Wan Gang, former president of Tongji University and China's new
minister of science and technology, is a devoted scientist, caring
mentor and gifted intellectual in the eyes of his students and
colleagues.
"He is a conscientious scientist whose goal is to improve
people's lives through technology. I have deep respect for Wan,"
said Zheng Hongbo, dean of the Tongji's School of Ocean and Earth
Science.
Zheng said Wan took an early and active interest in global
warming and began studying clean energy and
environmentally-friendly cars long before most Chinese
scientists.
Wang Xiaohui, a well-known photographer and former colleague of
Wan, remembered first learning about Wan from friends while
studying in Germany, where Wan spent 10 years as a senior manager
with Audi, the German automaker.
"They said I must get to know Wan Gang, because we were both
graduates from Tongji University. His achievements in Germany made
him famous among my German friends," Wang said.
"We finally had the chance to meet at the German Consul-General
in Shanghai. In our first chat, Wan's intellect impressed me. I
couldn't tell what major he was because he has a profound knowledge
of both arts and economics," she said.
Wan encouraged Wang to establish a college that combined arts
and technology.
Wang went on to establish the College of New Media, where she
became a professor. Wan continued to provide his insight.
"He believes that combining arts and high-technology will get
students better prepared for future jobs and consequently promote
the development of the society," Wang said.
Wang remembered a German television interview when Wan displayed
his varied intellect. In the interview, he spoke about the impact
of automobiles on urban development.
"His fluent German and English and quick wit surprised the
German audience," Wang said.
(China Daily?April 28, 2007)