Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance (Tsinghua PBCSF) successfully conducted its 8th Financial Leaders of Tomorrow Summer Program from July 1st to 12th, 2024 in Beijing.
This summer program hosted 48 overseas participants of 24 nationalities from 28 prestigious universities and institutions located in 15 countries worldwide, including Georgetown University (USA), University of Cambridge (UK), Deutsche Bundesbank University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Magyar Nemzeti Bank (Central Bank of Hungary), ESSEC Business School (France), University of Barcelona (Spain), University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands), University of Sarajevo (Montenegro), National University of Singapore (Singapore), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (India), Kazakh-British Technical University (Kazakhstan), Australian National University (Australia), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), National University of Rosario (Argentina), etc. Additionally, 8 new graduate participants from Tsinghua PBCSF joined the program as student volunteers.
The cohort is also diversified in educational and cultural background, with 30 undergraduates, 24 postgraduates, 1 MBA and 2 doctoral candidates; coming from 24 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
The schedule of the summer program is thoughtfully designed to enrich attendees’ understanding of China’s financial system and its regulations, as well as China’s urban development, its society and culture. During the two-week summer program, the attendees engaged in various activities including campus tour, academic lectures, corporate visits, Chinese intangible cultural heritage experiences and a visit to the Great Wall.
Group Photo of the 8th Financial Leaders of Tomorrow Summer Program Participants
The opening ceremony of the summer program took place on July 1st at Tsinghua PBCSF. Tsinghua University’s Chief Financial Officer and Dean of Tsinghua PBCSF, Jiao Jie, delivered the welcoming speech. He extended a warm welcome and expressed high hopes for the attendees, encouraging them to gain a deep understanding of China's financial system and enhance their cross-cultural communication and leadership skills, aspiring to cultivate them into future leaders in finance.
Dean Jiao Jie Delivered the Welcoming Speech
The program featured eleven academic lectures aimed at providing overseas participants with a comprehensive understanding of China’s financial system and its regulations, covering various topics such as Macroeconomy, banking, securities, insurance, capital market, asset management, fintech, green finance and so on. Besides financial subjects, the program also offers lectures on Chinese Society and Culture, the "Belt and Road" Initiative, and Cross-cultural Communication, enabling participants to gain a more holistic understanding of China. Esteemed professors from the academic sector and experts from the finance industry comprised the teaching faculty, delivering cutting-edge theories and practical insights. Meanwhile, the instructors also leveraged their extensive professional experience to address current affairs and career development queries from the participants.
Zhang Xiaoyan, Chair Professor of Finance and Associate Dean of Tsinghua PBCSF Delivered a Course on Fintech
This year’s faculty included notable educators like Zhang Xiaoyan, Chair Professor of Finance and Associate Dean of Tsinghua PBCSF, Ju Jiandong, Chair Professor of Finance at Tsinghua PBCSF, Shi Anbin, Chair of the Board of School of Journalism and Communication of Tsinghua University, Zheng Lu, Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the Department of Sociology of Tsinghua University, and Li Zhi, Assistant Dean at China Institute for Development Planning of Tsinghua University. Industry supervisors included Chen Chao, Head of the Research Institute of China Investment Corporation, Ming Ming, Chief Economist at CITIC Securities, Chen Donghui, Former President of Swiss Re China and Sabino Fornies Martinez, Minister Counsellor at the EU Delegation to China. The high-quality, comprehensive curriculum and the integration of academic and professional expertise were highly appreciated by the participants, marking a distinctive feature and highlight of the program.
Group Photo with Ming Ming, Chief Economist of CITIC Securities
To provide a deeper understanding of China’s historical and cultural background, the program offered cultural courses like paper cutting, calligraphy, and martial arts, allowing international participants from diverse cultural backgrounds to experience the profound and unique charm of Chinese culture firsthand. The program also included a visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, allowing participants to step outside the campus and appreciate China’s history and the scenic beauty of the capital.
Participants Presenting Their Paper-cutting Works
Additionally, a "Cultural Night" event was specially organized to help participants from diverse cultural backgrounds integrate quickly into the new group and promote multicultural exchanges. During the event, participants showcased cultural features of their respective countries, including music, dance, sports, apparel, cuisine, and landscapes, with 13 distinct presentations. The event also featured fun group and individual competitions, significantly deepening mutual understanding and fostering lasting friendships among the participants.
Participants of the Program Showcase German Culture
The wide range of visiting activities also enhanced international participants’ understanding of China's urban development, financial institutions, and high-tech enterprises. On July 3rd, participants visited the Lenovo Future Center; on July 10th, they toured the Showroom of Beijing Municipal Administrative Center Planning (Beijing City Sub Center), Beijing Green Exchange and China Merchants Bank (Beijing City Sub Center Branch).
Participants of the Program Visited Lenovo
Participants speak highly of the summer program.
Zubair Verachia, a master's student from the University of Cambridge, stated, "The Financial Leaders of Tomorrow Summer Program at Tsinghua PBC School of Finance was an invaluable experience that enhanced my knowledge and understanding of key trends in finance both globally and in China. It was an amazing experience to meet and interact with future financial leaders from around the world. This incredible experience has had a profound impact on me. I have made memories and friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime."
New Dun, a new PhD student from Tsinghua PBCSF, said, “This summer program has greatly enriched my life perspective and enhanced my comprehensive abilities. In the curiosity and admiration of foreign participants towards China's development, I also see that our country is becoming stronger and that the future also requires our generation to continue working hard for China's economic development and innovation."
The Financial Leaders of Tomorrow Summer Program is a two-week non-profit program, offering financial lectures for the attendees to comprehensively understand China’s financial markets. Participants also have the opportunity to explore the nation's capital and attend various cultural events. First organized in 2013, it has been successfully held for eight times.
