Tsinghua SEM and Volkswagen Group China signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a comprehensive cooperation on a wide varieties of programs over the next three years. The MoU sets the stage for an innovative partnership platform that will engage the auto industry, Tsinghua SEM and MBA students, to develop innovative management talents for China's auto industry.

Klaus Dierkes, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, and Guy Broekmans, General Manager of Volkswagen Finance (China), joined Professor QIAN Yingyi, Dean of Tsinghua SEM, in signing the MoU at a special Volkswagen Day, including a ceremony on May 13, 2011 at Tsinghua SEM.

According to the MoU, Volkswagen will support Tsinghua SEM to finance new talent development programs in automotive value chain management, emerging information technology and innovation, and innovative automotive services. The company will also establish "Volkswagen Scholarships" for automotive related research studies, as well as a new "Volkswagen Internship" program that will bring 18 top students to Volkswagen companies in China to develop automotive industrial management skills through hands-on experience.

Klaus Dierkes (right), Dean QIAN Yingyi (middle) and Guy Broekmans (left) presenting the MoU

On the ceremony, Dean QIAN Yingyi called the signing of MoU "the start of a significant cooperation." "In recent years, the rapid growth of China's automobile industry brought about significant challenges in the fields of energy, environment, traffic commute and others. Solving these issues requires technological innovation, and innovation requires human talents. As leader in the automobile industry, Volkswagen has a reputation for nurturing talents, providing rich opportunities as a base for their growth. I believe this is the key for Volkswagen's success. Likewise, our school has a great responsibility of cultivating talents. This is the reason that brings us together here today…This cooperation between Volkswagen and Tsinghua opens a door for excellent students to achieve their career goals."

Mr. Dierkes also underscored the significance of the groundbreaking cooperation: "Volkswagen places high value on its cooperations with Chinese universities. The new program paves the way for the development of outstanding management talents for China’s auto industry. The signing of this MoU deepens the cooperation between Volkswagen and its Chinese university partners. Tsinghua SEM is among the top economics and management schools in China, Asia and the world. Its exceptional position in management education partnered with Volkswagen's values of innovation and responsibility will cultivate many new extraordinary talents for a sustainable future of China's auto industry."

According to the agreement, the senior management and experts of Volkswagen will regularly provide guest lectures for students of Tsinghua SEM. The leading carmaker in China will also cooperate with Tsinghua SEM in organizing an annual "Volkswagen Day" on campus with a range of engaging activities designed to recruit top business trainees and establish a close contact between Volkswagen and Tsinghua students.

As a multinational auto company with a long history and outstanding contribution to China, Volkswagen is committed to partnering for a sustainable future of China's auto industry. Joining hands with Chinese universities with innovative talent development programs is a regular practice for Volkswagen. The partnership with Tsinghua SEM is an integral part of Volkswagen's long-term cooperation with Chinese universities and commitment to China's automotive industry and people. Volkswagen and Tsinghua SEM look forward to strengthening this cooperation in the coming years to build up a strong and sustainable partnership.