The first member conference of the Research Centre for Chaoshan Merchants was held on 7th April at Yingbin Hotel in Shantou. Mr Zhang Zehua, minister of municipal United Front Work Department and vice chairman of Shantou CPPCC, attended the conference upon invitation. Mr Lin Xiaobin, Vice Deputy President of municipal Party School, was elected the Acting Vice Chairman. Professor Xu Zongling, Dean of STU Business School, was elected the Vice Chairwoman. Professor Huang Yan, director of STU Institute for Chinese Business Studies, was elected executive member of the organization. Mr Hu Shaodong and Dr Xie Shunlong from STU Business School attended the conference.
The Centre currently consists of 175 executive members which comprise experts, researchers and delegates of Teochew merchants associations. The organization aims to provide intellectual supports and enhancement of corporation among the Chaoshan community, both within and outside of China, through the integration of information, provision of consultancy and experience sharing. On top of that, the centre would endeavour to support the inherence of the traditional values and virtues of Chaoshan merchants.
