(May 18, 2023) The University of San Francisco and the Center for Business Studies and Innovation in Asia-Pacific (CBSI) hosted USF alum Dr. Weijian Shan (MBA ‘81) in conversation with CBSI Executive-in-Residence Ker Gibbs. Now a very distinguished economist, businessman, and author, Dr. Shan spoke humbly of being denied schooling for a decade and exiled into hard labor as a teenager in Inner Mongolia’s Gobi Desert during the tumultuous days of the Cultural Revolution, how his time studying at USF dramatically shaped his life, and the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities.
Drawing from his recently published book Money Machine: A Trailblazing American Venture in China, Dr. Shan shared his fascinating personal story and reflections as the architect of what was one of the most significant and adventurous deals in private equity history – the first and only foreign acquisition of control of a Chinese national bank. A packed audience in USF’s Lone Mountain Del Santo Reading Room heard his account of how an American investment firm accomplished the impossible, buying control of an ailing Chinese bank and transforming it into one of the healthiest and most profitable financial institutions in China, a hugely important feat with major implications for US-China business relations.
Dr. Shan’s inspiring talk fit perfectly with CBSI’s mission of facilitating interaction and collaboration between students, faculty, government, and business, and, in doing so, serving as a bridge connecting the US and Asia, as a center of knowledge and innovation, and as an educational incubator for business leaders. He left students — many of whom will be our future leaders — with profound advice for success: maintain good character, exercise good judgment, seize opportunities with grit and determination, and be thankful for good luck.
We thank Dr. Shan and are deeply grateful for his visit and generous support of CBSI. It was an honor to welcome him back to the University.
Watch Dr. Shan’s Talk Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0Niw73cyIo
