The theme of the 2016 ceremony is - China Education Revolution. Ms. Gu Xiulian, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress presented the awards to the winners this year. Manchester Business School was the only overseas school to receive an award at the ceremony. Most importantly, the entire event was set up to recognize and appreciate the great work that education workers from remote primary school teachers to heads of distinguished universities. It is a great honour for UoM China Centre to centre on the same stage with these respectful professionals.

The University of Manchester China Centre Director Ms. Sherry Fu was awarded for her contribution in bringing one of the top western business education offerings to China, receiving Business Education Leaders 2016 award. “It is a great privilege standing here today with dedicated educators and leaders. We opened our door in China in 2008. We are more than happy having the Manchester Brand recognized in China, while receiving a personal award for myself. I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our students, alumni and organizations support and work so closely with us. Thank you all!”

The theme of the Forum this year is Revolution and Transformation. With a growing number of schools offering MBA programmes in China in recent years, how can schools offer better value proposal to candidates and how should business schools lead themselves to nurture talents in this new era of online technology and social media? China Centre Director expressed her view during a panel discussion among business school leaders.

 “As a business school, we pride ourselves in adopting innovative ways to integrate teaching and learning.  We design our programme so that face-to-face learning can be incorporated with distance learning. In doing so, technology helps to offer flexibility and convenience to our students without compromising the benefit of classroom teaching.” Said Sherry, “We also believe that business schools should stay closely connected to businesses. We continuously explore opportunities to create talent management partnerships to both local and international enterprises. This helps us understand what real businesses are in need of. For example, we are going to a launch short-term programme in February 2017 on Negotiation Skills. This is result of understanding businesses and what students need.”

China Centre Director Ms. Sherry Fu was invited to deliver a speech to the audience, “Since we opened our door as Manchester Business School China Centre in 2008, we have been communicating Manchester values and delivering Manchester qualities to Chinese working professionals. We are proud of ourselves as one to the top Western Education Institutions that has been recognized by the Chinese audience. Now that the China Centre has over 1000 Global Part-time MBA alumni and students; and are part of a wider network of alumni from over 160 countries, we are ever more committed to offering a wider selection of programmes with the same high standard to meet the needs of our students.”

 “As an educator, we have noticed the change of ways in how we communicate to our students, alumni and prospective students. The trend in recent years is, of course, the fact that social media becomes significantly influential. We have reacted to this trend and are glad that somehow we are leading the methods of communication externally. I would like to congratulate our China team in doing a wonderful job!” said Sherry.

Distinguished guests presented include Mr. Matthew Knowles, Area Director East China at British Council; Mr. Simon Steward Director for Education, Training and Talent Development at CBBC; Mr. Phil Roebuck, Executive Director from British Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Michael Brennan, COO Global Banking at HSBC China; Mr. Mark Mallon, Exec. VP Intl at AstraZeneca; Mr. Xiwen Zeng, Snr. VP Corporate Affairs at Unilever North Asia; and Prof. Jian Liang and Ms. Liyun Gao, Manchester/SJTU DBA office from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

A formal ribbon- cutting ceremony was hosted in front of VIP guests, attending alumni and student representatives. Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, Mr. Matt Knowles, Professor Fiona Divine, Professor Elaine Ferneley and Ms. Sherry Fu jointly marked the historical moment.

In 2008, Manchester Business School opened its China Centre in Shanghai, bringing world-class British business education to China. Since then, a strong and long-term commitment to China has been consistently demonstrated. In addition to the star programme – Manchester Global MBA, partnerships have established respectively between MBS and Shanghai Tong Ji University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Renmin University of China respectively to offer international business education that is highly relevant to local businesses. On both corporate front and cultural level, China Centre has been forming strategic Talent Management Partnerships with top multinational companies including AstraZeneca, Deloitte, Huawei, FESCOAdecco, Unilever and CIMA etc. to make top business education more accessible and tailored as well as to promote Sino-British education links.

On the 8^th year of the China Centre, the Centre’s name-change to UoM China Centre marks the University’s long term commitment and vision for China; as well as recognizes the achievement that China Centre has made till date. More plans for further Research and Development and international exchanges will roll out gradually as the new Centre takes on greater challenges. UoM China Centre Director Ms. Sherry Fu warmly welcomed the attending VIP guests to celebrating the inauguration of the new Centre.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell reiterated the openness of Manchester as a city and as a University that welcomes Chinese and other international students. She also shared recent updates from Manchester with remarkable commitments in infrastructure and software in order to provide the best learning and research environment. “The new role of China Centre will drive forward progress in research, education and business to benefit both the UK and Chinese people.”

