SHANGHAI: China's so-called "rich second generation" of business scions have so far been best known for generating negative news reports, such as for drink driving and street racing.

Now, a leading university has launched a special business programme catering to this privileged second generation, who are slated to take charge of their family enterprises one day.

The overseas education college of Shanghai Jiaotong University will cooperate with America's West Point Military Academy, Britain's Cambridge University and European business schools for the course.

Over the past 30 years, China has seen rapid development of private enterprises. Yet, as the first generation of entrepreneurs nears retirement, their would-be successors seem to drift idly.

"We believe that entrepreneurs can be trained with the proper approach. We hope to cultivate more entrepreneurs who can commit to the responsibilities of the family as well as society, and, meanwhile, master advanced business knowledge and management skills," said executive dean Wang Hongxin of Overseas Education College at Shanghai Jiaotong University.

The course will last 3 1/2 years, and contain both theoretical and practical aspects. Its curriculum will include topics on West Point leadership, familybusiness challenges and entrepreneurship.

Most candidates, now working at the executive level in their family businesses, are between age 25 and 30, with a bachelor's or master's degree. More than half would have had an overseas education background.

Wen Jun, a sociology professor at East China Normal University, applauded such studies, saying the rich scions could not rely "on only family experiences".