Tsinghua SEM Dean QIAN Yingyi was appointed as Chair of the Asia Pacific Advisory Council (APAC) of the AACSB International. Dean Qian will serve a three-year term for the newly established Council beginning July 1, 2011, announced AACSB International Vice Chair-Chair Elect, Jan Williams. Dean Qian is currently serving on the AACSB Board of Directors.

According to the AACSB International Policy Governance Manual, the purpose of the Asia-Pacific Advisory Council is to: (1) advise the AACSB board and staff on key issues and challenges related to Asia-Pacific business education and AACSB’s activities and engagement in the Asia-Pacific context; (2) meet regularly with regional and country-level affinity groups or self-help groups and networks to evaluate needs, issues, and opportunities to share with AACSB; (3) assist AACSB staff in identification and planning of AACSB programming, member services, etc. for Asia-Pacific business schools; and (4) recommend candidates for AACSB governance roles.

AACSB International was founded in 1916. Its stated mission is to advance quality management education worldwide through accreditation and thought leadership. The first accreditations took place in 1919. An institution can be accredited in business, or in both business and accountancy.