On February 28th, the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) convened the 2024 Faculty and Staff Spring Semester Assembly and the 2023 Retrospective and Recognition Ceremony. Guangshao Tu, Executive Director of SAIF, was in attendance and delivered an address. Executive Dean Shijun Cheng, representing the Faculty Council, reflected on the accomplishments of 2023 and outlined the objectives for 2024.
In his review of the work summary, Shijun Cheng noted that 2023 marked a pivotal period for the Phase III enhancement of SAIF. In alignment with the mission of "establishing SAIF as a world-class financial institute within China," SAIF achieved significant milestones and received recognition from leaders of the Shanghai Municipal Government and affiliated universities. These accomplishments encompassed faculty development, talent cultivation, discipline system refinement, top think tank construction, international influence expansion, and the advancement of the new building project, among others.
In 2024, SAIF will concentrate its efforts on:
- Five financial categories: Science and Technology Innovation Finance, Green Finance, Inclusive Finance, Pension Finance, and Digital Finance
- Three primary development trajectories: Science and Technology Innovation Finance, Digital Finance, and Sustainable Finance
- Three core areas: faculty, think tank, and infrastructure
These strategic focuses aim to better serve Shanghai through its core functions, foster the development of a high-level talent hub, support reform and opening-up, and contribute to the establishment of Shanghai Jiaotong University as a world-class institution with distinct Chinese characteristics.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tu emphasized that the new era presents an urgent need for financial talent, thereby creating a favorable opportunity for SAIF's continued growth. SAIF should seize this opportunity to provide robust talent support for the accelerated development of a strong financial nation.
As SAIF navigates the critical Phase III construction period, it is essential to uphold fundamental principles and forge new paths. Mr. Tu expressed his hope that SAIF would maintain a focus on internationalization and openness, solidify the foundation of financial talent training and scientific research established over the past 15 years, and advance the development of faculty, curriculum, talent cultivation, think tanks, and more. By enhancing its management and development capabilities, SAIF can contribute significantly to the strategic objectives of building China into a strong financial nation and the construction of Shanghai's five major centers.
During the assembly, exceptional individuals and collectives from the year 2023 were recognized and awarded. Professors and employees celebrating their five-year service milestones at SAIF also received service awards. Nearly two hundred professors and staff members were in attendance.
