Nueno says Xi sent positive signals when talking about social concerns, peace and China's opening-up.

Neuno encourages entrepreneurship among students and alumni. The school recently established two investment platforms to sponsor students' projects that offer new ideas, cutting-edge technology and good jobs.

"By nurturing open-minded entrepreneurs, we want to contribute to society in a practical way," Neuno says.

CEIBS' ongoing efforts in Africa echoes what Xi has emphasized about the need for Chinese firms to go global.

"Xi mentioned that the prosperity of China will not be achieved without the prosperity of the rest of the countries," Nueno says. "This is something we are writing cases of and putting models on that we see as good examples."

CEIBS' executive president Zhu Xiao-ming believes Nueno's contributions are not only founding the school but also bringing international resources to China.

"Through the school, Nueno helped provide the business management skills needed to drive Chinese economic growth and nurtured thousands of business management talents," Zhu says.

The Shanghai government gave Nueno the Golden Magnolia Award in 2007. He received the China Friendship Award from the State Council in 2009. The Spanish government has also honored his work.

"Not many holidays and not many free weekends - this has been my life. I even used my flights to write," he says.

He has published 14 books.

Nueno has also missed much time with his family, who lives in Spain. But his three children and seven grandchildren have visited China.

"They have all heard me talk a lot about CEIBS, and understand and appreciate the importance and magnitude of the project," he says.

As he nears 70, Nueno says age won't hamper his work to change lives - including his own.

Contact the writers at hewei@chinadaily.com.cn and mazhenhuan@chinadaily.com.cn.