USC President Honors Trustee Ming Hsieh as Shanghai Conference Comes to a Close

The 2015 USC Global Conference drew to a close in Shanghai with the Gala Dinner in the Grand Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai. President C. L. Max Nikias honored USC Trustee Ming Hsieh for his role as co-chair of the event and for his overall contribution to the university.

“Through the power of his impressive intellect and the perseverance of his courageous spirit, Ming Hsieh stands as a shining symbol of the Chinese culture and the American Dream,” Nikias said. “We are proud of his many contributions and are grateful for the work he has put into making this Global Conference our most successful ever.”

Record crowd

A record crowd of more than 700 gathered for the finale, which featured traditional entertainment acts and Chinese television personalities as masters of ceremonies. The gala dinner brought the three-day event to a close, ending the most successful event USC Global Conference ever.

“Our Shanghai Global Conference exceeded our expectations,” said Anthony Bailey, USC vice president of global initiatives. “From the participation of some of China’s most influential executives to the hospitality of our host city, we have surpassed all previous conferences in both content and participation. USC’s alumni turned out in force to witness an exceptional event.”

Participants at the event learned about cutting-edge innovations in business, science, technology, medicine, and the arts and entertainment that are changing the world and explored the opportunities they present for the future. These advancements reinforce the university’s commitment to addressing the world’s most intractable problems and creating solutions that have truly global impact.

Those in attendance gleaned insight into “Innovations for a Rapidly Changing World,” from leading global executives and academics, including featured conversations with Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Co., and Chengyu Fu, former chairman of SINOPEC and a USC trustee.

Academics and leaders

USC’s Global Conference series is a biennial event held in major world cities that brings together renowned academics and influential business leaders to present and discuss the latest research results across the full range of academic disciplines and their influence on the Pacific Rim. This year’s international event was co-chaired by Hsieh, who is chairman and CEO of Fulgent Therapeutics in addition to being a USC trustee, and Michael Quick, USC provost and senior vice president of academic affairs.

The USC Global Conference 2015 was presented by Hony Capital, a leading private equity firm in China. Additional presenting sponsors were Apple Foundation, a local charity foundation focused on education and healthcare services, and Antaeus Group, a prominent Beijing real estate development company.