At the ceremony, Sherry traced back the development history of China Centre and expressed great appreciation to guests from corporate partners and alumni; with whom China Centre has closely worked with to accelerate Manchester’s brand value of bringing global education to China. ‘Officially from today, as The University of Manchester China Centre, we will endeavor in strengthening corporation with both local schools and corporate partners. We are greatly motivated by the prospect that comes with the expansion of responsibilities and expectations.’ said Sherry. 

Prof. Fiona Devine extended gratitude to our long-term academic and corporate partners. She   proudly addressed the guests that from Manchester Business School China Centre to The University of Manchester China Centre, the Centre has achieved remarkable milestones and there would be many great opportunities and challenges facing the re-named and re-positioned Centre. “Becoming the University of Manchester China Centre will enable us to build on the excellent work of the Sherry and the team, to further strengthen the University’s relationship with the city of Shanghai and right across the region.” Said Professor Devine. 

Mr. Matthew Knowles congratulated China Centre for achievements to date and the exciting inauguration as UoM’s official overseas centre. He stressed that as one of earliest UK education institutions establishing office in China, Manchester has been pioneering on the research, commercial and cultural exchange fronts.  Projects with Chinese companies and institutions have been remarkable examples promoting Sino-British relations.

Alumni representatives also shared thoughts and opinions on the transformational journey that Manchester MBA programmes had brought to them. ‘Regardless of the industry background, we have been benefitted from Manchester’s business education, which has equipped us with solid knowledge and management skills to compete in the changing global environment,’ thoughts expressively shared by Mr. Kevin Ren, former Chair of Manchester Business School Alumni Association Shanghai and DBA alumnus Mr. Tom Yu.

Along with UoM China Centre’s inauguration, The University of Manchester Alumni Association Shanghai under the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association is officially set up. The first council members include Colin Lin, Timo Lei, Jenifer Wang, Ben Zhang and Sherry Fu.

The whole event was a celebration of eight years of China Centre’s step-by-step growth journey – from enrollment of students’ for first intake in 2009 to having over 1000 alumni and current Global MBA students. Shared by every guest at the event was the belief that ‘the best is yet to come’ for the Centre and for the students and partners that the Centre works so closely with!

The first Council of the UoM Alumni Association Shanghai is formed by five senior alumni. Colin Lin, MSc International Business 1999, is currently CEO of Canton Oceanwide Sports Co., Ltd. He has been taking role as the University’s Representative since 2008, and was also founding member of UoM Alumni Association in both Beijing and Guangzhou. He has witnessed the development of the China Centre. Timo Lei, MSc in economics 1996, is Head of China and Managing Director of China Capital Markets and Corporate Services. He was recently appointed by the China Centre as Entrepreneurship Mentor. Ben Zhang, MBA 2001, is Executive Chairman of Maritime & Finance Excellence Center. Ben was invited as Accomplished Chinese Alumnus representative to meet Chinese President over his State Visit in the UK.  Jennifer Wang, International Business Law 2001, is Partner at AllBright Law Offices. She is nominated for Outstanding Women Lawyers of Shanghai Municipality 2010. Sherry Fu is both Founding Director of China Centre and Global EMBA alumna. She is Vice President of Education Focus Group of Shanghai British Chamber of Commerce and was appointed as an envoy to the city of Manchester at the House of Lords in London in 2013.

Before the reception, Prof. Dame Nancy Rothwell met with the council members and appreciated their commitment to the university and fellow alumni. The establishment of the UoM Alumni Association Shanghai is a great milestone of China alumni development. 

The competition was fierce and the quality of this year’s application was higher than ever. Jointly winning the Chinese Investor of the Year Award were Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG) and Sanpower Group. BCEG is a leading construction and engineering company in China that is already active in global markets; and Sanpower is a large private conglomerate with expertise in the technology and modern across finance, healthcare and commerce sectors. “It is a great honor to announce the winners of Chinese Investor of the Year Award. Tonight we are here to celebrate the spirit of mutual cooperation for British and Chinese businesses; and to embrace the economic future of the two partners.”

