Dean LU Jun Attends the 8th International Business School Shanghai Conference
From October 21 to 23, 2020, the 8th International Business School Shanghai Conference (IBSSC), on the theme of “Leading in a Turbulent World”, was successfully held at Antai College of Economics and Management. Guests from over 18 business schools around the world attended the Conference, engaging on heated topics including “Preparing Business Leaders for a Turbulent World”, “Business Schools Partnership for a Turbulent World”, “Transnational Business Education and Economic Globalization”, and “Business School and Sustainability Education”.
Professor LU Jun, Dean of Lingnan (University) College was invited to speak at the Conference, sharing his insights on international partnerships in a world of uncertainties together with 200 deans from business schools within China in the auditorium and 150 deans from business school and international organizations outside China online.
Dean LU delivered a speech on the theme of Uncertainty – A Barrier or An Accelerator of International Partnership Between B-schools?
Dean LU delivered a speech on the theme of Uncertainty – A Barrier or An Accelerator of International Partnership Between B-schools? in one of the parallel sessions Business Schools Partnership for a Turbulent World. He described the fact that due to the massive lockdowns in major cities and suspension in production because of COVID-19, the world’s economy was descending into virtual depression, shrining trade and investment and throwing the global financial markets into turmoil. Rise of populist extremism, intensifying cultural conflict and escalating anti-globalization wave all added to the level of turbulence and uncertainty in the new century. However, Dean LU believed that in spite of the unprecedented challenges and uncertainties ahead, there were still something very certain. First, business schools from all around the world should take the initiatives to comprehend the world’s complexity and take proactive actions to lead the transformation. Second, in the VUCA world today, there was a booming demand for leaders with exceptional management skills and problem-solving capacities. Business schools should come together to cultivate talents and leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility to address issues at a global level. Finally, the Central Government of China expressed the resolution to uphold the policy of Reform and Opening up on various occasions. Business schools must open up, embracing the unknown and learn from each other the good practices through cooperation.
Dean LU then listed some of challenges Lingnan is facing, namely, nourishing mutual trusts between schools, investments on teaching facilities and technological platforms, international travel restrictions, cultural conflicts, etc. He then expressed Lingnan’s resolution to tackle the difficulties. “To address the challenges we face in the VUCA world, Lingnan wastes no time and has taken prompt actions. For example, Global 3 Program, which is jointly run with McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia (U.S.A.) and ESADE Business School (Spain),was the first Master’s program that adopted online classes in February. Students of the Program could reach to all three schools’ learning resources easily via online portals from all corners of the world.” Besides, Lingnan was successfully been accredited by AMBA and EQUIS in May and September respectively, which was the first time for Lingnan to conduct the accreditation work online. “To our pride, the virtual accreditation is done in a smooth and professional way thanks to our strong technical supports.” said Dean LU.
Dean LU maintained his confidence in the prospect of international cooperation. According to the latest Global Financial Centers Index, Shanghai surpassed Hongkong and ranked No. 3 while Shenzhen occupied the 10th place. The demand for international talents in the financial industry was increasing. “In my view, China, as the world’s second largest economy, should remain open to the world, creating more opportunities and platforms for student exchange, faculty exchange and academic exchange. As a responsible business school, Lingnan should lead the transformation and innovation, explore collaboration on research, and work together with the global community on solutions in the Post-pandemic Era. “Dean LU called upon his counterparts to take joint actions at the end of his speech.
Dean LU’s speech obviously struck a chord with his audience and received a round of applause. Let’s hope the Conference will serve as a start for further discussions and collaborative actions.
The 8th International Business School Shanghai Conference
