From April 14th to 20th, 2024, a delegation led by Chen Fangruo, Dean of Antai College of Economics and Management (ACEM), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), and Tian Xinmin, Vice Dean of ACEM SJTU, visited Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to explore the international development pathways for Chinese business schools in the Middle East. The Antai delegation visited the Crowned Prince of Dubai, the Chinese Embassies in Dubai and Riyadh, Chinese chambers of commerce and local enterprises, and educational institutions, obtaining in-depth insights into the business and educational markets of the region.
During the visit to Dubai, the Antai delegation was warmly welcomed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, Crowned Prince of Dubai. He introduced the development of Dubai's economy, culture, and educational sectors, and discussed the roles of Chinese higher education’s may play in Dubai.
H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, Crowned Prince of Dubai, graciously hosts the delegation from ACEM of SJTU, and Dean Chen Fangruo and Vice Dean Tian Xinmin present commemorative gifts of the college to the Crown Prince.
The delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in the UAE and met with Zhu Lian, the Economic and Commercial Counselor. Dean Chen Fangruo introduced the development of the college and the implementation of the "Go Global" strategy, which was fully affirmed by Counselor Zhu Lian. The delegation also paid a visit to the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce UAE, and exchanged views with Chairman Tang Zhengang and Executive Chairman Zhang Bingyang, learning the accomplishments of local Chinese businesses and Chinese educational initiatives. In addition, the delegation visited ONEROAD GROUP DUBAI, a well-known Chinese business enterprise, where they gained a deep understanding of the operations of Chinese businesses in the region.
ACEM delegation meets Zhu Lian, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in the UAE.
Chairman Tang Zhengang and Executive Chairman Zhang Bingyang of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce UAE meet and exchange with the delegation.
ACEM delegation visits ONEROAD GROUP DUBAI.
To look further into the local education market, the delegation visited the University of Europe for Applied Science (UE), Dubai Campus in the Free Zone. There, they participated in discussions with Prof. Maurits Van Rooijen, President of UE Dubai, and Mr. Boris Remes, Senior Operations Manager, and discussed the prospects of establishing international higher education programs in Dubai, and explored collaborative opportunities.
ACEM delegation visits the UE Dubai.
During their visit to Saudi Arabia, the delegation visited the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (K.S.A.) to gain insights into the political, economic, cultural, and educational environment of Saudi Arabia as well as the dynamics of the local Chinese business community. They also had in a discussion with Ma Bingxue, Deputy General Manager of Wisdom House Language Company-K.S.A., a local Chinese educational institution, to explore the potential for future cooperation in advancing Chinese educational programs in Saudi Arabia.
ACEM delegation visits the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia.
ACEM delegation meets and discusses with Ma Bingxue, Deputy General Manager of Wisdom House Language Company
Through this visit, the College has significantly enhanced its understanding of the social and economic landscape in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and successfully established contacts with key local organizations, setting the stage for strengthened communication and unfolding opportunities for future collaboration, which lays a solid foundation for further tapping in to the Middle East market and promoting the internationalization of Chinese business schools.
The visiting members also included alumni representatives in the Dubai region, as well as President Huang Yingming, Executive Vice President Zhang Jian, Vice President Xu Sanping, and Secretary Huang Jielian from the China CEO Club of the college.
Source: SJTU ACEM
Editor on Duty: Yan Cheng