Introduction to the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance

The Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) was established at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) in April 2009 by the Shanghai Municipal Government. Its mission is to become a world-class institution of research and advanced learning in finance and management. The school is committed to developing top talent and cutting-edge knowledge, with a focus on Chinese markets and their global connections. SAIF boasts a world-renowned faculty with over 70 members and offers a comprehensive set of programs specialized in finance, including various degree and non-degree programs.

Introduction to the SAIF Southeast Asia Center

Last July, SAIF launched the Southeast Asia Center to advance its international education endeavors.. In response to the urgent needs of the current market, SAIF focuses on education and consulting services as its core offerings, integrating resources from various parties to actively support Chinese companies in expanding markets and developing businesses in Southeast Asia.

SAIF Southeast Asia Center’s Emphasis on Indonesia

The Southeast Asia Center has undertaken significant initiatives to support Chinese companies investing in Indonesia:

In September 2023, SAIF sent an education delegation to Indonesia. The delegation engaged in extensive exchanges with local academic, business, legal, and political figures, and signed a strategic cooperation agreement on talent training with the Indonesian Bar Association (AAI).

In December 2023, SAIF, SJTU, and the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia (FEB UI) jointly launched a special study to investigate and analyze the ESG practices of Chinese companies in Indonesia, providing advice for their sustainable development in the local area.

In early January 2024, an Indonesian education delegation led by Professor Muliaman Dharmansyah Hadad, former Deputy Governor of the Indonesian Central Bank and former Chairman of the Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), visited SAIF and SJTU to discuss education cooperation between the two countries. The delegation included professors from UI, the Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Bar Association (AAI), the Chairman of the Foreign Trade Education Association, and well-known media personnel. His Excellency Mr. Berlianto Situngkir, Consul General of Indonesia in Shanghai, attended the welcome ceremony.

On January 25^th , 2024, SAIF and FEB signed a strategic partnership agreement and an educational collaboration agreement in Jakarta. As a supporting event, the two sides jointly held the "China-Indonesia Business Education Cooperation Forum" for the local public on the same day. Executive Director of SAIF, Tu Guangshao, delivered a keynote speech, and the current Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Pahala Mansury and the Political Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Qiu Xinli attended and delivered speeches.

From January 22^nd to 28^th , 2024, SAIF, together with FEB and AAI, successfully held the first "Blue Ocean Leaders - Indonesia" study trip with about 40 Chinese entrepreneurs in Jakarta.

On April 18^th , 2024, Dr. Teguh Dartanto, Dean of FEB, Dr. Chaikal Nuryakin, Director of the Institute of Economics and Social Research, FEB UI, and other colleagues from UI visited SAIF. His Excellency Mr. Berlianto Situngkir, Consul General of Indonesia in Shanghai, attended the event.

Coordinated by SAIF, the delegation from UI visited Changzhou Vocational Institute of Industry and the Jiangsu Maternity and Infant Products Association on April 21^st , 2024. They reached a consensus on supporting Chinese maternal and infant enterprises entering the Indonesian market and agreed on cooperation between China and Indonesia in vocational education.

In late April 2024, the first batch of "Blue Ocean Navigation" Industry Mentors of SAIF was recognized. Mentors included former SAIC CFO Mr. Gu Feng, SMIC Senior Vice President Mr. Wu Junfeng, Fosun Pharma Vice Chairman and Executive Director Mrs. Guan Xiaohui, and Qingshan Industrial Co-founder, Founder, and GM of Singapore Jingang International Co., Ltd Mrs. He Xiuqin. These mentors will share valuable wisdom with Chinese companies entering Indonesia.

On May 23^rd , 2024, at The 7th Maternity and Infant Industry Innovation and Development Conference, SAIF proposed that Chinese maternal and infant enterprises should work together to establish a cluster in Indonesia, referred to as ‘The Indonesian Maternal and Infant Industry Township’. This collective investment in Indonesia will facilitate information and resource sharing, enhance local services and resources, and establish better relations with local governments and communities.

On August 24^th , 2024, at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific World Trade Center Association, SAIF launched the "Blue Ocean Leaders-Vietnam" project. This is a cooperative project led by SAIF, with the participation of World Trade Center Associates (Binh Duong/Vietnam, Haikou/China).

Significance of the Southeast Asia Center’s Work

Mr. Pahala Masury, the current Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, praised the cooperation between SAIF, SJTU, and FEB UI as a hallmark of China-Indonesia people-to-people diplomacy. He expressed hope that the cooperation between SAIF and FEB would not only promote economic and trade exchanges between the two countries but also enhance mutual understanding between their people, thereby strengthening people-to-people diplomacy.

Leaders of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia have highly appreciated SAIF's efforts in Indonesia. They pointed out that economic diplomacy is a crucial aspect of diplomatic work. The significance of SAIF's cooperation in business education with local universities, AAI, and other institutions extends beyond education itself, contributing to the broader diplomacy.