BusinessTN

The Chinese philosopher Confucius once said, "Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure." Such words summarize the spirit behind the University of Memphis' Confucius Institute, as well as the intent of the Institute's director, Hsiang-te Kung.

The Memphis incarnation of the Confucius Institute, which partners with Hubei University in China, was approved in 2007, by the Chinese Embassy and the Beijing-based Office of Chinese Language Council International. At the time, it was the 24th Confucius Institute in the United States and the first in the Midsouth. (There are now 52 throughout the United States and more than 100 worldwide.)

Kung credits both personal and institutional efforts for the successful establishment of the Institute, and indeed, Kung's personal role should not be underestimated. A professor of geography, Kung was born in China and grew up in Taiwan before moving to the United States in 1969 and joining the university in 1981. His credentials include a Master of Science and doctorates from UT-Knoxville in both geography and geology. But as important as any academic credential is his bloodline: Kung is a 75th generation descendant of Confucius.

For its part, the University provided the institute with the 11th floor of the Wilder Tower and, with the aid of an anonymous $1 million donation, created a new Asian Studies and International Trade program that began in the fall of 2007.

With the goal of creating a Confucius Institute achieved, Kung then set out to execute its mission. "The institute's main purpose is to provide global education and promote culture through the teaching of language, bringing about multiculturalism and diversity," Kung says. "The biggest barrier to trade is language."

To address this and other barriers, the Institute prepares students for a global market largely dominated by China and its 1.3 billion Chinese speakers by offering a wide range of opportunities for students and teachers alike. More than 200 university students, teachers and high school students have traveled to China through the Confucius Institute in the past few years. And stateside, during the recent spring semester, the Institute offered 17 classes, ranging from Chinese language instruction to classes on Asian culture (Tai Chi, cooking, etc.). Kung also travels to schools and universities across the state.

Though a global effort, the Institute's presence in Memphis is a more natural fit than one might expect. The business ties between the Middle Kingdom and the Bluff City are substantial. According to the U.S.-China Business Council, China is Tennessee's third largest export market, following Canada and Mexico. And the Memphis International Airport has maintained its ranking as the largest cargo airport in the world, slightly ahead of Hong Kong International Airport. Even in cultural matters, Memphis and China have official connections that go beyond business and industry. The Memphis Zoo is one of only four zoos in the United States to which China has loaned Giant Pandas for long-term exhibition. Even college sports programs have been impacted: In 2007, the University of Memphis solidified a five-year, collaborative project with China by signing an agreement with the Chinese Basketball Association.

As for the Confucius Institute's ultimate success in building stronger relations between the state and China, Kung sums it up with one of the core tenets of Confucianism itself: "Education is key." That's a sentiment business and political leaders throughout Tennessee can support.