Ms. Shaoying Yuan, Partner, Dentons

"Bridging the gap: OU alum builds sturdy bonds to connect China and Japan"

Ms. Shaoying Yuan received her master’s degree from Osaka University’s Graduate School of Law, and is now a partner at a firm in Shanghai, China called Dentons, which has a global network in more than 200 countries and regions around the world, one of the largest in the sector.

Blessed with strong interpersonal relationships

After studying Japanese language and law at a university in China, Ms. Yuan aspired to continue her studies at Osaka University, which has a prestigious status among her peers around the world. This stellar reputation made her take great pride in being a student at OU.

Based on her experiences in Japan, she feels that connections between people are crucial. She was given the opportunity to enter Osaka University by a friend who kindly provided her with advice and information about her supervisor at Osaka University when she was preparing to take entrance examinations. She started studying at OU as a research student before becoming a full-time regular student there. Her peers and supervisor offered to help her settle into both her academic life at OU and her daily life in the region. The warm welcome and assistance that she received fostered an appreciation of interpersonal relationships in her, which she always holds dear. She enjoys keeping in touch with her peers and alumni at OU through her business and personal life.

Acting as a bridge between China and Japan through her expertise

The positive experiences and hospitality provided to her by those around her in Japan have led Ms. Yuan to strive to become a bridge between China and Japan. She provides legal services to both Chinese and Japanese enterprises in M&A, development of new businesses, partnering, and other areas, and she enjoys her role in connecting the two countries.

Although things are not always easy in the business sector, Ms. Yuan is committed to doing her best to see her responsibilities through. She keeps in mind that interpersonal communication is critically important for most everything. Her integrity towards her work has earned her the trust of clients in both China and Japan.

A message from Ms. Yuan to OU students

“Osaka University is a university filled with rich international environments, reflecting its motto of ‘Live Locally, Grow Globally’.” She continues, “Cherish yourself and enjoy what you can do right now without fearing uncertainty. As you accomplish the goals you face one by one, you will be rewarded. You may not be rewarded for all your hard work right away, but rest assured that your efforts will pay off in due time. Do not be hasty. If you look at things from a wider perspective, you will naturally acquire a broader point of view. Enjoy whatever comes your way.”

Text: Saori Obayashi/Edit: Christopher Bubb