The 2011 Fellowship began with a half-day forum event at the prestigious Peking University spotlighting philanthropy and social entrepreneurship in China. Our delegates got the chance to interact with representatives from groups and organizations leading the way, such as UChange, CSR-Asia, China Youth Action Network, and Xiaoying Plan.
Renowned professors from top Chinese universities such as Peking University presented on issues ranging from the Chinese healthcare reform to the economics of the rural-urban divide in China to China's rise as a world power. These presentations were followed by informal Q&A sessions with the professors.
This full-day event introduced fellowship participants to the process of developing effective business pitches and provided an inside look into the differences between doing business in the US and doing business in China. Delegates split into small teams and prepared comprehensive company expansion strategies tailor-made to a number of handpicked firms. Business proposals were later presented to top management at Hejun Consulting, one of the premier consulting firms in China. In the process, our delegates received significant feedback and in-house coaching from senior-level Hejun consultants.
It's definitely not all business, work, and academics at IMUSE! Our delegates revisited grade school years through a good ol' scavenger hunt game played in Beijing's most celebrated commercial shopping boulevard: Wanfujing. Got scorpion sticks? Stone yogurt jars? How about the elusive Well?
IMUSE staff rented the largest private room in a famous Beijing karaoke hall for a fun-filled night of top American pop and classic Chinese oldies. What ensued was an amazing showcase of the skills of the many hidden singing talents among our delegates!
In this new collaboration with New Citizen Plan, IMUSE delegates were allowed poignant glimpse into the lives of children caught in the deep rural-urban divide in China. In this half-day visit to one of the many impoverished migrant children's schools in Beijing, delegates got the opportunity to hear firsthand from these children about the impact wrought by their displacement and ensuing soft marginalization. This event gave delegates a greater awareness of the often-overlooked costs of rapid economic development and urbanization.
These sessions at the prestigious Tsinghua University introduced IMUSE delegates to various and varied aspects of the economic, political, and social landscapes of China. Selected speakers included the notable political blogger Michael Anti, the Secretary General of Vantone Foundation Li Jing, the co-founder of China Fine Art Management Christopher Reynolds and the Director of Technical Development at Hyatt International Daniel Wang.
A huge part of cultural exchange is, well, culture! In the spirit of that assessment, IMUSErs sat down for some informal conversation with their peers. What did they chat about? We can't tell you that... but we can tell you that the conversatin' took place over tea and teatime snacks in a private tearoom reserved for IMUSE located in one of the oldest teahouses in Beijing.
Fellowship participants received an exclusive look into the inner workings of Baidu, the leading Internet search engine provider in China. Company representatives gave our delegates a private tour of the Baidu complex, introducing the firm's unique history, culture, and mission.
IMUSE delegates were able to rendezvous to the ever-famous and beautifully rebuilt Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. The wall featured 4.7 miles of trail, towers, and steep climbs, but the delegates were rewarded at the end with beautiful scenery, an experience at one of China's most prized cultural relics, and quite a lot of photos.
Delicious! Delegates gathered around multiple hot pots around their tables to cook and eat many delicious Northern China specialities, originally favored to keep the Chinese warm in the winter. Selections included thinly sliced lamb and beef, as well as tofu cubes, leavy veggies, mushrooms, fish, and more.
Delegates were given free time to explore some of the modern artworks in the 798 Art Zone of Northeastern Beijing. Housing pieces of art from famous Chinese artists such as Yue Minjun, the Art Zone occupies a decommissioned former military factory buildings. Along with its numerous art galleries, 798 boasts a growing cafe culture as well as a number of shops with cool stuff.
Delegates visited the American Center for Educational Exchange, an outreach arm of the official American Embassy in Beijing. Delegates attended a presentation by representatives of the industry, where they learned of topics such as the American policy towards Taiwan and found time to browse the library of the center.
The most emotional and touching of the IMUSE events, delegates attended a catered dinner on the top floor of a fancy restaurant, where they were able to talk with each other and reminisce about the days of IMUSE and share their dreams and aspirations. At the end, closing wishes were given and the closing slideshow was presented. After, the delegates said their goodbyes as they left Beijing to embark on their separate adventures.
