On September 26, Dr Dennis De-Qing Xu, partner of Shanghai Yaoyun Capital, and Mr Gu Yongtao, founder and CEO of HRC Group, paid a visit to Yenching Academy. Associate Dean Fan Shiming met with the two guests at Jingyuan Courtyard 3 and presented certificates for YCA’s Career Advisors to Xu and Gu. A group of Yenching Scholars attended the meeting.
At the meeting, Dr. Xu shared his personal experience of returning to China to start his own business. He highlighted that, at the time, international entrepreneurs faced numerous challenges alongside many opportunities. These opportunities ranged from access to top-notch education resources and scientific research cooperation programs to employment in international enterprises and broader career paths in emerging industries. However, international entrepreneurs also had to overcome significant hurdles, such as language barriers, understanding local laws and regulations, cultural adaptation, financing, and market competition. Dr. Xu emphasized the importance of understanding Chinese language and culture, familiarizing oneself with local regulations, adapting to a new environment, and positioning oneself strategically in the market to gain a competitive edge.
Dr. Xu offered advice to international students and talents aspiring to start businesses in China. He stressed the importance of maintaining a market-oriented mindset focused on innovation. He also encouraged entrepreneurs to make preemptive plans, consult experts and early-stage investors, and focus on their strengths.
Mr. Gu Yongtao reflected on the early days of HRC Group. He highlighted the era of surging technological innovation and the growth of the low-carbon circular economy. He noted that carbon-fiber composites, a high-value material in the aerospace manufacturing supply chain, hold tremendous industrial potential. Mr. Gu explained that carbon-fiber composite materials are increasingly used in low-altitude crafts rather than conventional aerospace manufacturing, presenting substantial opportunities in the growing low-altitude economy. HRC provides state-of-the-art solutions for the low-altitude industry by leveraging its expertise in the aerospace and automobile sectors and its well-established service system. Mr. Gu attributed HRC’s success to following industry trends, delivering comprehensive low-carbon solutions for customers, and designing market-oriented, sustainable products and services.
In the Q&A session, the two guests addressed questions about startups, sharing insights from their academic and business experiences as well as their knowledge of domestic and international markets. Both encouraged the younger generation to dream big while staying grounded, aiming to achieve personal and career development and contribute to international exchanges and cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Associate Dean Fan Shiming formally presented Dr. Dennis De-Qing Xu and Mr. Gu Yongtao with certificates recognizing their appointment as YCA’s Career Advisors.
Career Advisors Program
The Yenching Academy’s Career Advisors Program provides a platform for current students to connect with and receive support from PKU alumni and industry professionals. Through the program, the Academy enhances Yenching Scholars’ career prospects and helps them develop professional skills while engaging with China Studies in practice. Additionally, the program facilitates collaboration between industry, the university, and research institutions, enabling professionals to contribute to education.
Each year, the Academy invites eminent figures from various sectors to serve as Career Advisors. These advisors assist Yenching Scholars with career planning and skill development while broadening their perspectives. Scholars have opportunities to interact with senior professionals, gain insights into career models, and clarify their aspirations.
The Career Advisors Program organizes a variety of activities, including dialogues, seminars, onsite visits, internships, guided projects or surveys, and shadowing exercises.
The annual program begins each January with a two-way selection process. Career Advisors and Yenching Scholars then engage in year-long communication and collaboration.
