Shirley Yu is a distinguished expert and high performance speaker renowned for her profound insights into China’s political economy and techno-geopolitics. With a formidable blend of academic excellence and practical experience, Shirley has become a leading voice on global issues that affect boardrooms, policy rooms, and research institutions worldwide. Her career is a testament to her dedication to understanding and interpreting the complex interplay between politics, technology, and economics, making her an invaluable resource for audiences across the globe.
In the early stages of her illustrious career, Shirley built a strong academic foundation, earning a Ph.D. in political economy from Peking University and a Master’s degree from Harvard University. This rigorous academic training paved the way for her initial forays into research and policy analysis. As a Senior Practitioner Fellow and a Board Observer at Blackstone Loan Financing, Ltd, she honed her expertise in emerging markets and the dynamics of Chinese influence. These early experiences laid the groundwork for her later achievements, equipping her with the analytical acumen and strategic insight that would soon make her a sought-after figure in international forums.
More recently, Shirley has significantly broadened her portfolio with a series of high-profile appointments and publications. She has served as a Non Executive Director at Vision Acquisitions HK, and from 2021 she has held the role of Honorary Distinguished Foreign Faculty Professor at the National Defence University Islamabad. Her role as Director for the China-Africa Initiative at LSE and as a Director at Shirley Yu & Co. has further established her as a pivotal influencer in global public policy. Additionally, her publication “Huawei Goes Global: Made in China for the World” reinforces her reputation as an authority on Chinese business practices and international strategy. Shirley’s frequent contributions to leading publications, like BBC and CNN, and her participation on platforms such as the Davos Expert Network and various global think tanks further underscore her impact.
Shirley’s dynamic career trajectory, marked by academic brilliance and a series of influential roles, makes her a compelling choice as a high performance speaker. Her ability to distil complex issues into engaging, actionable insights is highly valued by Fortune Global 100 companies and multilateral institutions alike. With a proven track record of shaping strategic dialogues and influencing global policy debates, Shirley continues to inspire and lead, demonstrating that her expertise is not only profound but also indispensable in today’s interconnected world.
