Alumnus Continues to Support SJTU’s Technological Innovation by donating An Additional RMB 450 Million
On the afternoon of February 26,
the Chairman of East Money Information Co., Ltd.,
an undergraduate alumnus (Class of 1993) of the Department of Materials Engineering at SJTU
and a Member of the University Council,
donated 20 million shares of East Money stock
(with a market value of approximately RMB 450 million)
to support the development of his alma mater’s educational initiatives,
with a focus on talent cultivation and technological innovation.
On the afternoon of February 26, the donation signing ceremony for the “Qiushi Innovation and Development Education Fund” was held at the General Office Building on the Xuhui Campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Yang Zhenbin, Secretary of the CPC SJTU Committee; Ding Kuiling, President of SJTU and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhang Yanping, Deputy Secretary of the CPC SJTU Committee and Party Secretary of the School of Medicine; Hu Weiwei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC SJTU Committee; Yang Ming, Assistant to the President and Director of the General Office of the CPC Committee and the President’s Office; as well as heads of relevant functional departments attended the ceremony. The event was presided over by Hu Weiwei.
Amid warm applause from all distinguished guests, the signing ceremony was formally held. Qi Shi and Yang Zhenbin jointly signed the donation agreement. Ding Kuiling presented Qi Shi with a donation certificate in recognition of his generous support.
Council Member Qi Shi recalled with deep emotion that, standing once again on the familiar campus, memories of his student years came vividly back to him. He mentioned that during his time at the University, he founded the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Social Practice Center, an experience that made him realize that university life is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about comprehensive personal growth. “The most important foundation in my life was laid during my undergraduate studies and social practice,” he noted. From initiating social practice in his student days to supporting SJTU’s technological innovation today, the deeper significance lies in the accumulation and continuation of innovation and entrepreneurship. “I hope that younger students will have even greater opportunities for growth.”
Qi Shi founded East Money Information Co., Ltd. in 2005 and led the company to become the first internet enterprise to be listed domestically in 2010, establishing it as a model of technology-empowered finance. Today, as a successful entrepreneur and a deputy to the National People’s Congress, his focus extends further: how finance can empower technological innovation and drive industrial upgrading; how financial resources can nourish the growth of scientific and technological innovation; how to accelerate the transition of frontier technologies from the laboratory to industrial application; and how to continuously strengthen capabilities in hard technology.
Tracing the story between Alumnus Qi Shi and his alma mater, one finds that this bond has long been inscribed in the passage of time. Since graduation, he has supported the University’s development through various means, notably:
In October 2022, he donated RMB 100 million to establish the “Qi Shi Medical Innovation and Development Fund,” supporting the construction of the School of Medicine’s new Pudong campus;
In February 2026, he donated 20 million shares of East Money stock to establish the “Qiushi Innovation and Development Education Fund,” presenting his best wishes to his alma mater on the occasion of its 130th anniversary.
Since assuming the role of University Council Member, he has actively contributed ideas and recommendations for the University’s development, transforming his reflections on education and insights into technological advancement into thoughtful and substantive proposals. This sustained commitment has long transcended financial contribution alone, evolving into a deeper sense of responsibility and enduring support.
Yang Zhenbin noted that a university’s reputation is largely determined by the contributions its alumni make to society. While advancing the vigorous development of China’s internet finance industry, Council Member Qi Shi has continuously given back to his alma mater, exemplifying his steadfast commitment to the University motto of “Gratitude and Integrity, Devotion to the Nation and the University.”
Ding Kuiling stated that Council Member Qi Shi’s donation represents not only material support for his alma mater, but also the finest embodiment of the spirit expressed in the saying, “Those who enjoy the fruits should remember the tree; those who drink from the stream should cherish its source.” This spirit, he noted, will continue to be passed down from generation to generation among members of the SJTU community.
Many years from now, when SJTU students explore the unknown under the support of the “Qiushi Innovation and Development Education Fund,” they will surely feel that someone once studied, grew, and set out from this very campus—and then devoted a lifetime to transforming his love for his alma mater into greater opportunities for the growth of others.
Contributed by: Office of Development and External Relations
Photography: Visual Creativity Center
Editor-in-Chief: Chen Yuyang
Translated by: Zara
Proofread by: Rebecca
