章節 580: Chapter 580: Sprinkling Water and Think Tanks
"Professor Xu!"
While chatting with Principal Ma and others, Xia Yu made a point of walking over to shake hands with Xu Zhixue. Given their close relationship, there was no excessive formality at this occasion.
Xu Zhixue, a professor at Hong Kong Chinese University, had been invited by Lin Shanyuan to join the economic research department at Jiuding Media last year. He had helped produce the "Economic Weekly" magazine and two major rankings. Xu Zhixue still worked part-time for Jiuding Media.
Thanks to the influence of the "Economic Weekly," Xu Zhixue's reputation had soared, and he was highly regarded at Hong Kong Chinese University.
With Jiuding's enterprises holding a recruitment fair at Hong Kong Chinese University, and knowing Xia Yu would be present, Principal Ma had specially invited Xu Zhixue. With this connection, there might be some benefits.
"Principal Ma, everything is set up on our end and we can start the recruitment anytime," Xia Yu told Ma after touring the hall and checking the arrangements.
With over twenty participating companies and a large number of vacancies, the university had chosen the main hall for initial resume screening, while interviews would take place in surrounding classrooms.
"Mr. Xia, we're also ready. The students are already in the sports field. Shall we go there now?"
Principal Ma said with a smile.
"Please!"
"Please!"
Following this, Principal Ma and Xia Yu went to the nearby sports field.
Due to Xia Yu's legendary status and position, Principal Ma had requested if Xia Yu could give a short speech to encourage the students. Xia Yu, considering the far-reaching impact, readily agreed.
When Xia Yu's figure appeared near the sports field, he was immediately spotted by keen-eyed students. The initial murmurs quickly grew as more students stood up to look at Xia Yu. The field was filled with noise, and many students even shouted "Stock God."
However, as university students, they maintained discipline. Despite the excitement, no one left their position, and the teachers understood the students' enthusiasm and allowed them to show their excitement.
"Principal Ma, your students are very enthusiastic!"
Xia Yu said with a smile as he walked alongside Principal Ma.
Principal Ma also smiled, replying, "Mr. Xia, as one of Hong Kong's top figures, many students have heard of your legendary experiences. It's understandable that they can't control their emotions with you here. Please forgive them."
"Haha, Principal Ma, you're too kind."
…
Soon, Principal Ma and Xia Yu arrived at the podium. They sat in the central positions, with a speaker's platform next to them.
Unlike the complex social environment, a university is a relatively pure place with fewer rules. Given that a recruitment fair was also planned, everything was kept simple.
Principal Ma briefly described the recruitment fair, then invited Xia Yu to give a speech.
"Now, let's warmly welcome Mr. Xia Yu to give us a speech. Everyone, please give him a big round of applause!"
"Clap, clap, clap…"
Amidst the thunderous applause, Xia Yu rose to the speaker's platform, smiled, and bowed to the students and teachers. The applause grew even louder.
"This is my first time at Hong Kong Chinese University. I'm overwhelmed by the students' enthusiasm. Thank you!"
"I'm very grateful for this opportunity. To be honest, I was apprehensive about coming to this podium. After all, everyone here is talented—undergraduates, master's students—all with knowledge far surpassing mine, as I never even completed high school."
"When Principal Ma asked me to give a talk, I was quite astonished. I knew I didn't have the ability to offer profound insights. However, since your respected principal extended such a warm invitation, I had no choice but to come up here."
"Hahaha…"
Xia Yu's amiable and humorous words made the students below brighten up and relax, causing them to laugh lightly as they listened to his speech.
"To be honest, I envy all of you. You have the opportunity to attend university and improve yourselves here. Unfortunately, my family was poor at the time, and I had to drop out to make a living. I've been fortunate enough to make a bit of a name for myself."
"Hahaha…"
"I know I'm not capable of giving grand lectures. You all understand these principles better than I do. I won't embarrass myself with that. Instead, I'll just chat with you casually. If anything I say can touch you or positively influence your life, it will be my greatest honor."
"Society is a pyramid. To live well, one must have strengths. The stronger your abilities…"
Xia Yu's speech was both humorous and down-to-earth. Initially, there were friendly laughs from the audience, but as Xia Yu integrated his personal experiences into his speech, more and more people became engrossed in what he was saying.
