Tsinghua SEM has founded its China Research Center for Insurance and Risk Management on April 29, 2008. The Center was established under financial support of Zurich Financial Services. With the financial donation of $3.5 million by Zurich, the center is the largest project that Zurich has supported so far in China. And this is also the latest cooperation between one of the world’s largest financial services providers and Chinese academic community in efforts to enhance the research capability and professional experience in China’s insurance industry.

Vice Chairman of the Council of University Affairs Shi Zongkai, Vice Chairman of China Securities Regulatory Commission Li Kemu and Zurich Financial Services CEO James J. Schiro attended the founding ceremony held at Shunde Building of Tsinghua SEM and delivered addresses. The ceremony was also seen by representatives from Zurich, Tsinghua SEM, and relevant government departments and organizations. Professor Liao li, Associate Dean of Tsinghua SEM presided at the ceremony.

The 2008 Tsinghua Insurance Development Forum took place later. China Securities Regulatory Commission representative Dong Bo, Zurich Financial Services CEO James J. Schiro and Tsinghua SEM Special-term Professor Michael R. Powers delivered speeches at the forum.

Before the founding ceremony, the unveiling ceremony of " Zurich Financial Services Lecture Hall" was held later. Room 202 of Shunde Building was named " Zurich LectureHall" permanently.