2024年10月18日，复旦大学-BI（挪威）国际合作MBA项目41班开学典礼在复旦大学管理学院政立院区圆满举行！
挪威王国驻上海总领事馆总领事Tobias Svenningsen先生、复旦大学校长助理、研究生院常务副院长陈焱教授、复旦大学管理学院院长助理冯天俊教授、复旦大学-BI（挪威）国际合作MBA项目学术院长Heidi Wiig教授、复旦大学国合处代表文松女士和挪威商会董事会代表Michelle Eriksen女士等嘉宾与教授代表和学生代表们共同出席了本次典礼。来自不同行业、拥有不同背景的新同学们满怀憧憬与喜悦，正式步入复旦大学这所历史悠久的学术殿堂。作为“中挪教育合作的皇冠上的明珠”，在过去的28年中，复旦大学-BI（挪威）国际合作MBA项目已培养了超过3000名具有全球视野和可持续发展远见的管理人才。在复杂多变的全球经济形势下，同学们将在两年时间里探索新知、突破自我，培养责任领导力，为社会可持续发展做出贡献，同时也为中挪两国的友谊续写篇章。
The BI-Fudan MBA Class 41 commenced its first semester on October 18, 2024 at the new Zhengli Campus, School of Management, Fudan University. The Opening Ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai, Graduate School of Fudan University, Global Partnerships Office of Fudan University, the Norwegian Business Association in Shanghai, Professors from Fudan University and BI Norwegian Business School, and student representative from BI-Fudan MBA Program.
△Mr. Tobias Svenningsen, Consul General of the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai
“One thing I’ve learned from being in China is that the Chinese work very hard,” said Mr. Tobias Svenningsen, as he welcomed the new students. “I’ve only been in China for six months, but this is already my second time at Fudan.” Mr. Svenningsen emphasized the importance and opportunities of the cooperation between Fudan University and BI Norwegian Business School. “We live in a geopolitically challenging time, so I’m very happy to see this program flourishing and we should increase our education contacts,” Mr. Svenningsen said. “Norway is the 4th largest shipping nation and the 3rd largest natural gas exporter,” he noted, stressing the importance of the green transition, a key priority for both Norway and China. Mr. Svenningsen reminded students that while technical knowledge and business strategies are important, being inspired by experiences is equally crucial.
△Prof. Chen Yan, Assistant President of Fudan University and Executive Deputy Dean of the Graduate School
Prof. Chen Yan introduced Fudan University’s long-standing history. “Fudan stands as one of the top national universities located in Shanghai, the vast metropolis and the commercial hub of China,” Prof. Chen said. Currently, Fudan ranks 39th in the QS World University Rankings, renowned both domestically and internationally for its highly esteemed academic community. “This international joint degree program is one of our efforts to thrive in the era of globalization and foster cross-border collaborations,” said Prof. Chen. He highlighted that, as a leading business school both domestically and regionally, and with the BI-Fudan MBA Program being “the very first” joint master program with government approval, students can grow in an environment with a prestigious reputation among business professionals, students, and alumni alike. Prof. Chen is very excited that BI-Fudan MBA has been ranked No.1 in international faculty among global part time MBA program for six consecutive years by FT Global EMBA Ranking 2024. “This cooperation has resulted in a truly international and high quality MBA program.” And he also emphasized, sustainability is a top priority for the BI-Fudan MBA Program. “We are concerned with how to maximize the impact of educational empowerment on social responsibility and enhance the concept of business resilience.”
△Prof. Feng Tianjun, Assistant Dean, School of Management, Fudan UniversityProf.
Feng Tianjun expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the new students of Class 41, and welcomed them to the big Fudan family on behalf of the School of Management. Prof. Feng mentioned that Class 41 is the first cohort to hold its Opening Ceremony at the Zhengli Campus, and also among the very first to study on this brand-new campus. “You come here, not for leisure, not just for friendship, not just for network neither. You come here for change, leadership change, career change, and more importantly, mindset change”, said Prof. Feng. Firstly, Prof. Feng encouraged students to learn how to lead change. He gave the example of how the new campus was built from seemingly impossible beginnings. Now the new Zhengli Campus represents an architectural paradigm, a premium idea hub, an economic cultural center, and an innovative community ecosystem. Secondly, Prof. Feng shared School of Management’s Scientific Innovation Strategy, which is “No Scientific Innovation, No Future” with new students, encouraging them to learn knowledge and devote themselves to those Sci-Tech driven industries. Last but not least, Prof. Feng addressed creating changes. “Nearly 30 years ago, no one told us to create such a program (BI-Fudan MBA). But the founders had true entrepreneurial spirit, and they initiated the program from the very beginning of the BI-Fudan collaboration.” Since then, the BI-Fudan MBA program has built a strong and extensive alumni network. Prof. Feng encouraged students to learn and grow, to seek the truth, and to pioneer change.
