Welcome to the Inaugural China-SFSU Forum!
Overview
The inaugural China-SFSU Forum, taking place on October 21, 2026, at San Francisco State University, invites students and the broader community to explore China, the world's second-largest economy and one of the most influential countries shaping global affairs today.
Through distinguished speakers and interactive panel discussions, the forum will examine China from multiple perspectives, including culture, sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation, and geopolitics. Participants will have opportunities to engage with ideas, ask questions, and connect with professionals, academics, and community leaders with deep experience and connections in China.
The forum is designed primarily for SFSU students, providing an accessible opportunity to expand their understanding of China beyond the classroom while making connections across academic, professional, and community networks. The event also welcomes faculty, professionals, community members, and anyone interested in learning more about China and its global impact.
Attendance is free with registration. Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Date: Wednesday | October 21, 2026
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Seven Hills Conference Center (800 Font Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132)
Agenda
| 9:00am - 9:30am | Networking Breakfast |
| 9:30am - 9:45am |
Welcome and Opening Remarks
|
| 9:45am - 10:45am |
Panel 1: Tradition and Transformation in Contemporary Chinese Culture: Philosophy, Poetry and Cinema
|
| 10:45am - 11:05am | Coffee Break |
| 11:05am - 11:50am | Keynote: A Fireside Chat with Prof. Peter Lorentzen, Ph.D. and Ker Gibbs, Author of The Fragile Dragon |
| 11:50am - 12:45pm | Lunch Break |
| 12:45pm - 1:45pm |
Panel 2: Business, Entrepreneurship and Innovation in China
|
| 1:45pm - 2:00pm | Coffee Break |
| 2:00pm - 3:00pm |
Panel 3: Strategic Horizon: China's Global Role
|
Speakers
Prof. See Won Byun, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of International Relations, San Francisco State University
Lucy Chen
Vice President of Claris FileMaker Platform Engineering, Apple
Ker Gibbs
Author, The Fragile Dragon
Executive in Residence, University of San Francisco
Jingmei Li
Adjunct Faculty of International Business, San Francisco State University
Prof. Chris Wen-Chao Li, Ph.D.
Professor of Modern Languages and Literature, San Francisco State University
Prof. Andrea Lingenfelter, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor of Asia Pacific Studies, University of San Francisco
Prof. Peter Lorentzen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics and Director of the Master of Science Program in International and Development Economics, University of San Francisco
Prof. Wei Yang Menkus Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, University of San Francisco
Prof. Mahmood Monshipouri, Ph.D.
Professor of International Relations, San Francisco State University
Prof. Jean Tompihe, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Political Science under the School of Business and Social Sciences, International University of Grand Bassam
Visiting Scholar of International Relations, San Francisco State University
Breaux Walker
Chief Strategy Officer, SunCar Technology Group
Prof. Yabing Zhao. Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Decision Sciences, San Francisco State University
Event Leadership: Sponsor and Moderators
Kenny Chin, Ph.D.
President, Kenny and Maria C. Chin Foundation
China-SFSU Forum Event Sponsor
Prof. Susan Cholette, Ph.D.
YF Chang Endowed Chair in International Business
Professor of Global Business and Decision Intelligence, San Francisco State University
Prof. Burcu Ellis, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of International Relations, San Francisco State University
Prof. Fred Green, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of Modern Languages and Literatures, San Francisco State University
Partners
This event is made possible through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. Kenny and Maria Chin, and is co-organized by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, the Department of International Relations, and the Department of Global Business and Decision Intelligence.
The Lam Family College of Business welcomes persons with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. If you would like reasonable accommodations for this event, please contact Professor Susan Cholette at cholette@sfsu.edu as soon as possible so your request may be reviewed.