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How much should a Tsinghua university graduate be making?

A diploma from a prestigious Chinese university might not be that special any more.

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As China’s talent pool broadens and society becomes more diverse, that linkage is being shaken. A Tsinghua diploma is no longer so special, says the writer.

As China’s talent pool broadens and society becomes more diverse, that linkage is being shaken. A Tsinghua diploma is no longer so special, says the writer.

PHOTO: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY/FACEBOOK

Shuli Ren

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It’s post-graduation season in China. Tiger Moms are naturally comparing notes on the salaries of fresh alumni from top universities. What kind of return might they expect, after spending years – and sometimes a fortune – demanding academic excellence from their offspring? 

A doctor friend told me recently that her son got a job at Huawei Technologies, considered one of the most prestigious employers in China. The young man studied computer science at Tsinghua University and then Brown University in the US. Huawei is starting him at 400,000 yuan (S$72,600) a year, the parent beamed. 

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