On November 22, 2025, the 2025 French Corporate Day Forum & Sino-French Job Fair, initiated by the CCI French Chine (CCIFC) and co-organized by the School of Economics and Management of Tongji University (Tongji SEM), concluded successfully. Featuring a dual format of “forum + job fair,” the event built a solid platform for in-depth engagement between Chinese and French enterprises and university talents, injecting new vitality into Sino-French integration across industry, academia, and research.

Vice President of Tongji University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Prof. TONG Xiaohua, and Mr. Joan VALADOU, Consul General of France in Shanghai, delivered opening remarks. Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Benjamin DEMIÈRE, Consul for Education of the Consulate General of France in Shanghai; Prof. LIANG Jian, Deputy Dean of Tongji SEM; Mr. Pascal CHEN, East & Central China Director of CCIFC; and representatives from more than 20 renowned French enterprises. The event received strong support from the Foreign Affairs Office, the Student Career Development Center, and the Sino-French Institute of Engineering and Management of Tongji University, with over a hundred guests witnessing this major event for Sino-French talent exchange.

Prof. TONG Xiaohua noted in his opening speech that Tongji University, as a “pioneer of Sino-French cooperation,” has cultivated generations of outstanding talents with both Tongji heritage and a global French perspective over the past three decades. He emphasized that today’s event not only inherits past achievements but also charts a vision for future development. He extended a sincere invitation to French companies to deepen collaboration with Tongji through joint R&D platforms, customized talent-training programs, and shared innovation resources—making Tongji a “talent reservoir” and innovative partner for French enterprises in China. He also encouraged young students to seize this opportunity to become “future ambassadors” of Sino-French cooperation and realize their value on the global stage.

Prof. TONG Xiaohua, Vice President of Tongji University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering

Mr. Joan VALADOU highlighted that nearly 2,000 French companies are currently operating in China, creating over 300,000 jobs and serving as a core pillar of Sino-French economic cooperation. Beyond investment, French enterprises stand out with strengths in ecological transition and environmental protection, technological innovation, ethical values, inclusive management, and gender equality. He stated that this event continues that momentum by providing a valuable bridge for French companies in China to connect with outstanding Chinese talents who possess new technical skills, innovative thinking, international vision, and strong attention to workplace culture.

Mr. Joan VALADOU, Consul General of France in Shanghai

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Mr. Pascal CHEN warmly welcomed all participants. He noted that French enterprises in China are open, inclusive, and ambitious. The creativity, innovation mindset, technological competence, and market understanding of Chinese talents are crucial to the success of French companies in China. He encouraged students and young professionals to boldly join French enterprises to explore their corporate cultures, work models, and diverse career opportunities both locally and in France.

Mr. Pascal CHEN, East & Central China Director of CCIFC

This year’s French Corporate Day Forum focused on two core themes: “When Tech Meets Humanity: How French Companies Use Technology to Empower Their Talent” and “Driving Sustainable Transformation: How French Companies Foster Talent on the Green Journey.” The discussions shed light on technological innovation, sustainability, and the evolving talent development strategies of French companies.

The first session, moderated by Prof. LIANG Jian, Deputy Dean of Tongji SEM, featured speakers including Ted LAI, Chief Digital Officer Sanofi Greater China; Sheen ZHANG, General Manager APAC, Bonpoint; Fabien XU, Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE Lab Director; and JI Yijin, Human Resources Director of Ubisoft China Studios. They shared vivid examples of how technology reshapes talent development—making it more human-centered, efficient, and creative—illustrating the philosophy of “technology serving people” in the digital era.

The second session, moderated by Alexandre CHIENG, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at Agatha Paris, brought together JeeSeon PARK, Chief Sustainability Officer, China & North Asia, L’Oréal Group; Philippe OBRY, Senior Vice President, Akila; Alan TAN, Vice President, Human Resources & Communication Greater China, Arkema; and Vivian WENG, Vice President, Human Resources–Greater China, Rémy Cointreau. The speakers agreed that sustainable transformation is not only a technological revolution but also a profound evolution in talent development and corporate culture—setting a model that “cultivates talent through protecting the planet.”

During the event, Tongji SEM held a thematic seminar titled “Sino-French Partnership for Elite Talent Development: Integrating Industry and Education for the Future” Executives from Fortune Global 500 French enterprises, together with CCIFC representatives, engaged in in-depth discussions on new pathways and opportunities in Sino-French talent development. Both sides reached an initial consensus on aligning talent training with enterprise needs, laying a solid foundation for the creation of an integrated educational ecosystem that links education, industry, and innovation through digital empowerment.

On the same day, the Sino-French Job Fair took place with great success. Nearly 30 companies presented over 150 positions across pharmaceuticals, finance, construction materials, transportation equipment, automotive manufacturing, industrial software, luxury goods, and more. The event attracted over 400 students and job seekers, providing a direct and effective bridge to employment.

The 2025 French Corporate Day Forum & Sino-French Job Fair offered high-quality resources for students and established a long-term platform for deep collaboration between enterprises and universities. Tongji SEM will continue to strengthen Sino-French cooperation among universities, enterprises, and social organizations, promoting the integration of education and talent development with industry and innovation, and contributing more exceptional talent to the high-quality development of Sino-French cooperation.