Dr. Victor Yuan Named Scholl Visiting Fellow on US-China Relations

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is pleased to announce Dr. Victor Yuan, a renowned expert in public opinion and market research in China, as the 2016 Dr. Scholl Foundation Visiting Fellow on U.S.-China Relations. Dr. Yuan is the founder and chairman of Dataway Horizon, China’s leading public opinion, data collection and data analysis organization.

“Dr. Yuan and his organization have been pioneers in translating data into insight about today’s Chinese society,” said Brian Hanson, the Council’s vice president of studies. “That is of particular interest to the Council as we undertake our own polling each year of Americans’ views on foreign policy issues. We also have been impressed by Dr. Yuan’s work to lead an international effort to increase the transparency of the Chinese government and his work as a social entrepreneur, showing a deep commitment to developing China’s next generation.”

Dr. Yuan will visit the Council starting in late November and will deliver the eighth annual Dr. Scholl Foundation lecture on Wednesday, December 7. During his visiting fellowship, Dr. Yuan will engage Chicago-area businesses, universities, institutions and media on the impact of his polling work in China and the implications of big data, transparency, entrepreneurship and youth development.

“For the largest country in the world, the attitudes and opinions of ordinary Chinese citizens remains mysterious to many,” said Dr. Yuan. “In this fast-changing time, it is imperative for business leaders and policymakers to understand the public’s will, leanings and aspirations. I hope my visit to Chicago can enhance the flow of information between our two countries.”

Dr. Yuan received a doctorate in sociology from Peking University and a master’s in public administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He currently serves as vice president of the Harvard Club Beijing. He was a Yale World Fellow in 2007 and holds a master of laws from Southwest University of Political Science and Law. Dr. Yuan has published more than 400 research pieces and 20 books on topics in economics, sociology and political science. He has served as a strategic consultant for multiple renowned multinationals, domestic media organizations and corporations and has also anchored the Shanghai business TV show “Brainstorming.” He has more than 6.7 million followers on Weibo, China’s most popular social media platform.

He also founded the Center for Youth Entrepreneurship for Society, a nonprofit that supports youth engagement in civil society, entrepreneurship and philanthropy among next generation leaders in China.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation Visiting Fellow on U.S.-China Relations was established in 2012 to build Chicago-China institutional ties, advance dialogue between Chicagoans and Chinese experts and enhance Chicago’s relevance and visibility with Chinese leaders.