On December 11, H.E. Djoomart Otorbaev, former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan and former President of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Kyrgyz National University, visited Yenching Academy along with a delegation. They met with YCA Dean Dong Qiang, Associate Dean Brent Haas, and Assistant Dean Chen Changwei at Jingyuan Courtyard 3.
H.E. Otorbaev attended the Global Conference on University-affiliated Think Tanks 2024 at Peking University. Other members of the visiting delegation to YCA included Lee Jong-Wha, Professor of Economics at Korea University and former Chief Economist of the Asian Development Bank; Prof. David Monyae, Director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg; and Prof. Eyüp Sarıtaş, Turkish Sinologist and Director of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Istanbul University. The delegation was accompanied by Prof. Wang Dong, Executive Director of the PKU Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding and Deputy Director of the Office for Humanities and Social Sciences at Peking University.
Dean Dong opened the meeting by providing an overview of Yenching Academy’s programs and educational philosophy. Although Yenching Academy is a young institution, established only a decade ago, it has quickly gained recognition for its rigorous master’s program in China Studies. This interdisciplinary program combines a strong academic foundation with opportunities for practical engagement, preparing students to contribute to meaningful dialogue between China and the rest of the world. It provides a multicultural learning environment, enabling students to study China from within the country and explore the connections between modern China and the global community from diverse, cross-cultural perspectives.
Addionally, Dean Dong discussed the Academy’s extracurricular activities, including the appointment of Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Prime Minister of France, as the Shuhsi Hsü Chair Professor of Yenching Academy. Mr. Raffarin leads the lecture series Leadership and Global Governance for YCA Scholars. A prominent figure in European politics and a long-time supporter of China, Mr. Raffarin shares his extensive diplomatic knowledge and personal insights, enriching the Scholars’ academic journey and expanding their global perspectives.
The Dean also introduced the Academy’s flagship annual event, the Yenching Global Symposium (YGS). Initiated and organized by YCA Scholars in 2016, YGS offers a platform for emerging leaders, established professionals, and Yenching Scholars from around the world to engage in interdisciplinary discussions on China. Prof. Dong extended a warm invitation to the guests to attend YGS 2025.
H.E. Otorbaev expressed interest in the Academy’s enrollment processes, Scholars’ proficiency in Chinese, and their social experiences. Associate Dean Brent Haas provided a detailed introduction. He noted that the Academy employs a comprehensive assessment system to evaluate Scholars’ overall capabilities rather than relying on a single appraisal indicator. The Academy draws upon the expertise of PKU’s faculty and its academic resources in the humanities and social sciences. Yenching Scholars can choose courses that interest them from other schools and departments at PKU and participate in the University’s diverse activities. YCA graduates often continue their academic studies at the doctoral level or enter the workforce in various fields.
After the meeting, Dean Dong accompanied the guests to Jingyuan Courtyards 3 and 4 and the Second Gymnasium, offering them an opportunity to explore the Academy's facilities and experience its welcoming environment firsthand.
