Shanghai Celebrates 50 Outstanding Expats with Magnolia Silver Awards

On November 23, 2024, Shanghai held its annual Magnolia Silver Award ceremony, recognizing the impressive achievements of 50 expatriates from 18 different countries. The prestigious event took place at the Grand Halls, situated along the iconic northern end of the Bund. This year's awards were a celebration of the significant contributions made by these expats in various sectors, including trade, finance, technology, healthcare, and education.

The ceremony was led by Kong Fu'an, the Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal People's Government. During his opening speech, he highlighted Shanghai's evolution into a global hub characterized by innovation and inclusivity. Kong acknowledged the indispensable role of foreign nationals, foreign-invested businesses, and international institutions in the city's development. He noted that these individuals have not just been observers of Shanghai's growth but have instead played active roles in its transformation and modernization.

Among this year’s awardees was Pietro Brambilla, the North Asia CFO for L'Oreal China. Brambilla has been pivotal in the brand's investment strides in Shanghai, helping establish the Chinese market as the company's largest globally. His contributions are instrumental in fostering a market-oriented and law-based business environment, showcasing L'Oreal's commitment to success in the region.

Another notable recipient, Professor Marc Delpech from France, shared his extensive experience in enhancing Sino-French medical cooperation over the past three decades. Professor Delpech has devoted his career to training French-speaking medical students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He is currently the vice-dean of the Sino-French School of Medicine, where he emphasized the ongoing friendship and collaboration between China and France. Notably, he pointed out that his predecessor was also a recipient of the Magnolia Silver Award, underscoring the lasting relationship between the two nations in education and healthcare.

Carlo D'Andrea, an Italian lawyer and head of Studio Legale DAndrea, also received recognition for his efforts in assisting foreign companies in establishing operations in China. D’Andrea praised Shanghai as the premier location for business in China, especially for those in technology and innovation sectors. He noted the city's ongoing reforms and its openness to international partnerships, promising vast opportunities for both domestic and foreign entities aimed at mutual growth and benefit.

D'Andrea expressed his appreciation for the direct access to city leadership, sharing insights from his interactions with the Shanghai mayor regarding foreign investment strategies. This level of engagement exemplifies Shanghai's commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for international business leaders.

Since its inception in 1989, the Magnolia Silver Award has become a symbol of appreciation from the city towards the contributions made by expatriates. Over the last 35 years, a total of 1,877 individuals have been honored, reflecting Shanghai's recognition of the diversity and impact these expatriates bring to the city.

As Shanghai continues to strengthen its position as a global city, events like the Magnolia Silver Awards serve not only to honor those who have made significant contributions but also to reinforce the vital role that international communities play in the city's ongoing development. Through these accolades, Shanghai underlines its commitment to an inclusive future enriched by diverse perspectives and shared experiences.