Fudan University School of Management Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Global Perspective

Celebrating 40 Years of Leadership in Business Education

On October 24, the Fudan University School of Management (Fudan SoM) celebrated a significant milestone in its four decades of excellence in business education. This event marked the beginning of the 40th Anniversary Celebration Week and coincided with the launch of the 2025 Global Business Education Deans' Forum and Expo at the school's campus in Shanghai.

The expo served as a vital platform for addressing critical issues and emerging trends in international business education. In light of an increasingly interconnected world, the event brought together deans and representatives from nearly 50 esteemed business schools and educational organizations from across five continents, including noteworthy institutions like the MIT Sloan School of Management and the Yale School of Management. This gathering aimed to foster dialogue on the evolution of business education in China and its role on the global stage.

One of the central elements of the event was an interactive session titled "Youth Leading Change: Global Young Voices on the Future of Business." This engaging discussion featured young leaders from Fudan SoM and various international institutions who expressed their innovative ideas and aspirations regarding the future of their fields. Their candid questions and insights provided a refreshing perspective on the role of the upcoming generation in shaping business practices.

The day also hosted the Global Business Education Deans' Forum, which focused on the theme of "Pioneering Change in Global Business Education." Education leaders gathered to share insights, explore challenges, and create opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing Fudan SoM's commitment to fostering global partnerships. During his opening remarks, Dean Lu Xiongwen articulated the significant impact of China's technological advancements on business education, emphasizing the importance of linking theory with practice to tackle real-world challenges.

Among the highlights were keynote addresses from prominent figures in business education. Gary Dushnitsky, Deputy Dean of the London Business School, discussed insights on the future of business education, while Lily Bi, President and CEO of the AACSB, addressed the complexities of navigating uncertainties within global educational frameworks.

The forum also featured a roundtable discussion on "Pioneering for Change through Globalization," where academic leaders engaged in meaningful conversations about contemporary challenges in business education, ranging from curriculum design to expanding international collaborations. Esteemed participants included Deans and representatives from various top-tier institutions such as ESCP Business School and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, who provided a diverse range of perspectives.

In two parallel sessions, discussions delved into crucial topics such as the influence of artificial intelligence on educational innovation and sustainable practices in business education. Participants explored how the integration of modern technologies can enhance learning experiences while fostering a global understanding of business dynamics.

Fudan SoM's 40th anniversary celebration illustrated a momentous occasion not just to commemorate its past achievements but as a platform to envision the future of business education. The ongoing spirit of inspiration, truth-seeking, and innovation exemplified within its mission continues to guide the institution as it prepares the next wave of business leaders.

In conclusion, this anniversary highlights Fudan SoM's ongoing commitment to excellence in education and its vital role in shaping the landscape of global business education. With a strong foundation rooted in four decades of leadership and progress, the future looks promising as the institution embraces the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The event was celebrated not only as a reflection of Fudan SoM's historic contributions but also as a testament to its resilience and forward-thinking vision.