University strives for world image

"Starting from this semester, we will have a special program for cultivating future leaders in international organizations," Shi Jianjun, president of UIBE, told China Daily. "It will involve about 30 students, who are selected from the freshmen class. They will pursue continuous studying, undergraduate and graduate, over six years."

Shi said the move is part of UIBE's goal of having a more global image. "Internationalization is at the very core of the university," said Shi, a doctor of economics.

"We have to make it much deeper since we are in a period of world economic integration. Globalization boosts China's reform and the development of China's economy. So it is for UIBE. Our university has to keep pace with the times. So we want to be a training base for future staff of international organizations. We want more students going abroad to represent China."

Shi said students should know international rules of business, economics and law as well as at least three foreign languages.

Moving from Nanjing University in June 2009, Shi has brought creativity to UIBE.

"Society is developing fast, so we have to create and make changes as well," said Shi as he stressed the need for more innovation.

Indeed, hot water for the students was the first innovation Shi delivered to the university.

Within three months of arriving, Shi installed hot water for dormitories.

His work over the last four years has been impressive.

Funding for research has increased to 50 million yuan ($8.2 million) from 10 million yuan. There are now five first-level doctorate programs and the number of second-level doctorate programs has increased from 14 to 30.

In the past four years, teachers and students at UIBE published 4,840 academic dissertations. The number has increased by 59 percent, on average, annually.

At the graduation ceremony in June, Shi said "the graduates of UIBE don't have to 'defeat others by their fathers'." This describes young people who have to depend on their parents.

"My confidence toward my students comes from the solid education they received from UIBE," Shi said.

"I believe, with the spirit and culture that UIBE passes on to the students, our graduates could win in their future competitions. UIBE always tell our students to be with wide sphere of vision. They know rules of international business and have the ability to take part in international competition."

The confidence has been backed by statistics in the job hunting market.

Up to June 20, 95.85 percent of graduates had secured a job or are pursuing further studies.

Proud to be a teacher

Although being vice-president and president of a university for 18 years, Shi, 58, still insists he is foremost a teacher.

"I like being a teacher," Shi said. "At graduation, when I receive flowers from graduates, I am proud and satisfied. The best choice I've made is to be a teacher."

In the eyes of his students, Shi is a "strict professor, kind father and smart supervisor with vision".

"Although Shi is busy, he always takes the time to talk to us," said Deng Hong, who is pursuing a doctorate in international business management. "He always guides us with his own experience."