In the past 30 years, the Chinese economy had grown phenomenally. This was not in dispute. What was often debated among scholars was how China had managed to grow so fast. On one side of the debate was the “China model” view that argued that Chinese growth was a result of innovative state ownership and tight political controls. On the other side of the debate was the view that China’s growth was a result of liberal economic and political reforms.
On 31st October afternoon, Professor Huang Yasheng shared his views on “What exactly is a China model?” at the Ho Bee Professorship in Chinese Economy and Business. Professor Huang is the Ho Bee Professor in Chinese Economy and Business (2011) at Singapore Management University. He also teaches political economy and international management, and holds International Programme Professorship in Chinese Economy and Business at Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Professor Huang presented a liberal interpretation of the Chinese growth record to illustrate the China model to more than 300 audience at the SMU auditorium. He also provided statistics to support his argument that China’s lack of further reforms will be detrimental to her future growth prospects.
At the panel discussion, Professor Huang was joined by Dr Forrest Zhang Qian, Assistant Professor of Sociology, SMU School of Social Sciences and Dr Thia Jang Ping, Director of Economics Division, Ministry of Trade and Industry. Chairperson of the panel was Professor James T. H. Tang, Dean of SMU School of Social Sciences.
Ho Bee Professorship in Chinese Economy and Business is organised by Singapore Management University in partnership with Business China and with generous support from Ho Bee Investment Ltd.