Distinguished Guests at an Exceptional Event
A number of high-profile figures honoured the event with their presence, including:
- Joan VALADOU, Consul General of France in Shanghai
- GUO Liang, Deputy Director of the Office for International Cooperation and Exchange, and Director of the Entry and Exit Services Centre at SJTU
- HU Yanli, Deputy Director of Academic Affairs at SJTU
- Alexandre de NAVAILLES, CEO of KEDGE Business School
- ZHANG Weimin, Dean of the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICCI) at SJTU
- Armand BAJARD, Associate Academic Director at KEDGE
- Jean-François VERGNAUD, Director of KEDGE China
- Hervé REMAUD, Director of International MBA Programmes at KEDGE
- LÜ Wei, Chinese Academic Director of the SJTU-KEDGE Global MBA programme
- Anne GOMBAULT, Director of the Creative and Cultural Industries Research Centre at KEDGE
- Nicolas Guilaume PETIT, French Representative of the Sino-French Institute at Renmin University of China and Academic Director of KEDGE China
- LIU Jiachen, Assistant to the Dean and Director of Industry Cooperation at ICCI
- Alain-James PALISSE, Director of the French Office and Academic Affairs at the Sino-French Institute
- WANG Ke, Deputy Dean of the Sino-French Institute of Art, Design and Management at the Central Academy of Fine Arts
- Pascal CHEN, Regional Director for East and Central China at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Resonating Ideas: Guest Speeches Convey the Essence of Education
Joan VALADOU, Consul General of France in Shanghai, delivered a speech in fluent Chinese, emphasizing the strategic significance of Sino-French educational cooperation as a key pillar of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. He highlighted that the collaboration between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and KEDGE Business School in business education is not only a bridge for academic exchange but also a bond for cultural mutual understanding, serving as a testament to the strong partnership between China and France.
With over 1,400 Global MBA graduates, this joint program has nurtured business leaders who exemplify social responsibility through their outstanding professional achievements, setting a benchmark for Sino-French educational collaboration.
-Consul General VALADOU further emphasized that education should not only preserve cultural heritage but also embrace new vitality through mutual learning. He encouraged both graduates and incoming students to actively serve as ambassadors of Sino-French cultural exchange, contributing to the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations while advancing their professional and personal growth.
-GUO Liang, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Office at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, emphasized in her speech that international collaboration has always been a core driver of educational innovation and excellence at the university. The SJTU-KEDGE Global MBA Programme is a prime example of this commitment, as it precisely aligns with contemporary global demands, successfully cultivating a new generation of outstanding business leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges. This achievement underscores the program’s visionary and pioneering role in business education.
Looking ahead with a global development perspective, GUO Liang reaffirmed Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s dedication to deepening its strategic partnership with KEDGE Business School. The university will continue to uphold the principles of innovation and openness, refining a comprehensive talent development system that seamlessly integrates theoretical research with practical application. By nurturing business elites who possess both global competitiveness and a strong sense of social responsibility, the university aims to contribute intellectual and strategic insights to the sustainable development of the global business landscape, further elevating Sino-French educational cooperation to new heights.
-Alexandre de NAVAILLES, Director General of KEDGE Business School, extended his heartfelt congratulations to both the graduates and incoming students. He emphasized that the world today is experiencing a dual wave of geopolitical complexity and accelerated digital transformation -- a landscape filled with both unprecedented challenges and immense opportunities.
The rapid advancement of AI is reshaping the business landscape, giving rise to new business models and employment structures, while simultaneously posing profound challenges to traditional education, labor markets, and ethical standards. Meanwhile, the intensification of trade protectionism and geopolitical conflicts has introduced greater uncertainties in global economic cooperation. Yet, it is precisely in such times of uncertainty that KEDGE, like a steady anchor, provides students with the stability and guidance needed to navigate their journeys ahead.
Quoting Marcel Proust, he remarked:
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
He encouraged students to cultivate this new perspective, recognizing the profound impact of external forces on business, society, and human life. With the spirit of “Let’s be the change!”, he urged them to become agents of transformation, contributing to the mutual prosperity of global business and society.
-Zhang Weimin, Dean of the ICCI at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, delivered a speech analyzing the opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese entrepreneurs and business leaders amid an increasingly complex global landscape. He highlighted that international expansion has become a key strategy for Chinese enterprises to enhance their competitiveness, with significant achievements in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Recognizing the evolving global environment, the collaboration between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and KEDGE Business School is committed to integrating localized business cases and expert faculty resources, fostering a new generation of versatile professionals who can navigate international markets, master global business regulations, and uphold corporate social responsibility.
Dean Zhang emphasized that the university remains guided by its motto, "Gratitude and Responsibility, Patriotism and Excellence", in nurturing business leaders with both a global perspective and deep local roots. He encouraged graduates and new students to find like-minded partners, actively engage in the international business landscape, and develop a profound understanding of local market needs, ultimately becoming key drivers of Chinese enterprises’ global expansion and international cooperation.
-Hervé REMAUD, Director of the International MBA Programmes at KEDGE Business School, reflected fondly on the journey shared with the graduating class. He encouraged them to cherish the dedication, transformation, and growth they have experienced over the past two years. He emphasized that their spirit of collaboration and inclusivity, exceptional leadership, and strong self-motivation should serve as a driving force for their future endeavors.
He also highlighted the forward-thinking curriculum of the SJTU-KEDGE Global MBA Programme, which is designed with continuous innovation at its core. The program actively integrates cutting-edge disciplines, e.g. Generative AI and Intelligent Manufacturing, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to navigate and lead the evolving business landscape.
