Without question, Shanghai has become one of the world’s foremost hubs of economic activity and innovation.
With its strong relationship with Tongji University in Shanghai, UNMC now has a definite presence in the world’s largest city.
One of the key people who helped UNMC get established in Shanghai was Xiaoming Shen, M.D., party secretary of Pudong Special District, Shanghai city. Dr. Shen also has served as vice mayor of Shanghai for the past five years.
Dr. Shen received an honorary doctorate from UNMC in May 2010 and has become a good friend of UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and his wife, Beverly.
That’s why the Maurers made it a point to meet with Dr. Shen during their October visit to China as part of UNMC’s delegation of more than 20 people.
“Dr. Shen is one of the top ranked officials in China,” Dr. Maurer said. “He’s a big believer in collaborations and was instrumental in helping us partner with both Tongji University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He’s been a great supporter of Nebraska and has met several times with Gov. (Dave) Heineman and University of Nebraska President J.B. Milliken.”
“The Pudong Special District is called a pilot reform zone,” said Jialin Zheng, M.D., associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and director of UNMC’s Asia Pacific Rim Development Program. “In this capacity, it has become a testing laboratory for China’s economic reform. It tests major new policies and also is where the newly established pilot free trade zone is located.
“It is an important economic force and having a strong relationship with Dr. Shen is very significant for UNMC and Nebraska as a whole.”