△Dr. Qiu Lijin, Executive Director of the BI-Fudan MBA Program
Dr. Qiu Lijin, on behalf of the program, introduced the student profile of Class 41. According to Dr. Qiu, the average age of Class 41 is 36.5 years, demonstrating the program's strong appeal even amid the economic downturn. Furthermore, this cohort has an average of 6.5 years of management experience. “The class enjoys the diversity in terms of age, industry and position, etc. You all come from different positions and industries. This diversity is what we expected and highly valued,” she said. The referral rate is 48.5%, which is much lower than the numbers of previous years. Dr. Qiu explained, “it represents a good signal that the program is getting more sources of the candidates.” Another interesting trend is the rising percentage of students from domestic firms. “Only about 60% of the Class 41 students work for multinational entities including joint ventures, down from nearly 90% five years ago. More and more managers from domestic firms become interested in this program.” Dr. Qiu addressed. Meanwhile, approximately 85% of this cohort hold APAC roles in their companies, engaging in international business. “We look forward to seeing the continuation of this trend.” Dr. Qiu concluded by welcoming Class 41 on behalf of the program.
△Prof. Heidi Wiig, Academic Dean of the BI-Fudan MBA ProgramProf.
Heidi Wiig addressed Class 41, comparing the program to climbing an academic mountain. “Every step through the program will bring new perspectives and deeper understanding.” She encouraged students to approach their studies with curiosity and open-mindedness, urging them to develop well-researched and thoughtful perspectives rather than relying on pre-existing opinions. This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Norway and China. “In an era when new geopolitical challenges and the urgent demand for sustainability both call for global collaboration, this program serves as a great example.” According to Prof. Wiig, this program is not just about education. “Beyond educating, we are co-creating knowledge together. We learn from each other through interactions and collaborate across geographical and cultural distances,” she said. “When you reach the top of the mountain, please realize that your knowledge and understanding are not just for your own benefit,” Prof. Wiig encouraged, urging students to share their learnings and use their perspectives to enrich the lives of others.
△Ms. Wen Song, Representitive of Global Partnerships Office, Fudan University
Ms. Wen Song expressed her sincere congratulations to the students. In 1995, the founding of the Nordic Centre marked the beginning of cooperation between Fudan and Nordic countries. One of the most fruitful outcomes of this 28-year partnership is the BI-Fudan MBA Program. Last May and this May, both President Jin Li and the Chair of the University Council Qiu Xin had their visit to BI Norwegian Business School and joined the BI-Fudan MBA graduation ceremonies. This September the Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre visited Fudan University and delivered his speech titled “On top of the Globe - Norway, the Arctic and geopolitics”. These mutual visits reinforced the longstanding relationship between the two universities and also promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation in academic research and education. According to Ms. Wen, this program is not only an educational initiative but also an important bridge between Eastern and Western cultures. “The world needs business talents to lead and manage teams in a global market.”
△Ms. Michelle Eriksen, Board Member of the Norwegian Business Association in Shanghai
Ms. Michelle Eriksen spoke passionately about the importance of diversity and collaboration, both in the MBA program and in professional life. “I’ve worked for Jotun for 17 years, and most of the time I focused on China,” Ms. Eriksen said, “but even though I’ve visited China a lot, I didn’t really understand China until I moved here.” Drawing from her own experiences, she encouraged students to seize the opportunity and truly broaden their horizons in Shanghai and across China. “One can easily feel the dynamism of this country. Walking around Shanghai, I see electric vehicles becoming increasingly common. Across China, we see wind turbines in operation,” Ms. Eriksen noted. She highlighted that China is at the forefront of the shift toward a more sustainable future. “What's happening here will change the future, and that's what we will see together.”
△Antony Tang, student representative of Class 40
“I don’t know how you feel right now, but I was both excited and nervous at the start,” said Antony Tang. “I’m proud to be a student here, and I’m also proud of you for choosing this prestigious program. It could be one of the best decisions you’ve made in your life.” Antony emphasized the importance of balancing work, life, and study. “In the coming two years, you’ll be busy with courses, cases, workshops, and papers,” he said. “There’s no perfect solution on balancing, but I believe with full awareness and preparation, you’ll all find your ways.” “The second word I’d like to share is ‘bond,’ or in Chinese, ‘Ji Ban羁绊,’” Antony added, encouraging new students to expand their social networks and enjoy teamwork on this best platform. “You’ll have the chance to participate in big events like the Norwegian national holiday celebrations. Be brave, introduce yourself, and get connected.”
△Andy Wang, student representative of MBA41
Andy Wang is a veteran in nautical technology and business management. Over the past 16 years, Andy has worked across three Scandinavian companies, fostering his admiration for the ethical and transparent business culture he experienced in Norway. “I joined this program because I met troubles in business,” Andy said. According to him, the biggest challenge began with digitalization revolution in 2020. “I was initially against this revolution, but after discussing it with a professor from Fudan about two years ago, I came to realize its importance.” According to Andy, his company saw a 40% increase over the past three years following the digital implementation. “This is the primary reason I came here to study.” He also recognized the potential of the program’s global alumni network to support his company’s internationalization efforts. “I believe none of us come here just for the certificate, but to share and exchange our knowledge, strengths, experiences, and even our challenges.”
As the ceremony ended, with top-notch management knowledge, advanced management ideas from different angles, and leadership skills in all aspects, the future Class 41 will stand poised for an exciting new chapter in their lives, and ready to embrace the changes and opportunities that lie ahead. “Go North! Find Your True North”, the journey has begun.
