The School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University (Tsinghua SEM) hosted a series of events titled Tsinghua Students Dialogue with Board Members on October 18 and 19.

John L. Thornton, executive chairman of Barrick Gold Corporation, chairman of Pinebridge Investments, and chair emeritus of Brookings Institution, spoke on the first day to students from the Master of Finance Program, Master in Management Program, Tsinghua-Columbia Dual Master's Degree Program in Business Analytics, and Tsinghua-SMU Master of Professional Accounting Program. His insights resonated with all in attendance.

Thornton shared vibrant anecdotes about his interactions with the former dean of Tsinghua SEM and former Chinese premier, ZHU Rongji. He reminisced about the founding of the school's Advisory Board, and said the board has become a beacon of global collaboration. He emphasized its instrumental role in fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Thornton lectures to master program students.

An esteemed business giant, Thornton emphasized the importance of fostering communication and understanding between the East and the West, particularly between China and the US. He urged Tsinghua students to act as ambassadors for Chinese culture, adeptly conveying Chinese stories while understanding Western culture and the American perspectives. This, he said, would contribute to a more harmonious global framework.

He also delved into the global challenges and opportunities anticipated for 2050, urging students to contemplate the world they wish to shape and encouraging them to play a role in bolstering Sino-American collaboration. Concerning China's economic trajectory, Thornton expressed unwavering confidence in China's ability to adeptly navigate the constantly shifting global dynamics and to effectively address future challenges.

Thornton gives lecture to master programs' students

During the interactive Q&A session, students sought Thornton's insights from an investor's viewpoint on how startups can attract investment opportunities. He detailed his personal investment philosophy, emphasized the crucial importance of project quality and the competence of the operational team. Additionally, he explored the topics of organizational culture and values, stressing they are foundational to building a robust organizational ethos.

In response to students' inquiries about global economic prospects and China's growing global influence, Thornton expressed his confidence in China's economic leadership and global responsibility. He praised the tenacity, ambition, and relentless creativity of the Chinese people, viewing these qualities as foundational to China's economic rise. Additionally, he expressed admiration for China's swift economic transformations and highlighted its unprecedented contributions to poverty alleviation, urging nations worldwide to learn from China's expertise.

Thornton elaborated on his opinions regarding the future of the global mining industry and the pivotal roles artificial intelligence and the digital economy will play in driving China's economic growth.

To conclude the session and express gratitude for Thornton's insights, the moderator XIAO Ze, a 2022 master of finance student, presented Thornton with a commemorative album titled Twenty-Four Solar Terms of Tsinghua Campus, a collection of photographs taken by Tsinghua students. The class ended in a vibrant ambiance. Many students eagerly continued their discussions with Thornton after the session, and wished for more opportunities to benefit from his wisdom in the future.

Master of Finance student Xiao Ze presents Thornton with the album Twenty-Four Solar Terms of Tsinghua Campus.

Group photo of the class

Source: Master's Programs