Tsinghua University, one of the most prestigious universities in China, announced in Beijing Sunday it has appointed 28 well-known overseas academics.

The academics are from renowned institutions such as Harvard University and the International Monetary Fund.

President of the university Wang Dazhong said the appointment is a major step towards making Tsinghua one of the world's top universities.

He says the academics appointed will be divided into seven groups with such specialties as economics, finance and management. During their three to four months stay at Tsinghua's Institute of Economics and Management, they will teach undergraduates as well as graduates.

Dean of the institute Zhao Chunjun said they are seeking full- time and first-rate academics.

It is reported Tsinghua topped a 2001 survey for national MBA teaching and learning.

(People's Daily April 29, 2002)