Patron of the BBA 2016, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to China, Barbara Woodward CMG OBE, addressed to the guests, ”Thank you all for joining this wonderful evening. Whether you have been nominated or not, whether you are British or Chinese, or international, thank you for everything that you do day in, day out to build the trade ties between the UK and China. Tonight, above all is a celebration of that.” 

Along with the winning businesses that strive to promote Sino-British Business Links, China Centre has been contributing to the development and growth of talents for local and international businesses. The unique Talent Management Partnership agreements have allowed employees of our partners better accesses to the leading business education that Manchester MBA programmes promises. Promoting the development of students and alumni for career and personal goals has been the underlying purpose of MBS China; yet strengthening business education links between China and UK has been a long-term mission for the Centre.

During the event, Allen explained what complex sales strategy was, and interpreted in the perspectives of both buying and selling organizations, and in different scenarios. Attendees were inspired and enjoyed the brainstorm throughout the sharing.

Continue Study Club is one of the most active clubs in the China Centre. They regularly held club events, discussing on different topics - both on the further study of MBA’s courses and hot topics of the time. The China Centre supported the alumni clubs and interested groups, and encouraged the networking among alumni as well as between school and alumni. 

Though an evening session, quite a few alumni came to join. During the session, Ruth began by asking a question to have alumni fully interactive with each other and think about the strategy. She then talked through hints and tips for making the most of developing and then working through your job search strategy, as well as some ideas on how to target our alumni and other contacts to get the best chance for succeeding in finding that next role. A good and effective job search strategy can save time and guide in the right direction, paving the way for a sound future career development. Alumni attendees raised various questions, their confusions or lessons surrounding this topic. One alumnus himself was mentoring on career development in his work, and he also shared with all his understanding and experiences.

Careers service is a very important part of the university. Symplicity, the postgraduate careers services system, was launched in China early this year. It was a user-friendly platform, serving alumni all through their career development, with main functions including one-to-one appointment, job opportunities, event alerts, resource library etc.. With both online and offline activities and services, the university is dedicated to continuously offering alumni good experience of career development. 

Damir opened by introducing himself and his own background. Damir used to be a banker, working decently in a leading financial institution in Russia. However, he felt more and more strongly his passion and dreams unfulfilled. It didn’t take him too much time making decision of studying in Manchester Business School. The study broadened his perspective and equipped him with a practical tool to explore the new world. He felt his dream no longer just floating in the air, and began his adventures ambitiously. He tried different businesses until he decided a more meaningful work on global innovation. He was endeavored to contributing to nurture startups by tutoring, and other softlanding programs and facilities.

During the session, he talked about how startup founder can find a sustainable and profitable business model or create a valuable product on a global arena. He introduced the concept of “3 Master” to explain how to sell the great ideas at the fair value and get benefits from your entrepreneurial creativity and inspiration. He hoped that he would be able to contribute to wider alumni on entrepreneurship and innovation. He encouraged our alumni who are planning to or have already started up to think globally because the competition doesn’t know boundaries anymore. Due to the growth of foreign investment that opens the channels to local regions, “know how” and technologies become more transferable. Nowadays only entrepreneurs who are able to think globally about their venture can attract investment and attention from mass media.

He also invited a young entrepreneur who’d joined their softlanding program to share with all alumni his experiences of starting up and how important to think globally. The event was joined by good number of alumni esp. in the evening, and received supports from China Centre Innovation Startup Club and Healthcare Club. 

The event was opened and welcomed by Ms. Sherry Fu, Director of UoM China Centre. She introduced on UoM and how the university was supporting on women in leadership and entrepreneurship.  The first guest speaker was Ms. Siming Wang, who founded Soiree Xiaoheiqun (Little Black Skirt) which only sold black dress and skirts online. It soon got popularity and fast sales shortly after it was launched. ‘23000 black skirts sold out in 120 days’ was an astonishing record by Soiree. It’s innovative selling model attracted increasing public attentions. The Founder Ms. Wang shared with our alumni the stories behind the establishment of Soiree and what pushed her to startup own businesses. Ms. Yuanhong Zhou was our second guest speaker. She used to be a reporter in China Central Television Corp (CCTV). She was a senior leader in a leading Chinese enterprise before she founded her own company ‘Ayilaile (Housekeepers are coming)’, an online housekeeper reservation and payment platform. She shared with us her stories on how she evolved to be a leader as well as an entrepreneur. Both guest speakers gave wonderful speeches. There were no shortcuts or coincidence to be a successful leader and an entrepreneur. The speeches were followed by a panel discussion, joined by both speakers, Ms. Sherry Fu and Mr. Timo Lei, who was invited to join for on-site comments from a man’s point of view on women in leadership. Mr. Lei is our newly elected Chairman of UoM Alumni Association Shanghai as well as our alumni Entrepreneurship Mentor. Alumnae were actively engaged in the discussions. They raised questions, discussed with our guest speakers, and shared with all their own thinking and learning.

