Having arrived with a mission to China, Milán Markos considers himself a cosmopolitan, a global citizen with a particular interest in International Finance and Business. “China has a significant role in the global economy, before the plan of my business journey in China, I barely had any idea what China exactly meant. I am a curious man, so I had to come here to China and see it myself, that is the only way I consider gathering authentic information.”
While pursuing his studies in the International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) program at Tianjin University in Tianjin, a bustling port city in northern China, he expresses keen interest in the potential outcomes of President Xi’s visit, particularly in terms of bilateral trade and investment cooperation. “As an international student, I have already experienced the advantages of the relationship between China and Hungary, starting with the Budapest-Beijing direct flight. Chinese people are aware of the deepening relationship as well; after asking about nationality, they have always welcomed me as a friend. This experience had a huge impact on my very first days during my journey in China.”
Milán Markos from Hungary introduces himself and his plans in a private equity fund company in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong Province 0n January 25，2024.
Milán finds international cooperation a place to deliver value, a space for innovation. As a business student who is actively participating in the intensive Chinese course, Milán is keeping an open eye for opportunities to put his knowledge, gained during his stay in China, into a good service for both nations.
“Exploring different regions of China was essential for me. During the trips, business has been the perspective that defined the time spent.” In Hong Kong and Shanghai, he gained insight into the financial atmosphere. “One of my good friends introduced me to representatives of a leading international insurance company in Hong Kong. During the lunch we had together, engaging ideas have been discussed related to the insurance industry.” The cities of Beijing, Xi’an, and Suzhou introduced colorful culture and a long history. The bustling city of Shenzhen played a notable role in discovering innovation and the start-up community, the Tsingtao Brewery Museum in Qingdao gave him an insight into the beer industry and the Tsingtao community. He seized every opportunity to engage with locals in each city he visited, conversing with taxi drivers, open-air market vendors, students, researchers, and even executives at various companies.
Milán (middle) from Hungary approaches experienced merchants to ask his questions in Xi'an city, northwest China's Shaanxi Province on April 5，2024.
After the travels Milán made in China, his Chinese proficiency improved, and he could relate to more and more discussed topics during the IMBA courses. “Corporate Finance and Operations Management are the courses that had a huge influence on me. During the Corporate Finance classes, we have discovered Chinese companies, their main activity, and their presence on the stock exchange. Discussing business topics with my Chinese classmates, participating in projects, and giving presentations let me have a deeper understanding of the Chinese business landscape.” Operations Management had a different approach to viewing the companies. “I always seek to have a look at the big picture, during the operations management courses, we considered corporations as a whole and discussed problems accordingly.” Having visited a Chinese cutting-edge technology factory, Milán was delighted to exchange ideas with employees and managers at the factory plant in Tianjin.
“My Grandmother was the original businesswoman, and still my inspiration. She has always been thinking outside of the box” Milán has shared that his Grandmother was the critical one to him. Always told as she sees the facts, what is the truth and not what one wants to hear. Milán learned to trust the instincts you have and the importance of actions over words. “These lessons I’ve learned from my Grandmother helped me decide to be an exchange student in a different environment, and get to know people and the situation there.”
Milán has started his career at an international accounting and finance organization. This work experience heightened further his awareness of global perspectives, leading him to understand that thinking outside the box requires broadening one's horizons and viewing the world from multiple angles. This notion motivated him to seek opportunities to study abroad. Having extensively traveled throughout Europe and yearning to immerse himself in a culture vastly distinct from those he knew, Milán ultimately chose China.
Milán in Chinese class
Despite the IMBA program being taught in English at Tianjin University, Milán actively sought out opportunities to attend classes that required higher levels of Chinese proficiency. “I excel under pressure. I need a challenging environment” He has joined Chinese classes being taught at a higher level, than his current Chinese language knowledge is, with a strategy of catching up and making extra efforts to master Chinese. “My ambition brings me to the class that prepares for the advanced proficiency language exam” He added: “It is fundamental in conducting international business to speak the language and enhance effective communication”
As the due date to take the Chinese language exam approaches, Milán has already decided to return to Hungary this summer after the exam. “While my physical journey in China may be coming to a temporary halt, I will be working on further improving my financial knowledge about China, which also means boosting my Chinese proficiency to a level that allows me to use it during business negotiations. I am actively expanding my network in China and seeking opportunities to cooperate with Chinese organizations to create value for both China and Hungary,” he concludes warmly.
By Eva Yin & Milán Markos
