Shang Rong serves as the Director of Public Affairs and Communications for the Zhongguancun Academy (ZGCA) and the Zhongguancun Institute of Artificial Intelligence (ZGCI).

In this capacity, she leads all strategic communications, public affairs, and media relations efforts for these pioneering institutions. A key focus of her role is to foster and manage strategic partnerships with universities and research institutions, strengthening the vital academic ecosystem that underpins the ZGCA-ZGCI model.

ZGCA and ZGCI operate as a unified engine for AI innovation. ZGCA is dedicated to reimagining talent development through interdisciplinary, project-based learning, while ZGCI is focused on translating fundamental research into real-world, industry-changing applications.

She is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in corporate communications, brand management, government affairs, and strategic marketing. Her career is distinguished by a unique blend of experience in journalism, public relations agencies, and in-house corporate leadership.

Prior to her current position, Shang Rong was the Vice President of Communications & Government Affairs for the Microsoft Asia-Pacific R&D Group. Before Microsoft, she built and led the Corporate Communications function for Cisco in China. Her earlier career includes roles as a PR consultant at Hill and Knowlton and as a contributing editor for an automotive magazine.

Shang Rong holds a master’s degree in business administration from the joint International MBA program of Beijing University and Fordham University and a bachelor’s degree in Electronics from Beijing Normal University. She also holds an Executive Philanthropy Management Program diploma from the China Global Philanthropy Institute.