On May 18, 2025, Shanghai Business School (SBS) celebrated its 75th anniversary. As a key event in the anniversary celebrations, the College of International Education hosted a student forum titled “My China Story at SBS, My Growth with SBS” on the afternoon of the same day at the Fengxian campus. Representatives from Belt and Road Initiative countries, faculty, and alumni gathered to offer their heartfelt congratulations to the school.
Cultural Encounters, Stories of Growth
The forum began with a short film showcasing the campus lives of international students. The video captured their journey from initial apprehension to confident classroom participation, from experiencing traditional Chinese culture to engaging in innovative entrepreneurial practices, resonating deeply with faculty and students alike. Badmatsyrenova Diana, a Russian student majoring in Finance, shared: "SBS not only provided me with professional knowledge but also helped me find my 'second home' through cross-cultural exchange".
Fofana Alhassane, a student from Guinea majoring in International Economics and Trade, eloquently shared his inspiring story in fluent Mandarin: "When I first arrived, my Chinese was only sufficient for daily conversations. However, the college's 'Chinese Salon' program significantly improved my language skills.” As a student representative, he also participated in the 75th-anniversary faculty and student recitation performance.
Cultivating Fertile Ground for Education, Fostering Global Business Leaders
Zhou Jihong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Branch of the College of International Education, noted during the forum: "For 75 years, the school has adhered to the internationalized educational philosophy of 'openness, inclusiveness, and innovation’. The college has now cultivated over 200 international students from 39 countries. They are not only witnesses to the school's development but also ambassadors for Sino-foreign cultural exchange.” She emphasized, "Many graduating students from the class of 2025 have chosen to pursue postgraduate studies in China, demonstrating the fruitful results of SBS's internationalized education.”
The forum concluded with faculty and students taking commemorative photos in front of the school's 75th-anniversary backdrop. Amidst the sparkling lights, the smiling faces of students from diverse backgrounds contrasted beautifully with the red backdrop proclaiming "Seventy-Five Years of Youthful Vigor", capturing another heartwarming moment in Shanghai Business School's journey of internationalization. As Zhou Jihong stated, "With diverse cultures surging along the Huangpu River, and the dreams of young people from around the world resonating with the pulse of Chinese business, this school, having traversed three-quarters of a century, is writing a new chapter of youthful vigor for a new era.”
This student forum is one of a series of events organized by the College of International Education under the theme "Building the Silk Road's Business Rhyme, Celebrating the Anniversary Together". Upcoming events include "International Culture Festival: A Multi-Cultural Feast on the Silk Road", "Musical Celebration: Songs of the Anniversary", "Discovering the Charm of Shanghai: A Day Trip", and "Exploring the Business World: A Belt and Road Enterprise Journey". These activities will continue to infuse the anniversary celebrations with international dynamism.
Written by: Zhou Jihong
Photograph by: Zhang Ruyi
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
