NC State in China Journal
May 27 - Chancellor James L. Oblinger
Today was our opportunity to learn more about China's people, history and geography before we begin visiting with universities on Monday. Two highlights illustrate the range of contrasts we've seen in China.
One is the Great Wall of China. Outside the city of Beijing you find the Great Wall winding through rugged mountains. The wall snakes along the hilltops, where you can sometimes walk 10 abreast-other times only one or two. The slopes can challenge even the physically fit. The views are stunning and it is hard to imagine building even a section of the Great Wall, much less the entire length.
We were also able to see portions of the city of Beijing-at once modern and cosmopolitan as well as ancient and traditional. Large glass skyscrapers, freeways and toll roads pass by shrines and family operated stores. The entire city seems involved in construction. One of our team gave up after counting 106 cranes posed above emerging skyscrapers. Even so, green areas dot sections of the city, complete with rose beds and trees.
As the city has grown, so have the challenges of urbanization. We were told that it took decades to get the first million cars; six years to reach two million; only three more years to reach three million. The numbers were clearly reflected in the Sunday afternoon traffic. The government is taking steps to improve the environment. For example, old cars have been banished from the city and replaced with new models to reduce the auto emissions.
The NC State group and our business partners met with a group of corporations located in North Carolina who also have operations in Beijing. Several were also NC State alumni. Michael Chen, general manager of Red Hat China was host for our group. He graduated with a Master's from NC State's computer networking program (and then received an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill). He described the challenge China faces in finding enough students who have technical degrees but also have strong training in management. We were quick to point out the advantages of NC State's Management programs, particularly the MBA and the MAC (Master of Accounting).
Tomorrow we begin the day at Tsinghua Science Park and Tsinghua University.
The Great Wall of China
Steve Scott, John Atkins, Dan Solomon and Terri Lomax
Terri Lomax, Diana Oblinger, Jim Oblinger, Carolyn Solomon, Dan Solomon and Sarah Cao