Peking University, October 29, 2024: On October 26, 2024, Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) commemorated its 20th anniversary at the Shenzhen University Town Sports Center, drawing over 3,600 participants to witness this significant milestone. Among the attendees were esteemed leaders from Peking University, representatives from HSBC, and the city of Shenzhen, as well as alumni, faculty, staff, guests from collaborating institutions, and supporters from diverse sectors of society.
 
Coming from 13 countries worldwide and various parts of China, they gathered on this significant occasion to reflect on the past, celebrate the milestones, and embark on a new chapter in the school's thriving business education history. The ceremony featured four sessions, which collectively presented the school's ambitious vision and global perspective.

The 20th Anniversary Ceremony

United for Accomplishment

A specially produced video featuring photo montages and inspirational text shared the big undertakings over the past 20 years. Subsequently, a thrilling chorus activity involving all the students on campus was grand. Dressed in uniforms, the students showcased immense enthusiasm and a commendable spirit of cooperation as they passionately rendered the school ballad.

The video "20 Years of PHBS"

Zhang Jin, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, member of the Standing Party Committee of Peking University (PKU), vice president of PKU, and chancellor of PKU Shenzhen Graduate School (PKUSZ) delivers a speech

 

In his speech, Zhang Jin pointed out that over the past two decades, PHBS has grown from scratch to become a top-tier, internationally renowned business school in China. It has achieved numerous "firsts," upholding the banner of the “Business Academy at the Forefront of Reform and Opening-Up." It has made indelible contributions to the progress of PKU and PKUSZ, to the development of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and to the growth of business education and even higher education in China.

In his speech, Peter Wong recalled the original intention behind HSBC's donation in 2008 to support the establishment of PHBS. He expressed gratitude to the faculty and students of the school for cultivating rich fruits from the partnership between HSBC and Peking University. Following that, he shared his in-depth observations on "the internationalization of business talent cultivation," drawing from his over 40 years of work experience.
 
Together for Better

 
The speeches were followed by a recitation “PHBS Tales”, featuring the inaugural cohorts of Chinese and international students and alumni from four programs: Master’s and PhD, MBA, EMBA, and EDP. They reminisced and recounted their academic and living experiences at the school, while reflecting on the two decades of unwavering collaboration and achievements, with faculty and students standing united through thick and thin.
 
The remarkable achievements of PHBS today are a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of the PHBS, as well as the strong support and sincere guidance from our leaders and society at large. Among the recipients from academia and industry, there were Xu Zhihong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and former president of PKU, and Thomas J. Sargent, the 2011 Nobel laureate in economics and honorary director of the Sargent Institute of Quantitative Economics and Finance at PHBS.

Driven by Excellence

 

In his speech, Wang Pengfei noted that over the past two decades, with the leadership of Founding Dean Hai Wen and the concerted efforts of all PHBS members, the school has achieved fruitful results in academic research, talent cultivation, and social services, growing into a formidable force in the international education community that cannot be ignored. He pointed out that in the future, PHBS will maintain the enthusiasm and resilience from its founding days and continue to enhance academic leadership, talent cultivation, and internationalization, further improving PHBS's standing among world-class business schools.

 

At the celebration venue, a grand ceremony marked the launch of the trial version of the "Intelligent Information Base of Chinese Enterprises," indicating a significant advancement for PHBS in the realm of business education within the context of the AI era. This base is dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including knowledge graphs and large language models, to deeply explore and integrate vast amounts of enterprise data and information, and to comprehensively meet the diverse needs of faculty and students in teaching, research, and business practice within the school. Wei Wei, director of the Intelligent Center for Enterprise Information, highlighted that the intelligent information base, powered by the independently developed Expert CPT Platform and the first to be dimensioned by management issues, will significantly enhance enterprise information inquiries and research on enterprise cases and management issues.

Performance by MA students: Forever Young

Performance by MBA students and alumni: Raise Me Up

Forward with Passion

PHBS Founding Dean Hai Wen speaks on the school's past achievements and future blueprint

 
In his speech, Hai Wen pointed out that over the past two decades, as an important inheritor and promoter of Peking University's business education tradition, PHBS has been pioneering and striving for excellence in Shenzhen, this vibrant special economic zone. PHBS has carved out a unique path as a "business academy at the forefront of reform and opening up," writing an enduring chapter in the history of PKU and even China's higher education. He emphasized that during the school's 20-year development, its foundation was built on vision and resolute determination, its cornerstone was endless innovation, and its key to success was "united to achieve." Finally, he led the faculty, students, and guests in chanting, "PHBS, Boundless Horizons," together, initiating a new journey for PHBS.

Performance by EMBA students and alumni: Chasing Dreams and Soaring

Dedicated to advancing global harmony and shared progress, PHBS has upheld the principle of internationalization since its establishment. It has nurtured a diverse student body, with nearly 500 international students from over 80 countries and regions. Highlighting this commitment to diversity and unity, today's event featured an exceptional performance where students from 10 nations sang the same song in multiple languages, conveying messages of love, dreams, inclusiveness, and hope.

The decorated PHBS building

In addition, a series of diverse and enriching activities unfolded within the PHBS building. From the heartfelt reunions, an insightful forum, and the ceremonial unveiling of the Donation Wall, the day was a tapestry of events that symbolized unity, progress, and celebration. Celebrating the 20th birthday of PHBS, its UK Campus also held joint festivities, featuring a school history exhibition and alumni speeches, highlighting the school's international achievements and deep alumni bonds. With a legacy spanning two decades, PHBS has nurtured a myriad of talented individuals, who now excel across diverse fields worldwide, making significant contributions in finance, academia, and beyond.

Picture Gallery

Written by: Annie Jin and Zhang Mengying
Edited by: Donya Mehrabi