The event received positive feedback and the second Women in Leadership Forum would follow up soon in Shanghai. ‘Women in Leadership’ Alumni Group was held by UoM China Centre, to encourage more alumnae interested in the topic or already in leadership positions to share views and points. 

Our Beijing alumni were not able to come to Shanghai to witness this historical launching moment. Ms. Sherry Fu, Director of the UoM China Centre introduced about the establishment of the UoM China Centre and the current development and future plan for the UoM in China. Beijing based UoM alumni joined the gathering and got to know with each other. Alumni with different majors and industrial background shared with each other their memory of the university and good wish for the success of the China Centre. Alumni are good treasures for our university and we will fully support alumni’s development. We also hope more and more alumni will contribute to and develop with the Alma Mater together.  

Shelley Lai, current President of China Centre Healthcare Club, kicked off the event by welcoming both speakers. Mr. Pan was the first guest speaker and had vast experiences in virtual reality industry. He introduced how they adopted VR technology in the healthcare industry, especially in training medical professionals. For example, with VR technology, they’re able to train themselves more skillfully in surgery operation. Though there were further improvements to be made, it already offers a close-to-real experience. Mr. Pan also brought with him VR glasses to all attendees to experience.

The second guest speaker was Mr. Tony Zhang. His topic was on digital marketing in healthcare industry. He was quite popular among pharmaceutical multinationals. It was a good opportunity for our alumni to have Tony’s idea, vision and insight about digital pharma and multi-channel marketing.

The event is initiated by China Centre Healthcare Club, which was the first club established in China Centre and one of the most active clubs. Their mission is to further promote the UoM brand in China and provide a business and educational platform for alumni in the life science and healthcare industry.

Professor of Finance, and currently Postgraduate Research Director and Deputy Head of School, Professor Hyde is also member of various important financial association and organizations, including the Centre for the Analysis of Investment Risk, the American Finance Association; and sits on the advisory board of the Financial Markets and Institutions group of the British Accounting and Finance Association. His principal research interests focus on a range of issues in empirical finance particularly with respect to international finance or emerging markets.

During the event, two full time MBA students who happened to be in Shanghai as an exchange program, also joined and spoke from their experiences of how MBA Consultancy helped in their study.

During Dr. Galvin’s Shanghai visit, he also visited Shanghai Maritime & Finance Excellence Center where our alumnus Ben Zhang was the executive Chairman. Dr. Galvin was impressed by how our alumni benefited from the MBA Consultancy during his MBA study, career development and the Center’s development supported by both the UK and Chinese government.

China Centre prepared various breakfast meals, including sandwiches, egg cakes, bread, fruit, soft drinks, milk and etc., and the venue was decorated with nice and fresh flowers. Students casually sat down and talked with their breakfast. It offered them a special chance to engage with wider alumni and get to know more friends. They talked about themselves, the workshop and shared experiences. Ms. Sherry Fu, Director of China Centre, joined the breakfast session. She welcomed the students, and introduced on the recently renamed China Centre from AMBS to the University of Manchester. She introduced the alumni and careers activities and encouraged alumni to study as well as engage more with the Centre.

A relaxed breakfast session gave students a fresh start of their upcoming study, as well as a chance to know more friends and exchange ideas.

Joining us were two great speakers – Timo Lei, Head of China/Managing Director, China Capital Markets and Corporate Services from PWC, to talk about Chinese entrepreneurs. He is one of our senior alumni from MBS back in Manchester. He was already involved in our previous alumni event, giving tips for start-ups on fundraising and valuation, which received highly positive feedback. The other guest speaker is Shirley Lei, Founder of Zenith Advisory, to talk about international business etiquette and comparative culture. She didn’t give a long theory but cited Timo Lei as a good example of how to manage our personal goal, personal branding and present.

The speeches were followed up by five quiz, covering topics on the China Centre, Shanghai and Chinese companies. In the meantime, winners were also able to introduce themselves and communicate briefly on their individual expertise.

