As we embrace the joyous season of summer, I am thrilled to connect with you and share the latest updates and milestones from the University of Manchester China Centre. This season brings with it a sense of renewal and growth, and we are excited to celebrate our collective achievements and progress on our journey of promoting social responsibility and sustainable development in the region.

Our commitment to making a positive impact on the planet has led us to embrace innovative solutions, from sustainable design innovations to energy efficiencies and low-carbon practices. These efforts culminated in the successful launch of our Centre's low-carbon office project in April 2023, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving zero carbon by 2038. 

Our dedication to nurturing cultural diversity shone brightly during the 5th annual People-to-People Diplomacy event. In May 2023, we curated a captivating guided tour of the esteemed Shanghai Museum of Textile and Costume, drawing over 50 overseas students from more than 20 countries. This exceptional event provided expatriates with a rare chance to immerse themselves in the opulent history of Chinese fashion and textiles, fostering an environment of cross-cultural exchange and understanding.

Lastly, we are thrilled to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the China Centre this year, and we eagerly anticipate the bicentenary anniversary of the University next year. These milestones mark moments of reflection and growth as we envision a bright future together. In September, we are honoured to welcome our University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, during her visit to China. Her visit will undoubtedly strengthen our partnerships and open new avenues for collaboration.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and belief in our vision. Together, we will continue to illuminate the path of progress, striving for a brighter, sustainable, and culturally enriched future.

Warm regards,

Sherry Fu

Regional Director

The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester has been named top in both the UK and Europe, and second in the world for meaningful contributions towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in the 2023 THE University Impact Rankings.

Manchester’s top ranking comes from a record assessment of 1,705 universities from 115 countries/regions. As well as ranking first in the UK, The University of Manchester is also the only UK institution in the global top 10 and the only university in the world to rank in the top ten in every year the Impact Rankings have been running. In addition, the University attained the top spot for SDG 15 – Life on Land and was third for SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.

On 22nd July, 2023, China Centre successfully held the Summer Graduation party in Shanghai. Graduates from Manchester Global MBA, MA Educational Leadership in Practice, and MSc International Fashion Marketing gathered together in China Centre to celebrate their academic achievements over the past two years and looked forward to embarking on a new journey with excitement and joy in their hearts. 

On 12th July 2023, a new intake of Manchester Global Part-time MBA students was welcomed by the China Centre team at the start of their two-year MBA journey.

The average age of the students is 38.5 years, with an average of 15 years of work experience and 8.5 years of management experience, 82% are from multinational companies. 84% of all students already hold a bachelor's degree or higher before embarking on their Global MBA journey. We are pleased to see that females are the driving force behind this intake.

On 18th May 2023, MCulture launched its 5th People-to-People Diplomacy event, with the theme “Splendid Chinese Costumes, Ancient Chinese Charm” by hosting a guided tour of Shanghai Museum of Textile and Costume. The annual signature event attracted over 50 overseas students from more than 20 countries studying in China and offered a unique experience for expats of the rich history of Chinese fashion and textiles.

On 22nd April, 2023, the World Earth Day, the University of Manchester China Centre successfully held the Low Carbon Office Establishment Ceremony. Ms. Sherry Fu, Founding Director of UoM China Centre, delivered a speech at the ceremony. Three alumni guests attended the event and shared their low-carbon environmental protection themes: Dr. Bing Sun, Chairman of Manbing Carbon Initiatives, Aileen Wei, founder of SAFONE & Zero Beauty, and Reid Lu, Vice President of Sales at Goodgifts.

On the afternoon of 12th May, 2023, the University of Manchester China Centre was invited to participate in the Achieve UK-China Schools Network Day held by Achieve Education Group in Shanghai and signed an MoU on Cooperation. In the future, the two sides will have the opportunities to cooperate in summer schools, teacher training and curriculum promotion, providing high-quality international education for more students and teachers in the region. Jiang Haishan, President of the International Education Association Shanghai (IEAS), Li Weiping, Secretary-General of IEAS; Sohail Shaikh, Minister Counsellor of the British Department for Business and Trade (DBT); Liu Jing, Deputy Director of Education, Creative, Retail and Sports (China) of the DBT, Su Si, Head of Education (China) of DBT; Catherine Sinclair-Jones, Area Director of East China of Culture and Education of British Council, Cultural and Education Consul of the British Consulate General in Shanghai; Wu Zijian, former president of YK Pao School attended the event and delivered speeches.

On 11th July, 2023, Ms. Sherry Fu, the Director of the UoM China Centre, was invited to participate in the 2023 China-UK Financial Dialogue in Nanjing and delivered a keynote speech. The event, themed "Industry Governance, Ecological Co-construction," brought together leaders from the Nanjing Hexi Central Business District, representatives from the UK business community, prominent financial institutions, foreign enterprises, and financial experts from across the country for a series of thematic activities.

On the evening of 30th June, 2023, The University of Manchester China Centre hosted a reunion party for alumni and current students in Beijing. After three long years apart, students and alumni from the Beijing region finally reunited. Over 20 alumni gathered at the iconic Manchester United Theatre of Dreams, immersing themselves in the British ambience. They embarked on a tour of the stadium, followed by a delightful dinner, where they raised glasses and reminisced about their student days and current professional journeys.