Celebrating Unity and Vision: The University of Chicago Community in Beijing Ushers in the Year of Dragon

The University of Chicago Center in Beijing
20th floor, Culture Plaza
No. 59A Zhong Guan Cun Street
Haidian District Beijing 100872

On February 3, 2024, the University of Chicago Center in Beijing hosted an exceptional Chinese New Year Celebration. Organized in collaboration by the UChicago Beijing Alumni Club, the Center in Beijing, and Booth School of Business Alumni Club of Beijing, the event was a testament to the enduring spirit and camaraderie among alumni.

The celebration attracted approximately 150 attendees who brought the venue to life with their enthusiasm and warmth. Dr. Zening Ge, Executive Director of the Center in Beijing, inaugurated the event with welcoming remarks, setting a tone of inspiration and community for the afternoon.

The agenda was rich with contributions from illustrious alumni who shared their journeys and foresights. Speakers included Liguang Chen, Chairman of Haisong Capital; Dr. Bin Qi, Deputy General Manager of China Investment Corporation; and Jiguang Sun, Managing Partner at Haisong Capital. The event also featured a special presentation by Professor Keyang Tang from Tsinghua University's Future Lab, who unveiled the Year of the Dragon New Year's greeting card and shared the design philosophy behind it.

The afternoon was further enriched with stories from senior alumni and thematic presentations by Dr. Yang Liu, Co-founder of Guokr; and Dr. Guangwen Zhou, Chairman of Gingko Capital. In a series of engaging talks, attendees gained insights into global mobile market trends, innovative technologies, and the digital economy from leaders like Jian Xue, CEO of data.ai Greater China; Tien Beng Phua, Joint CEO of Peking University Medical Group; and Dr. Lipeng Lai, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at XtalPi.

The highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing Yue Opera performance by Beijing Youth Yue Opera Group, symbolizing the deep bonds of friendship among alumni. Adding to the cultural feast was Professor Chen Yao, who shared insights into his creation of the music piece "Quan Jun Geng Jin Yi Bei Jiu.” His explanation and the subsequent medley of songs captivated the audience, blending scholarly insight with musical delight.

Guests participated in multiple rounds of raffle draws for gifts sponsored by alumni. All guests received greeting cards and scarves designed by Prof. Tang. These tokens symbolized the cherished connections and collective aspirations of the University of Chicago community in Beijing.

As the evening drew to a close, the success of the Chinese New Year Celebration was evident in the lively interactions. The Center in Beijing continues to foster a sense of belonging and intellectual growth among its members, solidifying its role as a beacon of support and inspiration in the alumni community in China.