On November 5th, 2023, a delegation from Columbia University visited the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The delegation was led by Senior Vice Provost Soulaymane Kachani, Dean of Student Affairs Jenny S. Mak of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, Director of the Provost's Office Merrell Norden, and Graduate Admissions Officer Benjamin Laviana of the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
The SAIF representatives attending the meeting were Executive Dean Shijun Cheng, Deputy Dean of Academic Affairs and Faculty Hong Yan, Deputy Dean Tan Wang, Academic Director of the Master of Finance Program Xianglin Li, and Co-Academic Director of the Master of Finance Program Ge Zhang.
Executive Dean Cheng gave an overview of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and SAIF, highlighting SAIF's strategic focus on Sci-Tech Innovation Finance, Fintech, and Sustainable Finance. He noted alignment in those areas with Columbia's recently expanded efforts in artificial intelligence, climate, environment, and other disciplines.
Vice Provost Kachani emphasized Columbia's latest investments in AI and climate research, conveying interest in further collaboration with SAIF. The other SAIF delegates also expressed a desire to deepen engagement between the two institutions, particularly in cultivating high-end finance talent.
Additionally, the Columbia delegation met with students from SAIF's Master of Finance and MBA programs.
