Stephen A. Schwarzman
(Copyright – World Economic Forum , Photo by Remy Steinegger)

It doesn’t take a clairvoyant, or genius, to see where the global economic and political muscle will be in the future. The sub-prime mortgage crisis of the last few years highlights not only glaring discrepancies in national economic policies, but also the regulatory mechanics supposedly in place to monitor them. Regardless, the West has been struggling to stay afloat whilst the ‘BRIC’ countries are moving from strength to strength. Brazil, Russia, India and China are the ones to watch, and they are the ones that will be shaping how we will live.

It is with a keen, prescient view that a notable philanthropist has recently set up an interesting new scholarship programme, The BBC reports “US private-equity magnate Stephen Schwarzman has launched a $300m (£200m) scholarship programme to send 200 foreign post-graduate students to study in China each year.” It’s fascinating to see how the tides have turned, and how quickly; it wasn’t long ago that America held the promise of the future – unequaled education, job opportunities and the rest of the Hollywood dream. Now that dream is changing, and Schwarzman sees an important opportunity to encourage a bridge for the future – a bright idea. Read the rest of this entry →