From September 25 to 27, 2024, the Asia New Vision Forum was held in Singapore. Organized by Caixin Media with support from the Singaporean government, the forum was themed “Global Challenges, Asian Solutions.” It aimed to shape an international agenda and exchange platform from global, Asian, and Chinese perspectives, helping the international community better understand the real Asia and China. Tsinghua PBC School of Finance (PBCSF) served as the academic support for the forum.
Gu Liangfei, Chair Person of the School Council, and Zhang Xiaoyan, Associate Dean and Chair Professor of Finance, participated in the forum and contributed to the discussions. The themed session was moderated by industry supervisor and BRI EMBA lecturer Yang Qinghong, a seasoned Wall Street investor. Pandu Sjahrir, Chairman of the Indonesian Fintech Association and founding partner of AC Ventures, who is also an alumnus of the inaugural BRI EMBA cohort, shared insights into Indonesia’s investment opportunities and future prospects.
Zhang Xiaoyan: China’s Biggest Challenge Is Economic Transformation
In her speech at the opening forum titled “Navigating the Storm: Economic Challenges and Policy Innovations”on September 25, Zhang Xiaoyan, Associate Dean of Tsinghua PBCSF, highlighted the growing uncertainties in the global economy, emphasizing that China’s primary challenge lies in shifting from its previous growth model, which was heavily dependent on exports and investments. As global supply chains face increasing disruptions, China must adapt to maintain its competitiveness. Zhang stressed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing these challenges, noting that closer ties within the region could help stabilize supply chains, foster innovation, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Batik in Boardrooms: The Indonesian Investment Journey
On the afternoon of September 25, Caixin Global hosted the session “Legacy and Beyond: Indonesia Investment Journey” in Singapore. Gu Liangfei, Chair Person of the School Council, emphasized the vital role of education in bridging the past and future, as well as connecting China with the world. He reaffirmed PBCSF’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, particularly with Indonesia, to tackle pressing issues facing Asia and contribute to a shared regional vision.
Pandu Sjahrir, representing the BRI EMBA alumni, addressed Indonesia's significant challenges, noting that 20% of its population still lives in poverty. He outlined the government's goals of achieving 0% poverty and maintaining an 8% economic growth rate over the next five years. Sjahrir stressed that education and talent development are crucial for sustainable growth, viewing investment in education as pivotal for long-term progress.
As the Chairman of the Indonesian Fintech Association, Sjahrir has been instrumental in promoting fintech innovation, supporting notable Southeast Asian companies, and facilitating significant funding and job creation. He highlighted the strengthened ties between Indonesia and China under the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the benefits of Chinese capital and technology for Indonesia's modernization. Sjahrir expressed a desire to learn from China's advancements, advocating for knowledge sharing to enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness and attract international investments.
BRI EMBA: Bridging People and Fostering Cross-Border Cooperation
Since its launch by President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative has evolved into effective strategies, driving global collaboration. In 2017, Tsinghua PBCSF introduced the BRI EMBA program to foster idea exchange and cross-cultural understanding among international students.
Enrolling nearly 300 participants from over 30 countries, the program gathers political leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to gain advanced financial insights and understand diverse socioeconomic dynamics.
