On 17 October, the Third Plenary Meeting of the Third International Advisory Board (IAB) of School of Management at Fudan University convened at the Zhengli Campus. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Zhimin CHEN, Vice President of Fudan University.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Zhimin CHEN, Vice President of Fudan University noted that this year marks the launch of the School's 15th Five‑Year Plan. As the School's highest‑level think‑tank body, the International Advisory Board serves as a vital platform connecting School of Management at Fudan University with the world's top‑tier business communities and management practices. Against a backdrop of rapidly‑evolving global dynamics and heightened external uncertainties, the vision and experience of IAB members are invaluable. Their insights are critical not only to elevating the quality of the School's own management education but also to advancing management education across China. It is anticipated that the high‑level intellectual dialogue at this meeting will deliver many valuable new perspectives for the School's upcoming strategic planning.

Prof. Zhimin CHEN, Vice President of Fudan University presented the appointment certificate to Prof. Yadong LUO, Member of the International Advisory Board, Professor of Management and Emery M. Findley Distinguished Chair at University of Miami, Fellow of the Academy of International Business (AIB) and Academy of Management (AOM), and Former Dean of Sun Yat‑sen University Business School.

Prof. Zhimin CHEN, Vice President of Fudan University presented the appointment certificate to Mr. Max BAUCUS, Member of the International Advisory Board, Former U.S. Ambassador to China and Former U.S. Senator.

Prof. Fuqiang ZHANG, Dean and Li Dasan Chair Professor of School of Management at Fudan University, delivered a comprehensive report to the IAB on the School's recent progress. He systematically reviewed the School's phased achievements covering faculty development, research innovation, admissions and operations, talent cultivation, career development, alumni ecosystem, international cooperation, and Zhengli Campus operations. He elaborated on the School's core development strategies, in particular implementation progress for its three key strategies: AI Strategy, Science‑and‑Technology Innovation Strategy, and Internationalization Strategy. In addition, Dean Fuqiang ZHANG outlined the School's development roadmap and core objectives for the next phase.

Student representatives shared perspectives from young scholars regarding their studies, practical experience, global exchange journeys, and personal reflections at School of Management at Fudan University.

Ziyi Li, Ph.D Candidate:

I have just completed a one‑year joint training program at Yale School of Management. Pursuing my doctoral studies at Fudan SoM, what impresses me most is the intellectually free research environment. My supervisors have always patiently supported me in exploring research topics of my interest. The School also creates numerous informal opportunities for us to interact with faculty members, where many research ideas originate from casual conversations. My overseas visiting experience has given me first‑hand insight into the School's globalization strategy: it does not merely encourage students to go global, but provides substantial practical support enabling us to conduct international research with peace of mind and broaden our academic horizons.

Jialiu Jiang, Master's Student, DDIM Program:

I was initially drawn to School of Management at Fudan University by the DDIM program's international training model, comprehensive career‑development support and excellent learning environment. During my studies at Bocconi University in Italy, rigorous, multi‑disciplinary and challenging courses helped me build a holistic understanding of management. Outside class, I joined a local floorball club and won both the Italian Cup and league championship with my team. The career‑development services of Fudan University School of Management, spanning career counselling, corporate resources and mentorship engagement, have empowered me in all dimensions as I explore my career path. My academic journey at Fudan SoM has been immensely rewarding in every respect.

Stella Alessia Mila Antonietti, International Exchange Undergraduate from Esade Business & Law School:

I chose to come to Fudan SoM as an exchange student to step out of my comfort zone and gain first‑hand exposure to Asian business and culture. Shanghai's booming digital economy has left a particularly deep impression on me. At Fudan SoM I have taken diverse courses covering e‑commerce, entrepreneurship and human‑computer interaction. Learning goes far beyond textbooks with in‑depth study rooted in local business practices. Fudan's diverse, international campus environment enables me to exchange perspectives with fellow students from across the world. Living in Shanghai has strengthened my independence. Learning Chinese has been challenging yet highly rewarding. I deeply cherish this exchange opportunity, which has benefited me enormously both academically and personally.

Saad Al‑Jabiri, Global MBA Program:

I bring 15 years of professional experience in power‑sector engineering and project management, having worked in multiple countries. Eager to learn how to make better decisions amid complex contexts, I joined Fudan SoM to experience Shanghai's dynamic business landscape shaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. My Global MBA studies have offered an extraordinarily rich learning experience thanks to my peers of diverse backgrounds and knowledgeable, approachable faculty. I was particularly inspired by the viewpoint shared by Prof. Xiongwen LU: AI may support judgement‑making, yet ultimate accountability rests with human leaders. At Fudan SoM, I have not only gained insights into Chinese business, but also re‑evaluated my understanding of the world and myself, forging enduring connections along the way.

During the discussion session, IAB members and their designated representatives exchanged views on the School's recent developments. Drawing upon global trends in management education and cutting‑edge industrial transformations, they put forward forward‑looking, practical suggestions across multiple dimensions including discipline development, faculty growth, innovations in talent cultivation, expansion of international partnerships, and research on science‑technology innovation management. Their inputs brought diverse perspectives and valuable ideas to support the School's high‑quality development. Prof. Zhimin CHEN, Vice President of Fudan University delivered the concluding remarks for the meeting.

Mr. Max BAUCUS, Former U.S. Ambassador to China, Former U.S. Senator

Prof. Yadong LUO, Professor of Management and Emery M. Findley Distinguished Chair, University of Miami; Fellow of the Academy of International Business (AIB) and Academy of Management (AOM); Former Dean, Sun Yat‑sen University Business School

Mr. X. Rick NIU, Global Council Member, Junior Achievement Worldwide

Mr. Arnd FRANZ, President and CEO, MAHLE Group

Mr. Christian HARTEL, President and CEO, Wacker Chemie AG (represented by Mr. Alvin HU, President of Wacker Chemicals (China) Co., Ltd)

Mr. Gerald YIN, Chairman and CEO, Advanced Micro‑Fabrication Equipment Inc. China

The International Advisory Board of School of Management at Fudan University was established with the support and guidance of Mr. Lanqing Li, the School's distinguished alumnus, former Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo Bureau of Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), former Vice Premier of the State Council, as well as the support of Fudan University. Since its establishment in 2013, the International Advisory Board has played a significant role in enhancing the School's talent cultivation, academic research, international reputation, and influence. It serves as the highest-level and most authoritative think tank of School of Management at Fudan University. It is an important link for establishing extensive connections and deep cooperation between the School and various sectors both domestically and internationally.

The First and Second International Advisory Boards were chaired by Madam Zhili Chen, former Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress and former State Councilor. Both Boards have completed their terms, during which they provided guidance for the improvement of the School's development plans and made significant contributions to advancing the School towards the front‑ranks of the world's leading business schools.

The 3rd International Advisory Board comprises one Chair, three Vice‑Chairs, four Honorary Members and eighteen Board Members. Drawing from Asia, Europe, North America and South America, its membership brings together highly‑respected and influential figures from global business and academia.

Li Jin, President of Fudan University, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, serves as Chair of the current International Advisory Board.