On the afternoon of June 13, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, welcomed alumni, collaborators, faculty and students to its Xuhui Campus for the ceremony marking the 42nd anniversary of the re-establishment of the School of Management. From its remarkable re-establishment decades ago to its current standing as one of China’s leading business schools, the ceremony showcased the college’s steady growth and fruitful accomplishments.

Recalling the Past, Embracing the Future

Dean Chen Fangruo delivered opening remarks, reviewing the college’s recent development and strategic priorities. His address focused on industry research, the construction of the Data-Driven Management Decision-Making Laboratory and international exchange initiatives.

"Antai will continue to adhere to the development strategy of 'horizontal-and-vertical integration, knowledge and action in unity'," he stated. "We will press ahead steadily toward the goal of building a world-class business school rooted in China."

Yu Weijing, Chairman and CEO of United Water Group and President of the Antai Alumni Association, is an undergraduate alumnus of 1980 and a member of the first cohort after the school’s re-establishment. Speaking on behalf of all alumni, he recalled his precious study years at Antai and noted that the Alumni Association will keep uniting alumni across the globe to contribute wisdom and strength to the development of the alma mater.

The ceremony was presided over by Sang Dawei, Vice Dean of Antai College.

Launch of New Academic Initiatives

A series of new institutional achievements were presented during the ceremony, with two newly launched doctoral programs attracting wide attention.

The newly established Ph.D. in Accounting responds to China’s strategic demand for high-end professionals in finance and accounting. It is designed to cultivate strategic talents with solid theoretical expertise, who are capable of addressing major practical challenges in China’s accounting and financial sectors and summarizing relevant practical experience.

Partnering with ESCP Business School — well-known for its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs — we launch a new international Doctorate in Management. It bridges academic research and corporate practice and fosters a new approach to developing high-caliber management talents.

In addition to the two doctoral programs, the college announced the launch of SJTU–CUHK dual-degree undergraduate program in Finance and FinTech. It also released the updated EMBA 7.0 curriculum, which centers on cutting-edge technologies and practical education. Moreover, the 2027 Full-Time MBA program will be upgraded with AI-enabled courses and teaching methodologies.

Global Connections: New Partnerships and Platforms

China Daily – Antai Industry Research Innovation & Communication Studio

Representing in-depth cooperation between academia and mainstream national media, Antai College and the China Daily Shanghai Branch jointly inaugurated the Industry Research Innovation & Communication Studio. The inauguration was witnessed by Yu Yilei, Editor-in-Chief of China Daily Shanghai Branch, Jia Bin, EMBA graduate of 2022 and Vice President & Secretary-General of the Antai Global Alumni Exchange Association, as well as college leaders Chen Fangruo, Li Hourui, Zhu Xi and Tian Xinmin.

Their joint multimedia project Smart Insights on China, which focuses on China’s intelligent manufacturing industry, was launched at the event. A one-minute preview video featuring a tour of a lighthouse factory was played on site, earning high expectations from all participants.

Antai Global Competency Development Center

To expand opportunities for students including internships at international organizations, overseas volunteer services and cross-border research projects, and to support the global expansion of alumni enterprises, the Antai Global Competency Development Center was officially inaugurated.

Jelena Gruber Stefanovic, Director General of the China-Serbia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Xie Wei, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Yuan Zhonghua, EMBA graduate of 2013 and President of the Antai Global Alumni Exchange Association, together with Jiang Wenning, Party Secretary of Antai College, Qu Xi, Vice Dean and Li Hourui, Deputy Party Secretary, attended the unveiling ceremony.

The center will adopt a three-dimensional training framework of "Practice Empowerment + Academic Support + Industry Reciprocity", to foster a virtuous cycle linking talent cultivation, industrial services and industrial upgrading.

Alumni Community: New Venues & Initiatives

Gao Xijun Humanities Space

The Gao Xijun Humanities Space was officially inaugurated during the event. Donated by Yang Zhenyu, undergraduate alumnus of 1985, Vice Chairman of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Foundation and Founding Managing Partner of Hanyuan Capital, this reading venue is named after Professor Gao Xijun in recognition of his long-term care and guidance for the college. It carries forward Professor Gao’s philosophy of "reading first-class books, becoming first-class people" and his vision of "spreading progressive ideas and enriching the world of reading". The renovated venue serves as a spiritual home for Antai members to read, think and reflect.

