Wang Huiyao: a scholar or a social entrepreneur?

One of the other major reasons for Wang’s success are the decisions made by Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China's economic reform and opening up. Wang is grateful for these reforms as, under Deng's leadership in 1977, the government resumed running the gaokao after a hiatus of 11 years. Wang was among the first batch of students to sit the test. The students from 1977, ‘78, and ‘79 were proudly given the name “the New Three Classes (新三届) by their countrymen, who placed enormous hope on their knowledge and training being able to kick start the economy and national development. Later in life, Wang would compile a book, called "The Three Classes" (那三届), that told their stories.

Wang Huiyao, Founder and President of Center for China and Globalization (CCG) [File photo: provided to China Plus]

The resumption of the gaokao also opened the door for young hopefuls to pursue a higher education overseas. This would lead to a steady flow of "sea turtles" (海归（龟）), the name given to Chinese students who go abroad to study and gain work experience before returning home to China to continue their career. They were lured back in part by generous preferential policies offered by the government. It's fair to say that without these people, China wouldn't have achieved as much as it has over the past four decades. Wang and his generation of students are major beneficiaries of China's reform and opening up, and also major contributors to it.

After graduating as an English major, Wang got a job at the Ministry of Commerce. Due to his relentless diligence and desire to aspire, he grasped every work opportunity to practice his English and learn everything he could about commerce. He soon outgrew his work at the ministry, and decided to go abroad to pursue an MBA in Canada. He worked for global companies as well as for government in Canada, followed by a stint in Hong Kong. Then in 1992, Deng Xiaoping went on what would come to be known as his Southern Tour. He visited the country’s booming modern manufacturing hubs and sent a clear message in his well-publicized speeches that, despite some initial resistance from policy conservatives, reform and opening up was China’s road to prosperity. But if it was to succeed, it needed outside expertise. Wang answered Beijing’s call and returned home to serve his country.

Wang Huiyao, Founder and President of Center for China and Globalization (CCG) [File photo: provided to China Plus]

Gratitude is best expressed in reciprocity and sacrifice. Wang recognized that without reform, talent, and opening up, China couldn’t succeed in lifting its vast population out of poverty and improve their living standards. And so he gave up a successful career and a comfortable life overseas to return and make a difference in the best way that he could. The independent think tank founded by Wang Huiyao, the CCG, is one of the world’s top 100 think tanks, and one of China’s top 10. It draws on outstanding people in its talent pool to provide advice to decision makers, and build new bridges between China with the rest of the world.

In 2018, China celebrated the 40th anniversary of its policy of reform and opening up. If it is to create achievements in development in the coming decades as extraordinary as those made during the past four decades, it will need more exceptional talent. And Wang plans to keep doing all that he can to make sure that talent is ready and willing to serve when it’s needed.