April 10, 2008. Nanchang - Today's Executive Forum, offering excellent advice on "How to Forge a Powerful Brand," and the launch of the CEIBS Alumni Association Jiangxi Chapter helped CEIBS consolidate its local presence and strengthen its relationship within Jiangxi Province.

The afternoon forum attracted more than 400 participants, filling the Grand Ballroom with mostly local entrepreneurs and top executives. There was also media coverage by Jiangxi Daily, Metropolitan Consumers, Economic Evenings, etc, as well as strong interest from the municipal government. CEIBS Vice President and Co-Dean Professor Zhang Weijiong, who was the main speaker, was warmly greeted by Mr. Hong Lihe, vice governor of Jiangxi Province; Mr. Zhang Taosheng, vice secretary general of Jiangxi Provincial government; Mr. Li Tian'ou, director of State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration; and Mr. Wang Yong, deputy executive mayor of Nanchang.


CEIBS Vice President and Co-Dean Professor Zhang Weijiong delivered a speech

The afternoon forum attracted more than 400 participants

Audience members had a lively discussion with Prof. Zhang, who explained the new rules in forging a powerful brand. He spoke from the perspective of the challenges and essence of establishing a successful brand. The active interaction of forum participants demonstrated their thirst for management knowledge. The panel discussion and Prof. Zhang's patient explanations gave them an opportunity to experience CEIBS' unique teaching model.

During the event, Vice Governor Hong thanked CEIBS for the knowledge and expertise it had brought to Jiangxi. Over the years, CEIBS has maintained a close relationship with various circles within Jiangxi. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Meng Jianzhu, former secretary of the CPC Provincial Committee of Jiangxi, CEIBS has collaborated, in various forms, on many of the Province's projects. In addition, many of Jiangxi's well-known residents are currently studying at CEIBS, contributing to the Province's development and bringing their talent to the wider society.


CEIBS Vice President and Co-Dean Professor Zhang Weijiong and Mr. Hong Lihe, vice governor of Jiangxi Province

At the forum, Vice Governor Hong commented on the role that CEIBS plays in bridging Jiangxi with the rest of the world, especially the EU. Mr. Hong remarked that during his visit to EU, together with Mr. Wu Xinxiong, governor of Jiangxi, an EU official specifically mentioned CEIBS. Mr. Hong outlined the goals for Jiangxi's future economic development, which has industrialization at the core of a strategy that focuses on large-scale development. He stressed that this development will only be possible if Jiangxi has capital, market, products, and most importantly management talents. The vice governor believes CEIBS has a role to play in achieving the latter, and he expressed his hope that there will be even more cooperation between CEIBS and Jiangxi.

In response, CEIBS Prof. Zhang thanked Mr. Hong for his encouragement and support, and indicated that CEIBS had benefited greatly from the help of former Party Committee Secretary of Jiangxi Province Meng Jian Zhu. He added that CEIBS looks forward to continued collaboration with Jiangxi, and to training more talents for its development.

Today's Executive Forum was sponsored by: Jiangxi Youth Association, Jiangxi Young Entrepreneurs Association, Jiangxi Federation of Industry and Commerce, Jiangxi Association of Listed Companies, Jiangxi Enterprises Association, Jiangxi Entrepreneurs Association, Nanchang Young Entrepreneurs Association, Nanchang Youth Chamber of Commerce, and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Nanchang Branch. The sponsors, who expressed their satisfaction with the day's activities, said they were willing to explore further cooperation with CEIBS after the forum.

After the forum, Prof. Zhang visited a few local enterprises, such as Jiangxi Blue Sky University, and Jiangxi Copper. Jiangxi Blue Sky University began in 1994 as a secondary vocational school. In 2005, it was evaluated and approved by the Ministry of Education to award full bachelors'degrees. The University now has more than 53,000 full-time students. Mr. Yu Guo, founder and legal person of the University, is an alumnus of CEIBS CEO Programme. During a meeting with Mr. Yu, Prof. Zhang pointed out that Blue Sky and CEIBS, which were both officially established in 1994, have been vigorously developing following their own paths over the last 14 years. Prof. Zhang added that the two schools should encourage each other and strive together to make contributions in their own arena for the economic development of China.

Jiangxi Copper Co., Ltd., established in July 1979, was a large group enterprise in China's non-ferrous metal industry, integrating the mining, selecting, smelting, and processing of copper. Currently the company has total assets more than RMB39 billion and over 34,000 employees. In 2007, the company realized sales revenue of RMB50.1 billion and pre-tax profit RMB8.1 billion. During the meeting with Mr. Li Yihuang, general manager of Jiangxi Copper Co., Ltd., Prof. Zhang indicated that Jiangxi Copper had made remarkable achievements during the past 30 years; and that CEIBS would provide support for Jiangxi Copper's next development with its advantages in globalized teaching staff and advanced concepts.
 
In addition to the Executive Forum and company visits, the CEIBS Alumni Association Jiangxi Chapter was also officially established today. During the ceremony to mark the launch, Prof. Zhang expressed his sincere gratitude to the alumni that had worked hard to set up the chapter. He noted the outstanding achievements that CEIBS alumni have made in Jiangxi's development. He encouraged CEIBS alumni to keep up their excellent work.