China–SFSU Forum

Welcome to the Inaugural China-SFSU Forum!

Overview

The inaugural China-SFSU Forum, taking place on October 21, 2026, at San Francisco State University, invites students and the broader community to explore China, the world's second-largest economy and one of the most influential countries shaping global affairs today.

Through distinguished speakers and interactive panel discussions, the forum will examine China from multiple perspectives, including culture, sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation, and geopolitics. Participants will have opportunities to engage with ideas, ask questions, and connect with professionals, academics, and community leaders with deep experience and connections in China.

The forum is designed primarily for SFSU students, providing an accessible opportunity to expand their understanding of China beyond the classroom while making connections across academic, professional, and community networks. The event also welcomes faculty, professionals, community members, and anyone interested in learning more about China and its global impact.

Attendance is free with registration. Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Seven Hills Conference Center, 800 Font Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

Agenda

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.Networking Breakfast
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

  • David Landy, Ph.D. (San Francisco State University)
  • Kenny Chin, Ph.D. (Event Sponsor; Kenny and Maria C Chin Foundation)
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Panel 1: Tradition and Transformation in Contemporary Chinese Culture: Philosophy, Poetry and Cinema

  • Speakers:
    • Chris Wen-chao Li, Ph.D. (San Francisco State University)
    • Andrea Lingenfelter, Ph.D. (University of San Francisco)
    • Wei Yang Menkus, Ph.D. (University of San Francisco)
  • Moderator:  Fred Green, Ph.D. (San Francisco State University)
10:45 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.Coffee Break
11:05 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.Keynote: A Fireside Chat with Peter Lorentzen, Ph.D., and Ker Gibbs, Author of The Fragile Dragon
11:50 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.Lunch Break
12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Panel 2: Business, Entrepreneurship and Innovation in China

  • Speakers:
    • Lucy Chen (Claris Filemaker)
    • Jingmei Li (San Francisco State University)
    • Breaux Walker (SunCar Technology Group)
    • Yabing Zhao, Ph.D. (San Francisco State University)
  • Moderator:  Susan Cholette, Ph.D. (San Francisco State University)
1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Coffee Break
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Panel 3: Strategic Horizon: China's Global Role

  • Speakers:
    • See-Won Byun, Ph.D. (San Francisco State University)
    • Mahmood Monshipouri, Ph.D. (San Francisco State University)
    • Andrei P. Tsygankov, Ph.D. (San Francisco State University)
  • Moderator:  Burcu Ellis, Ph.D. (San Francisco State University)

Speakers

Headshot of See-Won Byun wearing a black top, with short dark hair against a white background.

See Won Byun

Associate Professor

of International Relations, San Francisco State University

Headshot of Lucy Chen smiling, with shoulder-length dark hair and wearing a black top against a gray background.

Lucy Chen

Vice President of Claris FileMaker Platform Engineering, Apple

Professional headshot of Ker Gibbs wearing a dark suit, white shirt and patterned blue tie against a light gray background.

Ker Gibbs

Author, The Fragile Dragon

Executive in Residence, University of San Francisco

Headshot of Jingmei Li wearing a sleeveless black-and-white patterned top, with short dark hair against a softly blurred background.

Jingmei Li

Lecturer

of International Business, San Francisco State University

Headshot of Mahmood Monshipouri wearing glasses, a blue shirt and a striped tie, standing in front of a bookshelf.

Chris Wen-Chao Li

Professor

of Modern Languages and Literature, San Francisco State University

Headshot of Peter Lorentzen smiling, wearing a light-colored button-down shirt against a gray background.

Peter Lorentzen

Associate Professor of Economics; Director of Master of Science Program in International and Development Economics, University of San Francisco

Close-up portrait of Andrea Lingenfelter smiling, with curly brown hair and glasses resting on her head.

Wei Yang Menkus

Associate Professor of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, University of San Francisco

Headshot of Andrei Tsygankov smiling, wearing glasses and a striped button-down shirt against a light background.

Andrei Tsygankov

Professor

of International Relations, San Francisco State University

Headshot of Yabing Zhao smiling, with long dark hair and wearing a gray blazer against a light background.

Yabing Zhao, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

of Global Business and Decision Intelligence, San Francisco State University

Read the Biographies of Featured Guests and Speakers

Event Leadership: Sponsor and Moderators

Kenny and Maria Chin standing together and smiling at an evening event, wearing formal attire and conference badges.

Kenny Chin, Ph.D.

President, Kenny and Maria C. Chin Foundation

China-SFSU Forum Event Sponsor

Head-and-shoulders portrait of a smiling person with shoulder-length blonde hair and glasses, photographed outdoors against a softly blurred green background.

Susan Cholette

Professor

of Global Business and Decision Intelligence, San Francisco State University; YF Chang Endowed Chair in International Business

Head-and-shoulders portrait of a smiling person with long wavy dark hair and glasses, wearing a burgundy top against a plain background.

Burcu Ellis

Professor/Chair

of International Relations, San Francisco State University

Frederik Green headshot

Frederik Green

Professor/Chair

of Modern Languages and Literatures, San Francisco State University