In the context of deepening global multipolarity and regional cooperation, “cross-border cultural and talent collaboration” has emerged as a central issue between emerging economies and developed nations. Within this expansive narrative, one pragmatic leader from China—Yu Junbo—is making a mark through his exceptional leadership at the Belt and Road Talent and Cultural Exchange Association, redefining what it means to drive modern international engagement from the ground up.

An alumnus of Qingdao University with a degree in International Economics and Trade, Yu Junbo assumed the role of General Manager at the Belt and Road Talent and Cultural Exchange Association in June 2023. In just two years, leveraging his multi-disciplinary background in cross-border services, digital platform operations, and organizational management, he has led the transformation of the association from a traditional cultural exchange body into a modernized, internationally cooperative institution.

Breaking away from outdated models focused primarily on ceremonial receptions, Yu Junbo introduced the concept that “cross-cultural competence is a future economic asset.” He embedded this vision into the association’s institutional reforms and project designs. Under his leadership, the organization expanded beyond conventional art exhibitions and delegations, and began engaging in international talent matching, industry skill output, and policy training initiatives, significantly enhancing the strategic value of its services.

Structurally, Yu Junbo serves as the top executive of the association. Not only does he craft its developmental strategies, but he also personally oversees the reorganization of key functional departments. He initiated the establishment of the Strategic Development Department, International Cooperation Division, and Information Technology Unit, constructing a modern organizational framework that is both strategically robust and technologically agile. His teams now include more than 30 professionals across disciplines such as project planning, technical development, market expansion, and brand management.

These structural optimizations have paved the way for broader international partnerships. Under Yu Junbo’s guidance, the association has signed cooperative agreements with organizations like SkillsFuture Singapore and the Southeast Asia Cultural Promotion Alliance. These partnerships have yielded integrated projects covering vocational training, bilingual talent mobility, and overseas implementation of support systems. In 2024, for the first time, international project revenue accounted for over 50% of the association’s total income—marking a strategic leap into a service-driven model of exchange.

Another major highlight of Yu Junbo’s tenure has been the association’s digital transformation. Drawing from his hands-on experience in tech management, he spearheaded the development of a digital service platform centered on workflow visualization and integrated data systems. The platform supports online project applications, resource sharing, and activity collaboration among member units. It also includes real-time analytics that inform decision-making. Trialed and adopted by several regional associations, the system has significantly expanded the central association’s influence and professional credibility.

Yu Junbo’s impact extends beyond internal operations. With a strong cross-sectoral vision, he has actively participated in industry policy feedback mechanisms, organized multiple expert roundtables, and provided actionable advice to small and medium-sized exit-entry service providers. His efforts have contributed to the standardization of industry practices and the establishment of vocational training systems, promoting both specialization and sustainable development within the broader cross-border service sector. He has also been a frequent guest at key forums, building bridges between government entities and industry stakeholders.

Importantly, Yu Junbo has remained committed to the principle that management work should serve national strategies, facilitate people-to-people diplomacy, and improve the quality of talent mobility. He has spearheaded special programs such as the “Multilingual Youth International Practice Plan” and the “Return Pathway for Highly Skilled Chinese Professionals,” both of which have supported human capital development in Belt and Road countries while contributing to mutual cultural understanding and economic cooperation.

Industry analysts have noted that Yu Junbo’s contributions go beyond the internal modernization of the association. He has broken away from the limitations of traditional cultural exchange models, which often emphasized form over function. By embedding cultural exchange into a framework of data-supported, institutionalized, and market-oriented governance, he has laid the groundwork for what could become a national blueprint for similar organizations.

Yu Junbo is not merely an executor nor solely a strategist—he is a bridge between management and culture, technology and diplomacy, national policy and social need. In a world increasingly in need of mutual understanding and cooperation, his kind of leadership is not only rare but profoundly valuable.