R&D and product teams in China while ensuring our overseas customers receive high-quality, tailored solutions. I’m also actively involved in international exhibitions, negotiations, and partnership development.

My University of Birmingham Experience

I chose the University of Birmingham because I was looking for a place where I could strike a balance between academic rigour and quality of life. Compared to London, Birmingham offered a more affordable and comfortable environment while still being home to a top-ranking university with a strong reputation, especially in China.

The academic atmosphere was very supportive. Staff were approachable and always ready to help, and the Guild of Students created a warm, welcoming environment for international students. I felt truly at ease on campus.

My course equipped me with strong logical thinking and advanced mathematical skills, which have been essential in managing data-driven business decisions. I also gained valuable experience in teamwork through group assignments with students from all over the world. These projects helped me develop cross-cultural communication skills that are crucial in my current international role.

Birmingham’s Impact

The University of Birmingham had a profound influence on both my career and personal growth. One of the most impactful resources was the Career Centre, where I received guidance on job searches, LinkedIn strategies, cold emailing, and navigating interviews. One particular seminar on building professional networks still influences how I connect with people today.

Studying at Birmingham also improved how I approach complex, multicultural business problems. Learning to understand and align different mindsets has become one of my biggest strengths in global business development.

Advice for Students

I strongly recommend the University of Birmingham to anyone considering international study. It’s a highly respected institution, especially in China, which can enhance your recognition and job prospects when returning home.

More than that, it offers a life-changing experience. You’ll meet people from all over the world, gain new perspectives, and build memories that stay with you forever.

My Achievements

At IMILAB, I’ve had the opportunity to lead our international business growth, working across multiple continents and adapting strategies to diverse markets. My success is built on the foundation laid at the University of Birmingham—where I learned not only technical knowledge but also how to work with people, solve problems, and lead with confidence.