On April 22nd, the "Unlimited Future, Boundless Imagination, Sino- France Innovative leadership Speech Contest", organized by the Asia Europe Business School of East China Normal University and the Emlyon Business School of France, was successfully held in the Meng Liu Auditorium (Putuo Campus) of East China Normal University. More than 30 students from Asia Europe Business School and exchange students from Emlyon Business School of France jointly participated. Isabelle HUAULT, Executive President and Dean of the Board of Emlyon Business School in France, Nicolas PEJOUT, Executive Board Member of Emlyon Business School in France, Wang Hua, Dean of Emlyon Business School Asia, and French Dean of AEBS. Huang Meixu, Director of the International Education Center at East China Normal University, He Jiaxun, Chinese Dean of Asia Europe Business School, ZIVLAK Nikola, Academic Director of the Asia Undergraduate and Master's Program at Emlyon Business School in France, and Cao Jun, Admissions and Operations Director of the Asia Undergraduate and Master's Program at Emlyon Business School in France attended the event. The speech competition was judged by Huang Meixu, Director of the International Education Center at East China Normal University, Lan Sai, Associate Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management at Emlyon Business School in France, and Chen Wenting, Secretary of International Affairs. It was hosted by Zheng Huangjie, a (2023) HEBM student.
Isabelle Huault stated in her speech that as one of the oldest business schools in Europe, Emlyon Business School adheres to the educational philosophy of "early makers" and aims to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit with innovative thinking abilities. The theme of this speech contest, "Innovative Leadership," is very in line with this educational philosophy. On the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, this event is an opportunity to deepen exchanges. She believes that the creativity, insight, and passion of the dynamic students will become the engine that drives the progress of the times and social transformation.
In the opening address, Dean He Jiaxun stated that innovation and innovative leadership are crucial in the new AI era. The "Leading Education and Innovation" strategy of East China Normal University and the “innovative entrepreneurship genes” of Emlyon Business School jointly shape the innovative leadership practice of Asia Europe Business School. AEBS is the first in the world to establish a "High end Brand Management" master's degree to cultivate talents who meet the needs of high-quality development and industrial transformation and upgrading; Starting from the undergraduate enrollment in Business Administration in 2020, it took the lead in establishing the "AI Business" concentration, leading the reform of business education. Last year, the school also took the lead in establishing the "Intelligent Innovation Engineering" concentration of Master's degree in Engineering Management, cultivating Sci-Tech driven business talents for the new era of artificial intelligence. He hopes that the innovative leadership practice would inspire all students, exercise themselves in various activities such as speech competitions, constantly experience and way of thinking.
Next, the speakers focused on innovative leadership in cross-cultural communication, each expressing their own opinions and speaking confidently.
Christine Chen from the 2023 MIB proposed in her speech that there are two key elements to cultivating innovative leadership: a thorough understanding of things, and the courage to take risks. She shared her views on AI and education based on her own learning experience. In this era of rapid technological development, artificial intelligence can not only explain complex problems for us, but also become an effective "brainstorming" tool, which is important for leaders' creativity.
Liu Keqin from the 2023 BBA shared his story on cross-cultural cooperation. She believes that becoming a leader means inspiring the potential of others and considering the overall interests of the team. She shared an experience of cross-cultural group collaboration, which prompted her to start thinking about how to handle conflicts caused by cultural differences as a leader. She firmly believes that no one is born with leadership skills, but needs to constantly learn and improve in daily life.
Petra Cassandra Br ü ggemann from the 2021 BBA shared her story of participating in a reciprocal student program and coming to China, followed by studying at the Asia Europe Business School. At the Asia Europe Business School, she and her classmates organized and planned activities such as "Night of France" and TEDxAEBS, and also joined the Student Union. Her motto is: never give up, embrace ideals, and be brave in action.
After discussion and scoring by the judges, Liu Keqin ultimately won the first prize, Christine Chen won the second prize, and Petra Cassandra Br ü ggemann won the third prize. Lan Sai and Chen Wenting presented them with certificates and took a group photo.
The Asia Europe Business School was co-founded by East China Normal University and Emlyon Business School in June 2015. Since its establishment, it has not only made significant contributions to academic and cultural exchanges between the two schools, but also become a shining gem in international exchanges between China and France. Holding this innovative leadership speech contest on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France is a good opportunity to showcase the charm of students under cultural integration, and also provides students with opportunities to strengthen mutual communication and understanding. Wishing students, the ability to lead an infinite future with exceeding their limits!
