Majduleen AlAli, a Jordanian raised in the UAE, completed her MSc in International Political Economy at the London School of Economics as a Chevening Scholar, having graduated top of her college from the University of Sharjah with a BA in International Relations (CGPA 3.98). Her fascination with China began through language, studying Mandarin opened a window into a civilization she wanted to understand. This led her to Fudan University's BRICS Summer Program, an internship at SINOPEC Middle East, and founding YUMO Matcha, a UAE-based brand sourcing premium matcha from China. She also leads the Advisory Hub at Sino-Arabica, a global network focused on Sino-Arab relations. With a deep passion for languages, Majduleen is fluent in Arabic and English with working proficiency in Mandarin and German.

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William Anderson is an economic and demographic researcher from Maryland in the United States. With a background studying economic issues related to China and East Asia, William's research interests include both microeconomic and macroeconomic topics in low fertility conditions and demographic transition, though he is especially keen on strengthening his economic work through meaningful interdisciplinary connections to cultural, anthropological, political, and historical study. Before coming to China, William worked as a finance researcher at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and in consulting. William holds a B.A. from the College of William and Mary in Economics and Chinese. Outside of economics, William enjoys writing novels, studying history, and performing theatre. Joining the Economics and Management track, William is excited to deepen his connection to Chinese culture and academics as he works to better understand the novel demographic phenomena that are evolving both here and across the world.

Originally from Germany, Anneke Werthen holds a Bachelor´s degree in European Studies from the University of Southern Denmark and a Master´s degree in Asian Studies from Lund University. Her academic background focuses on regional analyses and leveraging international cooperation to address regional challenges in different areas. In 2025, she studied at Peking University as an exchange student, where she deepened her interest in understanding China´s role in these processes. She completed internships in the German parliament and in environmental diplomacy on the Korean peninsula, which shaped her interest in joint problem-solving efforts across borders. Reflecting her focus and passion for sports, her current master´s thesis explores the role of Chinese actors in the globalization of Taekwondo, focusing on the role of electronic sparring technology for the Kenyan Taekwondo community. At Yenching Academy, Anneke joins the International Relations and Political Science track to deepen her understanding of China´s role in the world and to improve her Mandarin.

Born in Germany, Daniel Apelbaum studied Business Administration at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. Supported by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation for his academic excellence and social engagement, Daniel bridges rigorous economic theory with extensive industry experience. Through roles in investment banking, private equity, and strategy consulting across Frankfurt, Munich, and London, he specialized in helping European mid-market companies navigate complex restructurings, founder successions, and supply chain disruptions. Following an exchange semester in Shanghai and intensive Mandarin studies in Taipei, Daniel developed a strong focus on Sino-European economic relations. As a Yenching Scholar in the Economics and Management track, he aims to leverage his financial background to structurally analyze how small and medium-sized enterprises can adapt to rising protectionism and ecological transformations. Ultimately, he seeks to develop actionable strategies that foster resilient, sustainable cooperation between European and Chinese businesses in an increasingly fragmented global economy.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, China, Au Hei Kiu is a first‑generation college student who graduated summa cum laude from Yale‑NUS College with a B.A. in Arts and Humanities. Driven by a deep interest in cross‑cultural understanding, she interned at the United Nations Headquarters at 18. After a gap year in France, she discovered her passion for uncovering extraordinary stories within ordinary bowls of noodles. At 22, she became one of the youngest ever speakers at the Oxford Food Symposium. Today, Hei Kiu is a freelance journalist, writing features for the Michelin Guide and the South China Morning Post. She is also an award‑winning multimedia artist and photographer whose work has been exhibited in Zurich and Singapore. A globetrotter, she has visited 50 countries before turning 25. At Yenching, she is studying Literature and Culture, working on her manuscript to bring Chinese seasonal eating philosophy to the global spotlight.

Born in Shanghai and raised in Alabama, USA, Abigail Barr received her Bachelors of Arts with Highest Distinction in History and Philosophy from the University of Virginia in 2026. As an undergraduate, she pursued intensive Chinese language study at Peking University and Chengchi University, and participated in numerous academic exchange and cultural diplomacy initiatives in both the United States and China. Her research—an extension of her undergraduate honors thesis—focuses on the intersection of revolutionary rhetoric, ritual, and praxis in twentieth-century China, as well as the grassroots reception and dissemination of Mao Zedong Thought. On the Yenching Academy’s History and Archaeology track, she will use a highly interdisciplinary approach that integrates history, philosophy, and cultural studies in order to examine how Maoism evolved into a unique form of political religion from 1942 to 1968.

Born and raised in a 500-soul village in the Alpine Foreland, Alexander Bichler is an Austrian engineer who builds and operates systems under pressure. He pursued a double-degree MSc in Public Policy and Human Development at Maastricht University and the United Nations University–MERIT, where he served as President of their student association DEMOS. Prior to this, he completed an MBA in General Management and an MA in Marketing Communication while working in air traffic control engineering at Austro Control, monitoring and optimizing safety-critical systems. He later co-founded a startup focused on wildfire mitigation through drone-assisted burns and is a volunteer firefighter and Global Shaper (World Economic Forum). After participating in the China–Europe Youth Dialogue (CASS), he developed a strong interest in China’s approach to innovation. At Yenching Academy, he focuses on Economics and Management, exploring entrepreneurship in climate solutions such as contrail and wildfire mitigation.

Varvara Binde is from Russia. She holds a Bachelor of Law in International Fiscal Law and a Master of Economics in International Investments from Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), as well as a second Master’s degree in International Investments from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing. Fluent in French, English, and Chinese, she uniquely blends economics, law, and art savvy. She founded Bind Agency, a talent agency supporting young artists and designers, where she fosters cross-cultural dialogue between creative communities. Her professional experience spans work in media, museums, and galleries. An active emerging art blogger on Rednote, Varvara shares international art trends with a Chinese audience. She also loves Chinese tea, which deepens her daily connection to the country’s culture. At the Yenching Academy, she intends to research modern Chinese art, focusing on how traditional Chinese craft techniques are used among contemporary artists.

Paul Blanquart was raised between Toulouse and the countryside of the Massif Central, where to this day, he keeps his bees. He graduated from Sciences Po with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and Humanities, majoring in Law and Political Sciences after an exchange year at Peking University. At the Yenching Academy, Paul joins the Law and Society track to pursue his research on the appropriation of the notion of sovereignty in China during the beginning of the XXth century. His work studies the contestation and redefinition of the Qing imperial peripheries' status in constitutional and international texts. Beyond the classroom, Paul has led Model UN conferences, tutored high school students and prisoners, worked as a train manager for the SNCF and interned at the OECD. A practitioner of Chinese calligraphy, theatre, dance, and guitar, he looks forward to contributing fully to intellectual and campus life at Peking University.