Among the students were those about to graduate and those in their first and second years. The university allowed students from other years with no classes to attend the speech as well. If not for the high turnout, the event could have been held in an indoor auditorium or hall.
Among the audience was a girl with a gentle smile, gazing at Xia Yu on the podium with pride. She thought to herself, this is her boyfriend, the most outstanding boy in the world.
The girl was He Chaoqiong. According to the original trajectory, she should have been studying abroad in the U.S. But in this life, she did not want to be too far from Xia Yu, so she enrolled at Hong Kong Chinese University and is now a freshman in the School of Business Administration.
Upon learning that Xia Yu would be speaking at the university, she decided to skip class.
…
"Finally, please allow me to make a small announcement."
"Today, my companies are recruiting at the university. I can confidently say that whether in terms of benefits or future growth opportunities, these companies are excellent choices. They will provide a platform for you to showcase your abilities. We look forward to the participation of ambitious individuals!"
"That concludes my speech. Thank you!"
"Clap, clap, clap…"
After his speech, Xia Yu returned to his seat amidst the enthusiastic applause. Principal Ma then took the stage again, praising Xia Yu's companies and encouraging students to seize the opportunity to apply.
After the speech, the mentors guided the students out in an orderly manner. The graduating students proceeded to the recruitment booths, while Xia Yu, under Principal Ma's guidance, took a tour of the university.
Just as Xia Yu was about to leave, a crisp voice rang out from behind. Xia Yu and the others immediately stopped and turned around to see a shy young woman standing there.
Xia Yu smiled and waved at He Chaoqiong, "Chaoqiong, come over here!"
Hearing Xia Yu's call, despite the attention from teachers and the principal, He Chaoqiong gathered her courage and walked towards Xia Yu.
At this moment, Principal Ma and others recognized He Chaoqiong. Although they were teachers and the principal of the university, they were aware of the children of prominent figures. He Chaoqiong, being the daughter of the gambling king, naturally held significance in their eyes.
However, they were surprised to see He Chaoqiong so close to Xia Yu, and it seemed like their relationship was…
Principal Ma, Xu Zhixue, and others exchanged glances and chose to remain silent, feeling unqualified to intervene in matters involving high-profile families.
"Hello, Principal, and teachers!"
As soon as she arrived, He Chaoqiong greeted Principal Ma and the teachers, then joined Xia Yu to continue the tour.
Throughout the tour, Principal Ma continuously introduced Xia Yu to the university's facilities and also asked He Chaoqiong to share information about the university. He Chaoqiong happily explained the university's situation to Xia Yu, who listened with a smile and occasionally responded.
After the tour, Xia Yu observed the bustling recruitment scene. The group then went to the reception room to rest.
While drinking tea, Xia Yu initiated a conversation, "Principal Ma, after touring around, I noticed that your university seems to have some deficiencies in hardware."
Upon hearing this, Principal Ma was not only unoffended but actually perked up, feeling a surge of anticipation. He remarked, "Unfortunately, Hong Kong Chinese University was only founded in 1963, so it's only been 16 years. The Hong Kong government's education funds are mostly allocated to Hong Kong University. Although we've received many social donations, we still lack in overall planning for university development."
This was indeed the case. Hong Kong only had two universities: Hong Kong University and Hong Kong Chinese University.
The Hong Kong government favored English-taught Hong Kong University. The establishment of Hong Kong Chinese University relied heavily on private efforts.
In the early days of the establishment of the People's Republic of China, a large number of Mainland refugees poured into Hong Kong, increasing the demand for Chinese-taught education and putting significant pressure on higher education. Fortunately, many educators from the Mainland also migrated south. Against this backdrop, three Chinese colleges were established: New Asia College, Chung Chi College, and United College. These three colleges later became the foundation of Hong Kong Chinese University.
Currently, Hong Kong Chinese University had the Faculty of Arts, School of Business Administration, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science, and Research Institute, which was less than half of the future number of faculties.
Xia Yu nodded slightly and, under Principal Ma's hopeful gaze, said, "Principal Ma, although I did not attend school myself, I understand that education is the source of societal progress. I am also keen to contribute."
