The Nordic business society in Shanghai joined students and alumni in an event marking the 20th anniversary of a joint MBA program between Fudan University and the BI Norwegian Business School.

"The collaboration has been successful because of a number of factors ... one of the most important being our ability to make students' needs a priority," said Yin Zhiwen, associate dean from Fudan University's School of Management. "The development of the MBA program's courses is a proof of that. As the market has changed, so has the program."

Lise Hammergren, executive vice-president at the BI Norwegian Business School, said the schools started one of the first foreign-Chinese master's programs about 20 years ago that was approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

"Today, the MBA program ranks among the best in the world, but more importantly, we have seen our alumni succeed after they have graduated."

The anniversary celebration is the first of its kind in China. More activities will be held to celebrate the collaboration later this year.

About 100 guests joined the event, including representatives from renowned Nordic companies.

The program has worked for a long time to establish their close relationship with the Nordic business society in Shanghai. Representatives from the Nordic business society in China are involved in several aspects of the program.

"I'd hire them all," said Erik Aaberg, vice-president of Jotun, a Norwegian chemicals company. Aaberg is the head of Jotun's Northeast Asia operations. "These candidates have the right mindset for us.

They are not only excellent in navigating in the Chinese business environment, but also understand how to collaborate and work in an international company."

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(China Daily 03/16/2016 page16)