SHANGHAI – Mid-July 2024, and the prestigious School of Management at Fudan University hosts the inaugural CoBS (Council on Business & Society) Advanced International Certificate in Responsible Business Practices. This week-long intensive event served as an essential platform for exchange between Fudan students and their international peers, enriching their understanding of Chinese business practices, culture, and society. The program highlighted the practices and business impacts of Chinese enterprises in the realm of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).

Read the original version on the Fudan website. See the WeChat version in Chinese. With kind acknowledgments.

During the Intensive Week, 35 students from renowned business schools ESSEC Business School, FGV-EAESP, Monash Business School and Stellenbosch Business School gathered at School of Management Fudan. These students represented countries and regions including China, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Thailand, Australia, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and South Africa. Through a series of lectures, company visits, and cultural experiences, the students not only enhanced their understanding of China’s economic development and ESG practices but also broadened their perspectives through diverse cultural exchanges.

Bringing together the world in China

“Multiculturalism allows our social interactions to return to the most authentic state. Although our time together was brief, the connections we formed were incredibly genuine,” said Menghan Li from ESSEC Business School. “When people from different countries come together to discuss the same topic from various perspectives, I feel the charm of diversity and inclusiveness. These small moments are the most joyful and brilliant highlights of our week.”

Celine, a German student from ESSEC Business School, believes that the Intensive Week was a rare and unique opportunity, bringing so many students from around the world together. “We had nearly every continent represented, and everyone made invaluable contributions to this experience. Although we all come from different cultural backgrounds, we all came together over the incredible Chinese food that the Fudan students organised for us.”

“Being able to participate in the Intensive Week and meet fellow students from different industries, is really exciting,” said Deliang Chen, an MBA alumnus of Fudan University. “As a member of the group and a student of School of Management, I felt the School’s generosity as a host. The Intensive Week design and itinerary were meticulously planned, allowing friends from all over the world to feel warmly welcomed,” said Xueman Ma.

Throughout the Week, Professors from School of Management offered courses on topics such as Chinese Economy Overview, Sustainable and Responsible Investing, Chinese Customer Insights and New Marketing Practices in Ethical Consumption, and E-commerce in China.

A transformational learning experience at Fudan

“The value of education has made a profound impression on me,” said Kirill, a Russian student from Monash University. “You surrounded us with professors who actually care about fun and a gamified approach to learn. The school looks beautiful, and I appreciate that the facilities are at a good level.”

“The learning atmosphere is excellent. Every professor is enthusiastic and proactive, engaging patiently with the students and encouraging everyone to participate, creating a warm learning environment,” said Li Menghan. “The meals arranged by the School were incredibly generous, not only catering to the dietary habits of international students but also introducing them to Chinese cuisine. Additionally, students from School of Management would spontaneously organize activities to help international students better understand Chinese culture and experience Chinese food.”

“Participating in the Intensive Week was worthwhile!” said Luke Parker from Stellenbosch Business School. “The four professors delivered outstanding courses related to ESG, approaching the topics such as macroeconomics, corporate innovation, financial investment, marketing, and digitalization. Their unique insights presented a diverse and multi-dimensional view of the ESG world, making me think outside the box.”

When asked which course left the deepest impression, Celine found it difficult to choose just one, as each class offered unique perspectives and experiences. “All the professors were very knowledgeable in their fields and offered interesting perspectives. I enjoyed learning about the Chinese business ecosystem and sustainable finance, which gave me new insights on the best strategies for ESG investments. Considering my personal interest in marketing and e-commerce, I also found these two lectures invaluable in terms of the knowledge and experience the professors could convey. ”

The students visited renowned companies such as Lenovo and Ctrip, gaining firsthand insights into the efforts and achievements of Chinese enterprises in ESG and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). These company visits not only provided the students with a tangible understanding of the operational models of Chinese businesses but also allowed them to witness the active role that Chinese enterprises play in promoting sustainable development.

Discovering advances in ESG in China

During the visits, Celine observed the remarkable achievements that China has made in ESG and CSR. “I think that the topics of CSR and ESG go hand in hand with a multicultural atmosphere. The climate crisis is something we can only solve together, so for me it makes sense that we also study this topic together. We need to foster an understanding of the country-specific challenges of sustainability which is why we need more study trips like the CoBS x Fudan intensive week.” Celine said.

