The 2015 USC Global Conference opened at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai on October 29, 2015 with a record attendance of more than 700 at the welcome dinner. The conference featured presentations and discussions among USC researchers, Chinese business leaders and other global executives and academic leaders. The event addressed “Innovations for a Rapidly Changing World.”
The 2015 USC Global Conference opened at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai today with a record attendance of more than 700 at the welcome dinner to start the event. Guests were treated to special performances by local artists and USC students.
USC President C. L. Max Nikias speaks as the 2015 USC Global Conference gets underway in Shanghai. (USC Photo/Rock Lu)
The conference runs through Saturday and features presentations and discussions among USC researchers, Chinese business leaders and other global executives and academic leaders.
“Our entire delegation is extremely grateful that so many have come from all corners of this country, and from all corners of the world, to be here among our faithful friends in the Trojan Family,” USC President C. L. Max Nikias said. “Together we find ourselves on the precipice of a new era of progress and partnership, bridging the academic and cultural divides in this extraordinary Pacific Age.”
The event will address “Innovations for a Rapidly Changing World.” Bob Iger, chief executive officer and chairman of The Walt Disney Co., will be featured in a conversation with veteran journalist Willow Bay, director of the USC Annenberg School of Journalism, during Friday morning’s opening session.
“Innovation does not spring from the accomplishments of the past; it springs from the opportunities of the future,” said Michael Quick, USC provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, in his opening remarks to the conference attendees.
Provost Michael Quick speaks at the Global Conference welcome dinner. (USC Photo/Rock Lu)
Participants at the Global Conference will learn about cutting-edge innovations in business, science, technology, medicine, the arts and entertainment that are already changing the world, and will explore the opportunities they present for the future. These advancements reinforce the university’s commitment to addressing the world’s most intractable problems and creating solutions that have truly global impact.
Prominent Chinese business leaders participating in the conference include: Chengyu Fu, former chairman of China Petroleum and Chemical Corp. (Sinopec) and USC Trustee; Jerry Ye, vice president of Wanda Culture Industry Group; Ruigang Li, founding chairman of CMC Capital Partners and CMC Holdings Limited; David U. Lee, founder and CEO of Leeding Media; and John Zhao, founder, chairman and CEO of Hony Capital. Television personalities Dong Qing and Bai Xu Xu will emcee the event’s gala dinner Saturday.
USC’s Global Conference series is a biennial event held in major world cities that brings together renowned academics and influential business leaders to present and discuss the latest research results across the full range of academic disciplines and their influence on the Pacific Rim. This year’s international event is co-chaired by Quick and Ming Hsieh, chairman and CEO of Fulgent Therapeutics and a USC trustee.
The USC Global Conference 2015 is presented by Hony Capital, a leading private equity firm in China. Additional presenting sponsors are Apple Foundation, a local charity foundation focused on education and healthcare services, and Antaeus Group, a prominent Beijing real estate development company.
