From May 7 to 8, 2025, Bai Chong-En, Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University, was invited to Switzerland to participate in the 54th St. Gallen Symposium. Throughout the forum, he engaged in multiple discussions and shared his perspectives on pressing global economic issues.
Founded in 1969 and led by students of the University of St. Gallen, the St. Gallen Symposium is committed to fostering intergenerational dialogue. This year’s forum, themed “Shifting Global Power,” brought together over 1,200 representatives from politics, business, academia, and civil society. Distinguished attendees included Ms. Karin Keller-Sutter, President of the Swiss Confederation; Mr. Jakov Milatović, President of Montenegro; Mr. Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore; Mr. Ndaba Gaolathe, Vice President and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Botswana; and Mr. Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration. The forum also welcomed senior executives from leading global companies and over 200 emerging “Leaders of Tomorrow” representing countries around the world.
“China’s Evolving Economy: What is Changing and Why?" Seminar
On May 7, Dean Bai participated in the session titled “The Evolution of the Chinese Economy: What Is Changing and Why?” in dialogue with Dominic Barton, Chairman of Rio Tinto and Conference Chairperson of the Symposium. Moderated by Professor Tomas Casas Klett, the discussion explored the current phase of China’s economic transformation and its global implications. Bai delivered an insightful and thoughtful analysis of the driving forces behind China’s economic growth, the key challenges it faces, and its potential future trajectories. He also interacted with the audience on topics such as electric vehicle development, technological innovation, and cultural exchange.
Plenary Session "Doing Business Amidst Shifting Global Power"
On May 8, Dean Bai joined a high-level panel discussion in the main hall, “Doing Business Amidst Shifting Power,” alongside Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat of Singapore, Siemens CEO Roland Busch, and UBS Switzerland President Sabine Keller-Busse. Addressing issues such as the evolution of global trade systems and corporate international strategies, Bai proposed three key recommendations. First, he advocated for phased subsidy rules—allowing necessary subsidies in the early stages of innovation, and establishing a clear exit mechanism once maturity is reached. Second, he emphasized time-limited protection for nascent industries, creating a learning window for economies that are lagging behind in certain industries by providing limited protection. Third, he proposed temporary safeguards against import surges—employing transitional measures to cushion short-term shocks faced by local industries.
During the symposium, Dean Bai also took part in a closed-door session with Siemens CEO Roland Busch and selected “Leaders of Tomorrow,” addressing questions on structural reforms, artificial intelligence, climate governance, and personal development. He encouraged young scholars to adopt a global perspective and focus on long-term issues.
"Leaders of Tomorrow" closed door meeting