The previous programs warmed up the event, enabling all the attendees to immediately find who to begin with during the free mingle time. Snacks and drinks were provided throughout the event. Wines were also offered as well. Our alumni were so excited to grasp the chances to talk to both alumni from other centres and speakers that the whole event was not finished until 10.30pm.

Full time students fed back that this event gave them a chance to walk out of the classroom, and engage with the local alumni to know more about what’s happening in China. One Global MBA student from overseas centre fed back that during that night he made at least four new overseas friends. Our China Centre alumni also fed back that it enabled them a chance to make friends from overseas centres. A transnational communication adds value to all alumni from across the world, enhancing what they’ve all learnt from the classes and sparkling new and innovative ideas.

Group photo was shared to all participants, to memorize this special gathering @China Centre. 

The event was started with the guidance on ‘empowerment’ by Simon, followed up by Peter with full explanation and case studies on this topic. As the event was held during the period when overseas students came to the China Centre to study their courses, it attracted some overseas students to join and discuss together with our local China Centre alumni. During the tea break, a special ceremony was held to celebrate one alumnus’ birthday! He was from Singapore Centre. All participants wished him a happy birthday and enjoyed the big birthday cake. It must be an unforgettable night for this alumnus.

After the tea break, there was a Q&A session. Alumni raised various questions most of which came from their daily work.

Leadership Forum was held once a month. It was started from this May and was quickly gaining popularity. Simon Zhou, one of our GMBA alumni, volunteered and contributed his leisure time to initiate and facilitate every time. Guest speakers are either our alumni or external guests with own work experiences and deep understanding on various aspects of leadership. 

Active in PE/VC industry, Timo is currently Head of China/Managing Director of Capital Market, PWC, as well as Venture Partner of World's first paralleled Unicorn Accelerator. He has over 20 years of experiences in fundraising and M&A for SMEs in London, Hongkong and Shanghai. He has taken part in fundraising and investment deals for over 300 privately owned enterprises.

The event received more popularity than expected - regardless of hot weather, over 30 alumni participated in this event eventually. Chairs were added again and again on site. At the beginning, Timo explained to us what he perceived as ‘Innovative’. He cited examples on the ‘Internet Celebrities Economy’ and one related fundraising case study. ‘You Never Know’ was mostly quoted by Timo, to explain that you never know what the next business model will be successful. That successful model may never be perceived right at the beginning. We shall always have innovative ways of thinking. Studying the MBA program will enable us to understand how to change our way of thinking; equip us with the ability to discover with divergent and innovative ways of thinking and execute effectively. Regarding fundraising, Timo’s suggestions were very practical. For example, not all enterprises were suitable for fundraising; and fundraising may not be suitable at all stages of development; pros and cons of different sources of fundraising; what kind of investors might be suitable; what kind of projects might well capture investors’ attentions; attentions to pay when seeking investors; points to remember when preparing the Business Plan; etc.. Timo also answered patiently various questions raised by our alumni who were either considering or had already set up own companies. 

The event lasted for over 3 hours, with no intervals. It received very positive feedback from alumni. One alumnus commented that he felt as if his ‘hollowing body was refilled’ and energy regained.

During the event, Ms. Sherry Fu, Regional Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, awarded Timo Lei as ‘The University of Manchester China Centre Entrepreneurial Mentor’. Timo felt honored and suggested that the event was just beginning as there were far more contents surrounding the related topics. He was happy to share with our alumni his experiences. For example, next time, he could share specific topic on those failed fundraising cases. Our school felt proud to have such an outstanding alumni as Timo to be the alumni mentor, contributing his time sharing with alumni. 

Nowadays, under the encouagement of Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation, each enterprise has put "innovation" onto the most important agenda. Innovation ability has become an important indicator of enterprises recruitment.

Israel is only a small country by space, but is famous for its innovation ability. How Israel innovates is therefore a hot and interesting topic for our alumni. 

The workshop was unveiled with a small game – alumni were required to put together 3 pieces of paper to create a right picture of two riders on fast-running horses. It didn’t seem to be an easy task. Seemingly, the separated pictures were wrongly made. Most alumni were not able to find the way to give out a right picture. When the secret was revealed, our alumni were astonished by our inbuilt way of thinking and the innovative moves to make the picture right.

How to break the inherent or conventional ways of thinking is not an easy job. It was discussed throughout the workshop, inspiring our alumni with various case studies.