Sequel - Fall 2007 - (Page 9) NOT THE COUNTRY YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW. TRANSFORMING INTO A MODERN, POP-CULTURE SOCIETY WITH A CAPITALIST ECONOMY, PERHAPS CHINA IS NO LONGER THE COUNTRY YOU THOUGHT IT TO BE. AND UVSC PROFESSORS AND ADMINISTRATORS ARE TAKING NOTE. HERE’ WHY. S THE WORLD’ OLDEST S AND LARGEST COUNTRY 世界的最舊和最大的國家 With a population of 1.3 billion, China is historically known for oppression, overpopulation and rigid communist rule. And, perhaps also its mystery. A strong proponent of societal sameness, the Communist Party Chairman Zedong Mao was both forceful and relentless in establishing a no-nonsense culture of communalism during his reign from 1949-1976. His strict ideology stripped citizens of their rights to land, quality education and opportunity for wealth. Under Mao, there were no professional or religious freedoms. Only sameness. Essentially, any notion of individuality was eliminated and considered counter-revolutionary to Mao’s communist code. BUT due to the 1970 opening of Chinese borders to American tourists. Others claim the changes are temporary – a front, of sorts, for the Beijing 2008 Summer Games. But for whatever reason, China is increasingly becoming a global force in economics and business. Having dedicated his entire education and career to the study of China, UVSC International Studies Director Boyd Bauer believes it is critical for the world to understand the miraculous economic changes taking place in China. In fact, he’s on a mission, of sorts, to educate UVSC professors and students about the East Asia phenomenon. “China is changing dramatically,” Bauer says, “and Utah Valley students must be increasingly prepared to meet the challenges presented by such world changes.” WHAT UVSC NEEDS TO KNOW 什麼UVSC需要知道 CHINA IS CHANGING 但中國改變 Gone are the days of China’s bicycling commuters wearing gray jackets, sandals and straw-horn hats en route to government-appointed jobs. But along with China’s new ideologies of capitalism and modernism have come individual wealth and opportunity – ideologies General Mao would not believe if he were to see them himself. Even the garb of his working-class has given way to brand names like Versacci, Armani and Ralph Lauren. Imported jeans, tees and women’s makeup have found their place in Chinese society, ensuring that, today, no two citizens are alike. There are some who believe the country’s highspeed evolution to modernism and free-enterprise are According to Bauer, “China’s global influence is going to provide amazing competition and new opportunities as the world develops and transforms into a culture of global economics.” For this reason, Bauer wanted UVSC faculty and administrators to experience China’s economic boom firsthand by witnessing it for themselves. This summer, Bauer led a group of UVSC faculty and administrators into the heart of China’s big-business district and guided them on a tour of ancient landmarks. Among the destinations for study and examination were the Intel Innovation Center, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and Beijing’s Information Systems Technology University. Business Dean Stanley Jenne was among the group of travelers from UVSC. Jenne says he feels a need to understand how China’s booming economy will influence his School of Business students. 企 業 教 務 長 D E A N B U S I N OE FS S S T A N L E Y J E N N E utah valley state college alumni magazine FA L L 2 0 0 7 9
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