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Alumni Activity Base

The Antai Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Alumni Activity Base was also unveiled. The joint unveiling ceremony was attended by Zhang Ronghua, EMBA graduate of 2007, NPC Deputy, Vice President of the All-China Chamber of Private Enterprises, President of the All-China Federation of Women Entrepreneurs and Chairwoman of Rockcheck Group, Chi Jinhua, Tian Jinguang, Jiang Yongwei (all EMBA graduates), as well as Chen Fangruo and Jiang Wenning.

Supported by Zhang Ronghua, the base is situated at a prime location in Qianmen, Beijing. It will function as a key exchange hub for alumni in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and provide a lasting platform for regular exchanges and activities among North China-based Antai alumni.

Recognition and Shared Aspirations

The growth of Antai College is inseparable from the strong support and generous contributions of alumni and collaborators at home and abroad. To express gratitude to individuals and organizations that have shown consistent care and support for the college, a commemorative medal presentation segment was arranged.

From the college’s annual recognition event last September to June 12 this year, numerous alumni have made financial donations. Their support covers academic research, curriculum development and student training, as well as support for the Proactive Health Psychology Promotion Lab and the Data-Driven Management Decision-Making Lab.

Special recognition was also given to alumni who made outstanding contributions to the series of activities celebrating the 130th anniversary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Their contributions include organizing recruitment for alumni organizations, arranging class reunions, providing material support and facilitating donation implementation.

Zhang Gang, EMBA graduate of 2014 and Chairman of Shanghai Hongsheng Special Valve Manufacturing Co., Ltd., spoke as the alumni representative. He holds multiple posts including Vice President of the Antai Alumni Association, President of the Intelligent Manufacturing Alumni Association and Vice President of the EMBA Alumni Association. He has long supported the college in various capacities and actively promoted the Practice and Innovation Research Fund. He called on more alumni to stand together with the college for mutual growth and progress.

Certificates were presented to class representatives from undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, EMBA, MTT, DBA and Executive Education programs. The college expressed sincere gratitude to all class representatives for acting as an important bridge connecting the college and alumni communities.

The main ceremony concluded with all attendees singing the Shanghai Jiao Tong University school anthem.

After the ceremony, alumni moved to separate venues for free exchanges. Former classmates and industry peers reunited to share memories of campus life and cherish alumni friendship. This fine tradition ensures it remains a warm home for all alumni.

Themed Events

Exploration & Exchange

In the morning, a group of alumni paid a visit to the Data-Driven Management Decision-Making Laboratory. They learned about the laboratory’s overall development and three core research areas: intelligent decision algorithms, coordinated regional development and proactive health management. They also observed the application of cutting-edge technologies in real-world scenarios. During the visit, alumni held in-depth discussions with research staff on technology application and industry-university-research transformation.

Alumni Association Council Meeting

The Third Meeting of the First Council of the Antai Alumni Association was held concurrently. Participants reviewed the annual work report, financial report and the statement on the use of the Alumni Activity Fund. The meeting also completed the appointment of new council members and vice presidents. Meanwhile, the new logo and official website of the Antai Alumni Association were launched, marking a new phase in the Alumni Association’s brand building and digital development. The meeting summarized past achievements and formulated strategic plans for future work.

Women Entrepreneurs Exchange

The event themed "Her Power · Spring of Siyuan" was held at the Haoran High-Tech Building on Xuhui Campus. Representatives from women entrepreneur associations across the country and members of Antai EMBA Lingxiuhui gathered to conduct in-depth discussions on industrial inheritance, public welfare initiatives and plans for international exchange. The event has built a solid platform for multi-party communication and cooperation, laying a sound foundation for further win-win collaboration in the future.

Alumni Organization Exhibition

Outside the main venue, exhibition and recruitment activities of alumni organizations were in full swing. Nearly 20 alumni organizations covering different programs, industries, regions and interests set up booths to display their achievements and service objectives. Alumni stopped by for consultation and active participation, bringing together new and long-serving members and further strengthening the bonds between alumni and the college.

Forty-two years of inheritance and dedication have witnessed the steady advancement of the college. Since its re-establishment, Antai has forged ahead alongside China’s reform and opening-up and kept pace with the times. Looking to the future, Antai College will continue to take root in China and embrace the global community. Upholding its founding mission of education, the college will further deepen international cooperation, strengthen scientific and technological innovation, and deliver solid outcomes to serve national strategies and social development.