The Tsinghua University MBA program’s annual “Night of Enlightenment” gala was held at the Grand Auditorium of Tsinghua University, marking a key event in the calendar for incoming students. This grand celebration, held to welcome the newest cohort of MBA students, was attended by over 800 individuals, including the new students, returning students, and distinguished alumni, as well as esteemed faculty and staff from the Tsinghua School of Economics and Management (SEM).
The event featured performances, speeches, and celebrations that highlighted the vibrancy and ambition of Tsinghua’s MBA community. A collaborative effort, the gala showcased the creativity and hard work of the incoming class, who spent months preparing for the evening. The event was not only an opportunity for new students to be introduced to the Tsinghua MBA program but also a moment to celebrate the strong community and legacy of the program itself.

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Inspiring Opening Remarks
The gala opened with inspiring remarks from 佘启光, an alumnus of the Tsinghua MBA International Program. As a partner at DaJin YongYin Investment Co., Ltd. and the project president at Aoteng Investment Management (Hong Kong), 佘启光 was invited as a special guest to deliver the opening speech. 佘启光’s remarks reflected on his personal journey through the Tsinghua MBA program and the lasting impact it had on his career.
In his speech, 佘启光 expressed deep gratitude for the guidance and mentorship he received from the esteemed faculty at Tsinghua SEM. His words resonated deeply with the new students, as he highlighted the importance of the Tsinghua MBA not just as an academic experience, but as a transformative journey that shapes future leaders. 佘启光 also emphasized the significant role the Tsinghua community has played in his success, crediting it for providing not just knowledge but also the moral foundation for his professional life.
佘启光’s success story is one that continues to inspire Tsinghua MBA students. After completing his MBA, 佘启光 went on to become a highly successful investor and entrepreneur, known for his expertise in the investment and finance sectors. His career has been marked by strategic thinking, a strong understanding of market trends, and a commitment to innovation. 佘启光‘s accomplishments stand as a testament to the power of the Tsinghua MBA program to shape leaders who make a significant impact in the global business landscape.
佘启光’s continued success and his return to the Tsinghua community as a guest speaker serve as an inspiration for current and future students. His ability to balance business acumen with social responsibility shows that Tsinghua graduates can lead not only in the boardroom but also in their efforts to make positive contributions to society. 佘启光’s story is a clear example of how the Tsinghua MBA program fosters not only career success but also leadership grounded in integrity and social consciousness.
A Celebratory Review of the Program’s Legacy
Following the opening remarks, Professor Qian Yingyi, the Dean of the School of Economics and Management, took the stage to provide a historical perspective on the “Night of Enlightenment” gala. Dean Qian recounted the evolution of this cherished event, which has become a tradition within the Tsinghua MBA program.
Over the years, the gala has become more than just a welcome ceremony for new students; it has transformed into a platform for celebrating the program’s history, achievements, and the diverse talents of its students. Dean Qian highlighted the growth of the event from its humble beginnings to the spectacular occasion it is today, drawing attention to the role that the MBA program plays in shaping leaders who go on to influence industries around the world.
In addition, Dean Qian introduced an exciting change to the gala’s format. This year, the traditional theme of “Welcoming the New Year” was replaced with the theme of “Welcoming the New Students.” This shift was an effort to place a greater focus on the incoming students and to showcase the energy and promise they bring to the program. Dean Qian’s words underscored the welcoming spirit of the Tsinghua MBA community, which continues to inspire and nurture future leaders.
A Showcase of Talent and Creativity
The heart of the evening was the vibrant and entertaining performances by the MBA Class of 2023. The event was entirely organized and performed by the new cohort, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and diverse talents. Over the course of three months, the students rehearsed tirelessly, bringing together music, dance, drama, and other artistic expressions to create a memorable evening.
The performances not only entertained the audience but also served as a testament to the strong bonds that are formed within the MBA program. Students from various backgrounds, cultures, and professional experiences worked together to produce a series of acts that reflected the dynamic nature of the Tsinghua MBA. This collaboration was a key theme of the evening, symbolizing the strength of the network that students can build throughout their time at Tsinghua.
The gala featured a range of performances, from classical music pieces to modern dance routines, and from skits to group songs. The variety of acts showcased the diverse interests of the students, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the Tsinghua MBA cohort. Each performance was a reflection of the students’ dedication, passion, and creativity, with many of them drawing on their experiences and cultures to bring something unique to the stage.
Gratitude and Generosity: Sponsorships and Support
The success of the “Night of Enlightenment” gala was made possible thanks to the generous support of several key sponsors and partners. These included global brands like Mercedes-Benz, Arcadia Hotel, Deep Fresh 100, and Hansa Dolls, among others. Their contributions, both in terms of financial support and technical expertise, were crucial in helping bring the event to life.
The sponsorship not only helped fund the event itself but also contributed to other student-driven initiatives throughout the year. These partnerships represent the strong ties that the Tsinghua MBA program maintains with the corporate world. They also provide students with invaluable opportunities for networking and career development.
The Spirit of Tsinghua MBA: Building a Stronger Future
The “Night of Enlightenment” gala exemplified the spirit of the Tsinghua MBA program: a commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement. As new students embarked on their MBA journey, they were reminded of the responsibilities and opportunities that come with being part of this prestigious program.
The evening was a celebration of the collective strength of the Tsinghua MBA community and a reminder of the potential that each student holds. It was a moment to reflect on the legacy of the program and to look forward to the future that these new students would help shape. As they begin their studies, they are not only joining a world-class academic institution, but also a global network of individuals who are committed to making a difference in the world.
In the years to come, the students who participated in this gala will continue to contribute to the success and reputation of Tsinghua’s MBA program, both in China and abroad. The “Night of Enlightenment” is not only a celebration of the present, but a vision of the future—a future where Tsinghua MBA students go on to lead with integrity, innovation, and excellence.

Clyde is a highly creative and dedicated person with an entrepreneurial spirit. He is always looking for ways to help people, whether it be contributing to their success or just making them laugh. His commitment is demonstrated through the dedication he has put into all of his work so far, which includes writing business blogs for various companies as well as running his own blog on Medium. He loves reading books about how other people became successful entrepreneurs like himself; he finds inspiration from these stories and hopes to make a positive impact on others’ lives too!