The EMBA Fudan-Class, jointly organized by the National Taiwan University and Fudan University in Shanghai, is now starting its sixth year. On March 11, students from across Taiwan Strait gathered at College of Management, NTU, for their bustling beginning as new students. 

Photo 1: Honors Day of NTU EMBA Fudan Program in Taiwan, held at Chong Guang Lecture Hall.

Guo Hong-Ji, Dean of Academic Affairs: May Fudan Program be the Cross-Strait exchange ambassadors.

Guo Hong-Ji, Dean of Academic Affairs of NTU, joined the ceremony and welcomed the new students on behalf of the University. “During the emerging years of Asia, the focal point of world development has shifted from Europe and America to Asia; this is our turning point because your study our EMBA program means not just academic efforts, but also an important history that shall profoundly affect the Greater China Sphere,” said Guo. He hopes that every student will become a friend of NTU as well as the helping hand for one another for the future development.

Yin Zhi-Wen, Deputy Dean of School of Business, Fudan University: Double-degree is the convergence of culture.

Yin Zhi-Wen, Deputy Dean of School of Business, Fudan University was also at the ceremony. “You will have double-degree in the future, which means you will have two diplomas, they may be two pieces of papers, but they are much more than that; they certify you that you have absorbed the culture from two universities,” Yin encouraged the students. “For Mainland students, such learning experience will help you to know better about the culture and businesses in Taiwan. This is also the reason that Fudan offers this program in the first place. The history of development of Taiwanese businesses will inspire profoundly especially for Mainland students,” Yin said.

Xie Ming-Hui, CEO, NTU EMBA: Unity makes you stronger.

According to Xie Ming-Hui, CEO, NTU EMBA, “We hope that during this 3-day and 2-night orientation Taiwanese students will take good care of Mainland students to jointly enjoy the rich resources offered by the two universities and commit yourself fully to the class days arranged intensively every month. You are taking these classes not only with 60 students from across the Strait. We also hope that you all, from the first year to the sixth year of the Program, will form your unity in each and every way as to give ways for in-depth thinking, being innovative against all odds, and being decisive in career development in your corporate undertaking,” said Xie. Xie hopes that the students will all become the leaders in our era amidst the torrents of history, where unity will make you stronger.

Photo 2: Senior students of Fudan Program returned to alma mater to share learning experience with new students. From left to right: Chen Yi-Jun; Guo Ya-Lin; Wan Guan-Li; and We De-Feng.

Senior students’ secrets of study with fun

Chen Yan-Hao, Assistant Executive, NTU EMBA, also the host of the ceremony, was able to amuse the entire audience with his tongue in cheek. The organizer also invited Lai Tiau-Yuan, President of NTU Alumni Association, to introduce to the new students about the way that the Association works. Alumni members from the first to fourth year of NTU Fudan Program (Class 2010 – 2013) to share with the new students about their learning experience and tips.

According to President Lai, the Alumni Association is now in its 14th year; the Association values interactions across industry, study concentrations, and classes. He suggested the new students to give attention not only in their classes, but also exchanges after classes and graduation. In the end, President Lai congratulated: “You are now in the middle of the right place, here at NTU EMBA; it’s about right friends, it’s about prestigious helps.”

Chen Yi-Jun, of Class 2010, the CEO of NTU Alumni Association, introduced to the new students about 4 sports clubs: softball, badminton, golf, and dance clubs. She encouraged the students of the sixth year to develop their own unique class features. According to Wu De-Feng, soon to be the next President of the Association in June, the Association is a great platform that extends beyond graduation for continuing exchange. We shared his secrets: Less individual-oriented activities; more group activities; amicability weights greater than individuality.

Wan Guan-Li shared her learning results: “Every student in NTU Fudan Program is a treasure vault, and we must cherish all 60 of them. Here is my advice: ‘with a vision of a bird from the height of clouds, you will see the beauty and sorrows of Taiwan.’ You are with the most prestigious university across the Taiwan Strait, ‘vision of NTU from the height of Fudan.’ Be meticulous about this journey.” Guo Ya-lin gave advice about time management: “Whatever the reason it may be for you to come here in the beginning, lose it. Turn whenever necessary, and you will see a different view. Perhaps these two years will be the period in your lifetime where plenty of luxury of time is at your disposal, but you must remain highly aggressive in your time management, for the best is still waiting for you ahead.”

Photo 3: Students of Fudan Program in 4 groups toured the campus from the College of Management to the Royal Palm Boulevard, the Fu Bell, and the University History Hall.

Chen Yan-Hao, Assistant Executive, NTU EMBA, proposed a question: “What is NTU?” According to Professor Chen, NTU is even more beautiful in drizzling rain. As you are about to become NTUers, and you should know about NTU. This is your first visit at NTU, touring the campus with your fellow students, listening to the 21-soundings of the Fu Bell. Our late university president, Fu, had said: “3 hours per day should be spent on contemplating.”

This is a wonderful start; the ringing of the Fu Bell at this moment of Spring time are telling the new students that they are now in the palace of knowledge.