On September 4, accompanied by the solemn sound of the national anthem, the Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance (Tsinghua PBCSF) held its 2025 Opening Ceremony at the Tsinghua University Auditorium, marking the official beginning of a new academic year.

Photo: Opening Ceremony venue

The ceremony was attended by Liangfei Gu, Chairperson of School Council, along with Dean Jie Jiao, other School leaders, full-time faculty members, and heads of various administrative offices. Distinguished guests included Jinpu Jiao, Party Secretary and Chairman of China Gold Coin Corporation and industrial supervisor of the School; Huaiqing Zhang, Deputy Director-General of the Financial Research Institute of the People’s Bank of China and a 2003 doctoral alumnus of the School; and Prof. Jean Chen, Professor of Finance and Accounting at the University of Kent, former Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Macau, and Chair of the AACSB Peer Review Team for Tsinghua PBCSF. More than 350 incoming students—including PhD candidates in Finance, Master of Finance students, Master of Sci-Tech and Finance, Finance MBA and Finance EMBA students—joined the ceremony.

Photo: Liangfei Gu

Liangfei Gu served as the host of the Opening Ceremony.

Photo: Jie Jiao

Dean Jie Jiao delivered the keynote speech titled “Becoming Finance Professionals with a Distinctive Tsinghua Identity in a New Era.” He warmly welcomed the incoming Class of 2025 to the Tsinghua PBCSF family. Dean Jiao emphasized that finance is a pillar of national competitiveness and a matter of vital national importance. He noted that charting China’s path from a “major financial power” to a “great financial power” is the shared mission of all members of the Tsinghua PBCSF community.

Dean Jiao highlighted that guided by the Several Opinions of Tsinghua University on Contributing to the Building of a Great Financial Power, the School has advanced major initiatives in talent development, academic research, and public service. The School’s strategic vision—“more professional, more technological, more international, more humanistic, and distinctive Tsinghua identity”—has set a clear direction for future development. He encouraged students to “aspire greatly, uphold virtue, cultivate real talent, and shoulder important responsibilities,” using their youth to write a chapter of dedication and excellence. He affirmed that the University and the School will fully support students’ aspirations and future endeavors, wishing all students perseverance and courage as they embark on this new journey.

Photo: Jinpu Jiao

Drawing upon his extensive experience in financial practice and education, Jinpu Jiao shared three reflections with the incoming students: first, to “read extensively” while also “understanding China’s realities”; second, to “embrace innovation” while also “upholding the bottom line”; and third, to “cultivate a global vision” while maintaining “a Chinese perspective.” He noted that China’s financial sector is transitioning from “big” to “strong,” while the global financial landscape is undergoing the most significant adjustments seen in decades. Meanwhile, financial technology continues to reshape industry ecosystems. He encouraged students not only to be witnesses to this transformation, but to become participants and leaders—to stay true to their original aspirations while seizing opportunities and contributing to innovation, ultimately becoming a driving force in building China into a great financial power.

Photo:Huaiqing Zhang

Huaijing Zhang noted that, in the context of China’s pursuit of becoming a great financial power, the Joint PhD Program represents an important practice that integrates academic excellence with high-level policy research, promoting the deep fusion of “high-quality finance scholarship + high-impact policy scenarios.” Focusing on the three keywords “mission,” “scholarship,” and “practice,” he encouraged students to align personal academic goals with national strategic needs to fulfill the mission of finance; to delve into academic research based on real-world problems using rigorous scientific methods; and to test theories and solve complex issues in frontline policy and industry settings to strengthen their practical capabilities. He urged students to carry forward Tsinghua’s spirit of “self-discipline and social commitment,” integrating their personal aspirations into the broader cause of national development and national rejuvenation.

Photo: Student representatives

Following the guest speeches, five student representatives addressed the audience. Drawing on their academic backgrounds and personal experiences, they shared their understanding of the finance discipline, their reflections as new students, and their plans for the journey ahead. They expressed their determination to treasure learning opportunities and pursue academic excellence, demonstrating the vigor and aspiration of a new generation of finance students.

Photo: School leaders presenting certificates of honor to donor representatives

To cultivate students’ global vision, innovative thinking, and well-rounded character, the School has established a comprehensive system of scholarships and fellowships covering the entire academic lifecycle—from enrollment to graduation and career development—empowering PBCSF students to “set great ambitions, enter the mainstream, step onto larger stages, and achieve major success.” The School has received generous support from numerous enterprises and institutions that actively fulfill their social responsibilities by donating to fund these scholarships and fellowships. During the ceremony, Dean Jie Jiao presented certificates of honor to representatives from China Gold Coin Corporation, Beijing Hongru Financial Education Foundation, Shanghai Wu Ju Investment Management Partnership, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (China) Limited, BOCOM Schroders Fund Management Co., Ltd. (BODAO Fund Management), and Mastercard, expressing gratitude for their outstanding contributions to education.

The Opening Ceremony concluded with the chorus of the Tsinghua University anthem sung by all faculty members and students. Carrying the guidance and expectations of their teachers, the Class of 2025 now embarks on a new journey—steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge, committed to their aspirations, and ready to open a new chapter in their financial studies and future careers.