On December 3^rd, 2023, the School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University (hereinafter as Tsinghua SPPM) successfully held the first event focused on overseas alumni from international programs at the headquarters of the Tanoto Foundation, located in Jakarta, Indonesia. More than 30 participants attended the event on-site and online, coming from different countries including Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Malawi, and Tanzania. They were present at the encounter Professor Bambang Brodjonegoro, former Minister of Finance, Minister of National Development Planning and Minister of Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia; Mr. Jean Satrijo Tanudjojo, Global CEO of Tanoto Foundation; and Ms. Inge Sanitasia Kusuma, Country Head of Tanoto Foundation Indonesia. Peng Zongchao, Professor and Party Secretary of Tsinghua SPPM, delivered a keynote speech. Yin Chengzhi, Associate Dean of Tsinghua SPPM, moderated the event. The event was organized with the cordial support received from the Tanoto Foundation.

Group picture of the event

Peng Zongchao presented a keynote speech themed on the “Hehe－Risk Governance Model in China” to the participating guests and alumni. Departing from a case study, he explained in simple terms the transition from the concept of “risk management” to “risk governance”, and described in detail “Hehe” and the traditional cultural implications, practical applications and the development direction of the risk governance model in China. As stated by Peng Zongchao, “Hehe” represents cooperation and harmony. Thus, building a government-led risk governance model, which is also based on social participation and collaboration from multiple sides, is an important way to enhance the ability of social risk governance, and build capacity for the early warning, prevention, and control of emerging risks.

Peng Zongchao delivering a keynote speech

Following the keynote speech, Bambang Brodjonegoro, alumna Patricia Luo, and Peng Zongchao engaged in a round-table discussion moderated by alumnus Raihan Ronodipuro. Bambang Brodjonegoro expressed that amidst the ever-changing international landscape, Indonesia would continue remaining neutral in its foreign policy to ensure the country’s economic and political security. In terms of economy and trade, Indonesia has actively participated in the “Belt and Road Initiative”. He views it as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the collaborations with China in the sectors of green energy, electric vehicles, batteries, photovoltaics, health and healthcare, among other fields. As for risk governance, Indonesia should ameliorate the ability of risk prediction and response to risks, which requires the government to comprehensively improve and innovate in policy formulation, regulatory measures, and technological application. During the discussion, Patricia Luo, Tsinghua SPPM alumna and Deputy Director of the Indonesia Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan), introduced the main measures of prevention against financial risks undertaken by Indonesia’s financial sector. She pointed out that in order to alleviate the financial crisis, all relevant ministries and financial services institutions should work together as a whole, in addition to listening to the public opinion.

Round-table discussion

On the day of the event, the Tsinghua SPPM alumni gathered together and recalled their study experiences at Tsinghua, while sharing each their experiences in the practice of public management. This event not only provided a platform for sharing experiences and exchanging ideas, but more importantly, it strengthened the ties and bonds among the Tsinghua SPPM alumni, which reflects the achievements of Tsinghua SPPM in international education and exchange. Tsinghua SPPM will further maintain and develop its network of overseas alumni, to enhance the relations of China with other countries in fulfillment of the global development and global civilization initiatives, and to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Yin Chengzhi moderating the meeting

On-site meeting

Group picture of the on-site participants attending the first event for overseas alumni from international programs