On November 1st, Lawrence H. Summers, Tsinghua University’s renowned visiting professor, and former US Treasury Secretary spent an entire day teaching and engaging students at Schwarzman College
Summers delivers the lecture.
As one of the leading American economists, Lawrence H. Summers served not only as Treasury Secretary in the Clinton Administration, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, etc., but also as Harvard University’s 27th President. He was awarded the John Bates Clark Medal by the American Economic Association for his outstanding achievement in the field of economics.
During the course on China and the World’s Major Economic Issues, Summers incorporated his own experiences in dealing with Mexico’s financial crisis while serving as the Former US Treasury Secretary to vividly analyze what constituted the modern financial industry. He helped students to understand the root cause of the financial crisis and also shared his past experiences and reflections based on the difference posts he held. It was definitely an engaging discussion, leaving everyone in high-spirits.
David Li introduces the guests.
China and the world’s major economic issues is a core course at Schwarzman College with Dean David Li as the leading professor. The course is open to all schools and departments from Tsinghua University, and was selected by over 110 students this semester. Apart from Summers, this semester’s guest speakers also included Jacob A. Frenkel, chairman of JP Morgan Chase and Niall Ferguson, the renowned historian, etc.
The academic seminar
On that day, Summers participated in several face-to-face interactional activities and academic seminars, accompanied by David Q. Pan, Executive Dean of Schwarzman College. The meeting was chaired by Dean David Li with discussions revolving around the Sino-American political and economic relationship. Participants included Professor Qian Yingyi, Dean, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University, Professor Bai Chong-En, Executive Associate Dean of the School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University, Professor Xue Lan, Dean of School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Hu Angang, Professor at School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University and Dean of Institute for Contemporary China Studies, Tsinghua University-Chinese Academy of Sciences. Professor Chu Shulong from School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Zhao Kejin, Associate Professor at Department of International Relations, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, Qi Bin, Executive Vice President, China Investment Corp, Li Zhenghui, Director General of Research Center, China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), etc.
Dean David Pan shows Summers the congratulatory letters from leaders.
Meanwhile, Summers had a lunch get- together with the students, during which they discussed the current economic situation, financial regulation among other issues.
Group Photo: Faculty members and Guest Speakers
At night, Summers lectured at Schwarzman College and exchanged views with Nicolas Aguzin, Chairman & CEO for J.P. Morgan Asia Pacific on “Global economy in political instability”. During the lecture, Summers provided the class with his insights on hot issues, such as the US presidential election, Brexit and financial technology, etc.
Summers exchanges views with Nicolas Aguzin.
On the topic of leadership cultivation, Summers made two points. First, we should consider both sides of the case when we encounter a problem and learn to negotiate with oneself because there are always new circumstances that arise which in turn changes our perspective. Second, we should aim to make people around us become the the type of person we want to be, surrounding ourselves with friends that we can learn from. Summers also advised students that no matter what career path they choose, they need to take their work seriously. He added that when your work goes beyond your supervisor’s expectations, this means that you have truly performed the task well.
The lecture
The lecture attracted Tsinghua University students from various departments and schools. They were actively taking part in the discussion, asking Summers several questions to which he patiently answered them one by one. Schwarzman College will continue to host more lectures this semester; details will be accessible through the College website and WeChat platform.
Q&A session
Schwarzman College, as a scholar community, has brought together passionate, open-minded, creative and keen individuals from all over the world. Through high-quality curriculum courses, practicums, diverse academic exchanges and cultural events, in addition to discussion and dialogue with top-notch leaders in various industries, students learn to see China from a global perspective and explore common issues in world development. Schwarzman College also provides students with unique opportunities to understand and explore China and the world through a global lens. Students gain access to a lifelong learning network as well as being part of a global alumni platform to boost their critical thinking skills, cross-cultural understanding and global leadership abilities.
