Huang Tianlei – NexGen Global Forum

Leo Tianlei Huang graduated with honors from Fudan University, with degrees in international politics and philosophy, and is currently a Young Leader at Pacific Forum CSIS. Prior to starting at Tsinghua-SAIS, Leo served as an Academic Affairs Officer at the China Energy Fund Committee’s International Center, while also working a freelance translator for Shanghai Sanhui Books. As published researcher and book translator based in Shanghai, Leo was a Wang-dao Scholar, a PRC National Scholarship recipient, a University’s Outstanding Graduate, a Rhodes Scholarship Finalist and dean’s recommendation list. Leo has studied abroad at Korea University and the University of British Columbia, and has interned with the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Control Risks Group, and the European Chamber of Commerce in China. Leo speaks Mandarin and English, with a basic knowledge in French, Korean and Japanese.
​Leo’s primary research interest lies within the intersection of art— particularly theatre and performance art— and political transition. He is also interested in topics including but not limited to China in Africa, Cross-Strait relations, North Korea, the South China Sea, and China’s public diplomacy strategy overseas. His latest work on Chinese oil investment in Chad can be viewed in China Reference. Upon graduation from the dual degree program, he aspires to pursue a career in public diplomacy or academia, perhaps both.