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Weijian Shan's Improbable Journey from China's Gobi Desert to Wall Street

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Lecture
Economist and author Weijian Shan joined the Council to consider what lessons can we learn about America and China and their continued competition in the global economy.
Speakers
Weijian Shan
Brian Hanson
Event Date

About this Event

As political and economic tensions continue to rise between the United States and China, the future of the relationship between both countries seems more uncertain than ever. Weijian Shan spent much of his life navigating uncertainty and adversity in both countries. Growing up during the Cultural Revolution in China, Shan was exiled to the Gobi Desert at age 15, subjected to hard labor, and denied schooling for 10 years. Despite the odds, Shan never gave up on his dreams, ultimately earning a PhD at the University of California, Berkeley, becoming a professor at an Ivy League university, and eventually becoming one of Asia's most well-established financiers. What lessons can we learn about America and China and their continued competition in the global economy from Shan’s improbable yet inspirational journey? Join the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Weijian Shan as he shares his unique life story that transcends borders and cultures.

Copies of Weijian Shan's book Out of the Gobi: My Story of China and America are available for purchase through our local book partner The Book Cellar.

About the Speakers
Weijian Shan
Group Chairman, CEO, PAG
Weijian Shan
Weijian Shan is chairman and CEO of PAG, a Hong-Kong-based private equity firm with $38 billion in capital under management. Prior to PAG, he was a partner of TPG, and co-managing partner of TPG Asia (formerly known as Newbridge Capital).
Weijian Shan
Brian Hanson
Former Vice President, Studies
Brian Hanson headshot
Brian Hanson served as the vice president of studies at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. He managed the Council's research operations and hosted the Council's weekly podcast, Deep Dish on Global Affairs.
Brian Hanson headshot