May 23, 2007. Shanghai Campus -- In celebration of 35 years of ambassadorial relations between China and the Netherlands, China Europe International Business School and the Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai today jointly organized a debate and forum on the topic "Corporate Social Responsibility and Profitability: Friends or Foes?"
The event was attended by MBA students from CEIBS as well as three other Shanghai-based business schools: Jiaotong University, Tongji University, Fudan University, and Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB). The representatives of the Dutch Consulate and from a selection of prominent Dutch corporations also attended.
The opening speech was given by CEIBS Dean and Vice President Rolf Cremer. In his speech, Professor Cremer highlighted the importance of awareness on CSR topics, specifically amongst MBA students.
The forum continued with a debate between CKGSB and CEIBS student teams, arguing on both sides of the question: "Corporate Social Responsibility and Profitability, Friends or Foes?" In the debate, the CKGSB team argued took that CSR and profitability are friends, while the CEIBS team defended the opposing viewpoint. Following the debate, a panel of China-based industry experts offered feedback to the teams and shared their insights on the topic. The expert panel consisted of Mr. Frank Braeken (Group Vice President of Unilever China), Mr. Stefan Sommer (Advisor to the Managing Board, DSM, China), Mr. Frank Chen (Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer, Philips Electronics Greater China), Mr. Tim Jeanne (Director Operations, DHV Engineering, (China) Ltd.) and Mr. Aidan Metcalfe (General Manager of International Paints of Shanghai Co., a part of Akzo Nobel).
PRO OR CON: A panel of China-based business executives assessed the student debate teams and offered first-hand insight on whether CSR is a friend or foe to profitability
Following the debate, the audience was given the opportunity to vote. According to the audience, profitability and CSR do go together. However, the team of CEIBS - defending the opposite viewpoint - was chosen as the best debating team, and thus won the competition.
Next, student teams from Jiaotong and Tongji presented business cases on CSR issues of high concern currently facing in China, namely labor and environmental issues. The expert panel then commented on the issues raised and answered audience questions.
PEOPLE, PROFIT, PLANET: Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai Eric Verwaal closes the event with a speech stressing the importance of CSR in China.
In conclusion, Mr. Eric Verwaal, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai, extended a closing speech. Mr. Verwaal reiterated the importance of CSR and indicated that this issue is becoming increasingly well recognized in China. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to the MBA students for attending the forum. The event ended with a cocktail hosted by the Dutch consulate. ( - by MBA06 student Arjan Merijn Petten)