-LÜ Wei, Academic Director of the SJTU-KEDGE Global MBA Programme (China side), took a moment to reminisce about the signing of the partnership agreement 22 years ago, marking the beginning of this Sino-French collaboration. He acknowledged the program’s resilient growth and strong rankings, even amidst challenging global conditions.
As industry boundaries continue to blur, Professor LÜ emphasized the need for breaking traditional academic silos, fostering innovative business thinking, and developing practice-driven localized education. He urged students to broaden their perspectives, embrace challenges as opportunities, and redefine conventional business paradigms.
Finally, he encouraged every student to maintain an open mindset, uphold core values, and take on the responsibilities of the times. With a clear sense of purpose, he hopes they will become active contributors to global progress and architects of a new era in business.
Illuminating the Journey: A Legacy of Growth and Transformation
A graduation retrospective video, centered on the theme of "growth," captured the journey of the SJTU-KEDGE Global MBA Class of 2024, from admission to graduation. Showcasing moments of classroom debates, corporate immersion, and cross-cultural exploration, the video brought the ceremony to its first emotional peak. As the screen paused on the smiling faces of graduates, it not only celebrated their achievements but also served as a source of inspiration for the road ahead.
Representing the graduating class, YAN Yan, Digital Product Operations Manager at Nippon Paint Investment Co., Ltd., delivered a heartfelt speech. He highlighted the diverse backgrounds and expertise of his classmates, who served as both peers and mentors, enriching each other’s learning experience. Beyond academic accomplishments, he cherished the lifelong friendships formed during the program. Looking ahead, he expressed his enthusiasm for staying connected with the university through the alumni lifelong learning program, continuing to grow alongside his alma mater.
A Moment of Honor: Celebrating Excellence and Responsibility
Amidst a solemn processional march, the Degree Conferral Ceremony for the SJTU-KEDGE Global MBA Programme commenced. Jean-François VERGNAUD and ZHANG Weimin officiated the tassel-turning and degree awarding, marking both the culmination of an academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter. Cameras captured the emotional moment as graduates, eyes brimming with tears, embraced their mentors in gratitude.
To recognize outstanding achievements, the 2024 Graduation Ceremony featured several prestigious awards:
- Outstanding Graduate Award : WANG WuJun, Senior HR Director, Standard Investment (China) Ltd.
- Best Thesis Award : CHEN Wei, Founder & General Manager, Vitaimed Instrument Co., LTD.
- KEDGE Ambassador Award : JIN Tao, Senior Compliance Officer, Asia-Pacific, Dassault Systèmes (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
YAN Yan, Digital Product Operations Manager, Nippon Paint Investment Co., Ltd. - Best Class Contribution Award : MAO Weiyi, Director of IT, Moët Hennessy Diageo China; ZHAO Jingjing
Award recipients took the stage to express heartfelt gratitude to the program, professors, and families. Each honor symbolized relentless dedication, unwavering support, and a commitment to excellence and responsibility--a testament to both their hard work and the school’s wishes for their bright futures ahead.
Passing the Torch: Igniting New Beginnings
A highlight of the ceremony, the emblem conferral ritual for the incoming SJTU-KEDGE Global MBA class was both warm and inspiring. Following an energetic welcome video, WU Wei, International Business Manager at Rain Bird Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., took the stage as the new student representative. Amid enthusiastic cheers, he expressed his excitement for the journey ahead, embracing the pioneering spirit of SJTU and the transformative mindset of KEDGE. In a creative touch, he delivered an impromptu poem, cleverly weaving in the names of his classmates—an act that showcased unity and enthusiasm, elevating the atmosphere to another high point.
Representing the alumni community, CHEN Ming, Rotating President of the KEDGE Alumni Association Committee in China (KAACC) and AEMBA Class of 2012, shared his reflections. He spoke about the profound impact of an MBA, describing it as a journey of self-discovery that urges individuals to continuously reassess their true passions and aspirations despite life’s demands. He emphasized:
“Finding a career you love and dedicating yourself to it is a true privilege. And remember—it's never too late, even in midlife.”
He encouraged the new class to pursue what truly matters to them and assured them that the alumni network will always be a supportive and welcoming home.
The ceremony concluded with SJTU and KEDGE leaders personally bestowing their respective emblems on each new student, officially welcoming them into both institutions. This solemn moment symbolized their dual academic identity and underscored their potential to serve as future bridges for Sino-French cultural and business collaboration.
Finale: Capturing the Moment, Embarking on a New Journey
As the ceremony drew to a close, graduates, new students, and distinguished guests gathered on stage for a memorable group photo. In a joyful climax, caps and balloons soared into the air as everyone cheered in unison:
“SJTU-KEDGE, We are the best!”
With excitement still lingering, the host delivered a heartfelt closing remark:
“This celebration is just the beginning—may you all forge brilliant futures and reunite at the pinnale of success!”
Boundless Education, Mutual Business Learning
This graduation and welcome ceremony, bridging nations, not only celebrated the achievements of the partnership between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and KEDGE Business School but also solidified their commitment to future collaboration. On this day, the Class of 2024 embarked on new journeys, armed with the knowledge and experiences they gained, while the incoming Class of 2024 brought fresh energy to the program.
Since its inception, the program, with its unique educational philosophy, has nurtured over a thousand business leaders who combine international vision with a deep understanding of Chinese culture. In an era where globalization and localization intersect, the program will continue to produce leaders who are both innovative and socially conscious, writing a new chapter in Sino-foreign educational cooperation.
