A delegation fromHarvardBusinessSchoolconsisting of some 70 MBA students visited Tsinghua SEM during Jan.4-5 as a part of HBS's China Immersion Experience. With Chinese students, Harvard delegates participated in interactive lectures and presentations given by experts from both industry and academia, and a panel discussion forum hosting successful IT entrepreneurs and professionals inChina during their two-day stay.

Dean of Tsinghua SEM Qian Yingyi extended his warmest welcome to the Harvard delegation. “Cross-cultural interchanges and shared learning among different types of students can result in a valuable network leading to mutual teaching and support."Prof. Qian said in his welcoming address.

He expected closer cooperation between the two schools." Harvard and Tsinghua already share a lot in common. " Prof.Qian said, " We are both leading business schools in their respective countries and are continuously advancing internationalization in our programs. Cooperation between our schools is just beginning."

HBS Professor Richard Vietor delivered a case study class at SEM regarding the significance ofChina's five year transition period into the WTO. AndHarvard UniversityChinascholar Professor William Kirby gave the students from both countries a lecture titled"China, a new history."

Representatives from Bokee.com, Yoqoo.com, Microsoft, Dawning and ZTE Corporation were invited to attend the panel discussion forum. Business professionals shared their experiences and addressed some of the issues and challenges of the industry, and presented their insights as for the future horizon that holds for Chinese national industries. They also highlighted some of the differences and similarities betweenChinaandNorth Americain the IT industry.

Tsinghua SEM is the first stop for Harvard delegation'sChinatour. Besides SEM, the students also visited the Beijing Organizing Committee for 2008 Olympic Games andTsinghuaScienceParkon Jan. 5. AfterBeijing, Harvard delegation will visit other Chinese cities includingHangzhou, Sanya,Hong Kong,Shanghai, and Shenzhen