November 8, 2007. Shanghai Grand Theatre  -- CEIBS EMBA and MBA students, alumni, and faculty were among a select audience invited to attend today's speech given by former Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing, entitled "Music, Art and Life."

Vice-Premier Li (center) with local government officials and members of the management teams from Shanghai Grand Theatre, CEIBS and Fudan University.

Speaking from the stage of the Shanghai Grand Theatre, the former Vice Premier emphasized the importance of cultural awareness and appreciation. "Knowledge alone does not develop a person into a cultured, high class individual," he said. "It is not enough for the modern intellectual to develop professional knowledge but no ability to appreciate the arts." He added that understanding of and appreciation for the arts is also helpful in stimulating effective study and work habits.

Vice-Premier Li opens a window to art appreciation to the students and alumni.

CEIBS President Zhu Xiaoming, who echoed the senior statesman’s sentiments, said CEIBS students should strive to become charming, cultured businesspersons with impeccable taste. "CEIBS students should be successful managers who are adept in the world of business, management and international conventions," Prof. Zhu said.

At the conclusion of his lecture, former Vice-Premier Li presented CEIBS Honorary President Prof. Liu Ji  with two autographed copies of his books, Li Lanqing’s Music and Li Lanqing Interviews on Education.