The Lenovo Future Center left a deep impression on Xueman Ma, an MBA student from Fudan University. “It not only showcased Lenovo’s cutting-edge achievements in technological innovation but also provided an immersive experience, allowing visitors to feel how future technologies will transform our lives.” The various high-tech products and solutions in the Lenovo Future Center highlighted Lenovo’s efforts in driving digital transformation and sustainable development. “During the few days of visits, I also noticed Chinese state-owned enterprises have the responsibility for rural revitalization and common prosperity, vigorously promoting ESG principles,” she added.

Kirill mentioned that Ant group integration of a tree plant system was one of the most memorable for him, giving him a deep understanding of the enormous potential and practical value of ESG principles in modern corporate operations.

“I greatly enjoyed visiting the two companies. Being able to see beyond the public reports for investors is always interesting for business students,” said Jacqueline from FGV-EAESP, “Seeing people at work, listening to them, and understanding more about each business is crucial for managers like ourselves who face increasingly complex challenges. Learning about different organizational cultures and working methods gives us the chance to reflect and identify opportunities for improvement in our own companies, teams, and business models.” 

“I am very thankful for the great time I passed at School of Management Fudan University. The students and staff were incredibly welcoming and always happy to help us and share their culture with us.” Celine remarked, reflecting the shared sentiment of all the students who participated in this study tour week.

Not forgetting the cultural experience!

In addition to company visits, the students also experienced a variety of Chinese cultural activities, including tours of the Zhengli New Campus, tasting regional Chinese cuisines, practicing Tai Chi, and learning about traditional Chinese medicine. For the international students, all of whom were visiting China for the first time. These cultural experiences not only deepened their understanding of traditional Chinese culture but also enhanced their awareness of Chinese society.

It is particularly noteworthy that the four Fudan MBA students played a crucial role during the Intensive Week. They not only demonstrated leadership in academic discussions but also acted as guides during cultural experiences, embodying the spirit of ownership and international perspective of Fudan students.

“I felt the distance between people was reduced in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere,” Luke Parker recalled. He remembered everyone sitting together, experiencing Chinese board games, and sharing their own countries’ food cultures and life stories. He thought the Intensive Week provided not only delicious food but also an opportunity for cultural exchange and deepening friendships.

In addition to tasting local Shanghai food and admiring the beautiful night view of the Bund, Luke marveled at the remarkable achievements of modernization in Shanghai. At the same time, he was gradually captivated by the profound depth of traditional Chinese culture. “The regimen such as traditional Chinese medicine and the Taoist idea of ‘Heaven and Man Are United as One’, are very interesting. I intend to continue exploring these ideas and applying them in my daily work and life,” he added.

China: An experience that opens eyes, minds and hearts

“For me, the best part of China is its people and history,” Jacqueline said. “Fudan students gave me a wonderful impression of hospitality, making their effort to ensure we experienced the best of China and learned more about Chinese history and its significance. I have felt the rapid modernization and safety of China. There is still much to explore and discover in China, so I want to come to China again with my family and experience the similar wonderful journey as this time.”

“I would definitely be willing to explore more of China! It is a massive country, and I believe with Shanghai, I have only seen a very small part,” Celine said. “I think this would have to be with Fudan students accompanying me on the trip as well, as this would guarantee me a first-class China experience!”

The CoBS Intensive Week at School of Management has successfully provided international students with a platform to gain in-depth understanding of Chinese business, culture, and society. Students not only enhanced their knowledge of Chinese enterprises’ practices and business impact in the ESG field but also forged deep friendships through exchange and collaboration. The School looks forward to hosting more such activities in the future to promote the exchange and growth of Chinese and international students.

Useful links:

• Discover School of Management Fudan University
• Apply for the Fudan-MIT International MBA program
• Read a Fudan research insight via CoBS Insights: Ethics & Compliance in Firms: Why it happens and what makes it effective 
• Discover the CoBS and download free teaching and learning content based on research from the 11 member schools.

Learn more about the Council on Business & Society

The Council on Business & Society (The CoBS), visionary in its conception and purpose, was created in 2011, and is dedicated to promoting responsible leadership and tackling issues at the crossroads of business and society including sustainability, diversity, ethical leadership and the place responsible business has to play in contributing to the common good.  

• Follow the CoBS on X and LinkedIn

Member schools of the Council on Business & Society.

• ESSEC Business School, France, Singapore, Morocco
• FGV-EAESP, Brazil
• School of Management Fudan University, China
• IE Business School, Spain
• Keio Business School, Japan
• Monash Business School, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia
• Olin Business School, USA
• Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, Canada
• Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa
• Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
• Warwick Business School, United Kingdom.