"So, for the six faculties at your university, I will donate five million Hong Kong dollars to each faculty and also fund the construction of a new teaching
building for Hong Kong Chinese University."
Principal Ma stood up suddenly, extremely excited, and said, "Mr. Xia, are you serious?"
"Of course, I am."
Xia Yu confirmed with a gentle smile.
"Hahaha…"
"Thank you, Mr. Xia. Thank you so much! Your help is a great fortune for Hong Kong Chinese University…"
Principal Ma shook hands with Xia Yu, his eyes becoming moist with emotion.
Xia Yu's donation of thirty million Hong Kong dollars and a new building was a tremendous help for the university, creating the largest donation in its history.
"Mr. Xia, thank you so much!"
"Mr. Xia…"
Other accompanying professors also expressed their gratitude and high respect for Xia Yu.
"There's no need to thank me. As a businessman, it's only right to use profits for the benefit of the people. Returning money to education is the best way to help society. It's something we should do."
Xia Yu said with a faint smile.
This was indeed his true thought. Having earned so much money, it was appropriate to give back to society. Moreover, donating to a university was highly beneficial to him.
Even though he was donating thirty million Hong Kong dollars and a building to Hong Kong Chinese University now, the building would be named Jiuding Building, and the donation would certainly increase the likelihood of the university producing talented graduates.
With Jiuding's enterprises and Xia Yu's reputation at the university, the school would lean towards the Jiuding Foundation. Outstanding graduates would be more inclined to work for Jiuding, making talent the greatest wealth.
Even a single top-notch talent could earn Xia Yu substantial profits, such as a financial genius who could make him billions or even tens of billions. If a management genius appeared, it would be even more profitable.
Currently, donating to Hong Kong Chinese University was also due to the conditions not being ideal. Otherwise, Xia Yu would have preferred to build a university himself to cultivate talent for Jiuding.
An unending supply of talent was the foundation for Jiuding's continued success.
"Mr. Xia, our university doesn't have much to offer. We kindly request that you become an honorary trustee of the university. Would you be willing?"
Principal Ma, having somewhat calmed down, made the request.
Although appointing an honorary trustee required a decision from the university's board of trustees, and it wasn't something Principal Ma could decide alone, he believed that there would be no opposition and that it would be approved.
Xia Yu's eyes lit up, and he said with a smile, "Is that really possible? It would be my honor!"
"Of course, it's possible, but please wait a few days."
"That's fine."
The conversation then became very lively. However, neither side discussed the specific donation details further. Mainly because Xia Yu didn't elaborate, and Principal Ma didn't want to pry.
Principal Ma was not worried, as promises from someone like Xia Yu were always reliable. Since Xia Yu had made a commitment, someone would follow up on it, and Xia Yu did not need to handle it personally.
"By the way, Principal Ma, I have another request."
"Please, go ahead!"
Principal Ma said with a serious expression.
"You also know that business development requires considering various factors. Especially as a business grows, the integration with society becomes deeper, and more aspects need to be considered."
"To better develop our business, I plan to establish the Jiuding Think Tank, which will focus on research in politics, society, and commerce. I hope the university's professors can be hired as research consultants in their spare time, or we can sponsor research projects in various faculties. What do you think?"
Xia Yu said after some thought.
Principal Ma showed a smile and replied without hesitation, "Of course, that's no problem. This is not a trouble at all; it's actually helping us in a roundabout way."
"Haha, Principal Ma, it should be mutually beneficial, a win-win situation!"
"Yes, a win-win!"
"Mr. Xia, let's discuss this in detail. Professors Xu, Ye, and Lin are here; they represent the School of Business Administration, Faculty of Arts, and Faculty of Law. I'll have someone notify the heads of other faculties."
"Alright…"
Afterward, Xia Yu shared his pre-planned ideas with Principal Ma and others.
Establishing a think tank was another step in his strategy, aimed at laying a foundation for Jiuding and gathering collective intelligence to help its growth.
With Xia Yu's resources, supporting a think tank was well within his means.
In his plan, Jiuding Think Tank would have three research institutes: Political Research Institute, Business Research Institute, and Social Research Institute.
Of course, whether military and technological research institutes would emerge in the future depended on future developments, which Xia Yu could not predict at this time.
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