UoM China Newsletter - UoM China Centre Newsletter: April Issue

UoM China Newsletter - UoM China Centre Newsletter: April Issue https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/ en-us 03 Apr 2026 11:50:55 CST 03 Apr 2026 11:50:55 CST https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/rss.xml Newsweaver mba@uom.ac.cn (The University of Manchester China Centre) support@newsweaver.ie (Newsweaver) 60 true Director's Message https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/o3hrluqp13d?lang=en&rss=true April 2026 Dear friends and alumni, As we move further into spring, April brings renewed energy and a real sense of momentum across our community. Here at the University of Manchester China Centre, we continue to look ahead — creating space for meaningful connections, forward-looking dialogue, and learning that is globally relevant. March was a particularly exciting month for us. We were honoured to welcome our President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison, on his visit to China. Spanning Beijing and Shanghai, his visit brought together partners, institutions, and our wider community. During this time, we celebrated our graduates in Shanghai, where nearly 1,000 participants came together to mark their achievements and the strength of our global community. At the same time, we were delighted to welcome faculty to Shanghai for a series of masterclasses and workshops. Sessions explored topics including energy transition, AI and leadership, and innovation in a complex global environment, bringing fresh perspectives and practical insights to our community. Another highlight of the visit was the launch of the “Challenge Accepted” global volunteering and fundraising campaign, which engaged alumni across both cities in lively and meaningful dialogue. Alongside these moments, our community continued to grow through a range of dialogues and gatherings — creating space for exchange, reflection, and new connections across industries and backgrounds. Looking ahead, we remain focused on building on this momentum — strengthening connections, deepening learning, and supporting our community as it navigates an increasingly dynamic world. We look forward to continuing this journey with you. Warm regards, Sherry Fu 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 CST b989ce2c7c3cd542464658dcfb699514 Feature Article April 2026 Dear friends and alumni,   As we move further into spring, April brings renewed energy and a real sense of momentum across our community. Here at the University of Manchester China Centre, we continue to look ahead — creating space for meaningful connections, forward-looking dialogue, and learning that is globally relevant.   March was a particularly exciting month for us. We were honoured to welcome our President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison, on his visit to China. Spanning Beijing and Shanghai, his visit brought together partners, institutions, and our wider community.   During this time, we celebrated our graduates in Shanghai, where nearly 1,000 participants came together to mark their achievements and the strength of our global community. At the same time, we were delighted to welcome faculty to Shanghai for a series of masterclasses and workshops. Sessions explored topics including energy transition, AI and leadership, and innovation in a complex global environment, bringing fresh perspectives and practical insights to our community.   Another highlight of the visit was the launch of the “Challenge Accepted” global volunteering and fundraising campaign, which engaged alumni across both cities in lively and meaningful dialogue.   Alongside these moments, our community continued to grow through a range of dialogues and gatherings — creating space for exchange, reflection, and new connections across industries and backgrounds.   Looking ahead, we remain focused on building on this momentum — strengthening connections, deepening learning, and supporting our community as it navigates an increasingly dynamic world.   We look forward to continuing this journey with you.   Warm regards, Sherry Fu https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/d0/3022c219cc6dc5567bcef6.jpg UoM President Duncan Ivison Concludes Successful China Visit, Launches Global Campaign https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/bk02nzhn8bq?lang=en&rss=true Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, has successfully concluded a significant visit to China in March 2026, reinforcing the University’s deep-rooted connections with leading Chinese institutional partners, alumni, donors in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. 16 Mar 2026 12:00:00 CST ff7eb8bcd2a784295f1b48d1d28ea222 Feature Article Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, has successfully concluded a significant visit to China in March 2026, reinforcing the University’s deep-rooted connections with leading Chinese institutional partners, alumni, donors in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/2f/059aea9361deee7408a7ce.jpeg https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/e4/643de8e8a9ffb51269f726.jpg https://uom.ac.cn/news/detail/826 University of Manchester Celebrates First Overseas Graduation in Shanghai https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/k6000szryuo?lang=en&rss=true On 18 March 2026, the University of Manchester held its first overseas graduation celebration, bringing together nearly 1,000 graduates along with their families and friends in Shanghai to mark this important milestone. Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison attended in person to preside the ceremony, leading a university delegation that included Professor Angelia Wilson, Associate Vice-President (Internationalisation), as well as representatives and faculty members from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the Faculty of Humanities, and the China Centre. This event not only represents a highlight in the graduates' academic journeys, but also marks a significant step forward in the University's global strategy. By hosting the event locally, the University has created a stronger sense of belonging for graduates while also supporting its 2035 sustainability goals by reducing long-distance travel. 18 Mar 2026 12:00:00 CST 1b354ebbc8cf26f1cc143f942375c231 Feature Article On 18 March 2026, the University of Manchester held its first overseas graduation celebration, bringing together nearly 1,000 graduates along with their families and friends in Shanghai to mark this important milestone.   Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison attended in person to preside the ceremony, leading a university delegation that included Professor Angelia Wilson, Associate Vice-President (Internationalisation), as well as representatives and faculty members from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the Faculty of Humanities, and the China Centre.   This event not only represents a highlight in the graduates' academic journeys, but also marks a significant step forward in the University's global strategy. By hosting the event locally, the University has created a stronger sense of belonging for graduates while also supporting its 2035 sustainability goals by reducing long-distance travel. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/e4/643de8e8a9ffb51269f726.jpg https://uom.ac.cn/news/detail/824 The University of Manchester Launches "Challenge Accepted" in Beijing and Shanghai https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/ouik3d7nhh4?lang=en&rss=true The University of Manchester officially launched its “Challenge Accepted” global fundraising and volunteering campaign in China with alumni dinner held in Beijing and Shanghai on 16 and 18 March 2026. Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, led a University delegation to attend the two events, engaging with more than 500 alumni, partners and supporters across both cities. The visit formed part of the University’s wider engagement in China, connecting with alumni, donors and institutional partners, and comes at a significant moment following the launch of both the “Challenge Accepted” campaign and the University’s Manchester 2035 strategy. 16 Mar 2026 12:00:00 CST a1a741c89561e8d23f4de8d2ceb4f04d Feature Article The University of Manchester officially launched its “Challenge Accepted” global fundraising and volunteering campaign in China with alumni dinner held in Beijing and Shanghai on 16 and 18 March 2026. Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, led a University delegation to attend the two events, engaging with more than 500 alumni, partners and supporters across both cities.   The visit formed part of the University’s wider engagement in China, connecting with alumni, donors and institutional partners, and comes at a significant moment following the launch of both the “Challenge Accepted” campaign and the University’s Manchester 2035 strategy. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/e3/30ea8fff5e1880fbb18e8a.jpg https://uom.ac.cn/news/detail/829 UoM China Centre Director Presents Award at 2026 China School Awards https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1a73bshrjck?lang=en&rss=true In March, the 2026 China Schools Awards, jointly organised by the British Chambers of Commerce in China, Southwest China and South China, were held in Chongqing. Sherry Fu, Director of the University of Manchester China Centre, was invited to attend as a judge for the Enterprise & Employability Award and delivered remarks as a presenting guest. 11 Mar 2026 12:00:00 CST 50ac4872ee692bb0a59c892c93a6defc Feature Article In March, the 2026 China Schools Awards, jointly organised by the British Chambers of Commerce in China, Southwest China and South China, were held in Chongqing. Sherry Fu, Director of the University of Manchester China Centre, was invited to attend as a judge for the Enterprise & Employability Award and delivered remarks as a presenting guest.  https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/f4/65b5c1db9d3bdea77870c6.jpeg https://www.uom.ac.cn/news/detail/819 Shanghai Morning Post: Shanghai Milestone: The University of Manchester Holds Its First Overseas Graduation Celebration https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/i2epcn2au9y?lang=en&rss=true On 18 March 2026, the University of Manchester held its first overseas graduation celebration, bringing together nearly 1,000 graduates along with their families and friends in Shanghai to mark this important milestone. Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison attended in person to preside the ceremony, leading a university delegation that included Professor Angelia Wilson, Associate Vice-President (Internationalisation), as well as representatives and faculty members from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the Faculty of Humanities, and the China Centre. 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 CST fe4a987b7a5afcda37c1fee1ef7d54ea In The Media On 18 March 2026, the University of Manchester held its first overseas graduation celebration, bringing together nearly 1,000 graduates along with their families and friends in Shanghai to mark this important milestone.   Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison attended in person to preside the ceremony, leading a university delegation that included Professor Angelia Wilson, Associate Vice-President (Internationalisation), as well as representatives and faculty members from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the Faculty of Humanities, and the China Centre. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/98/00303b68ee9cc4a9d42ba7.jpg https://www.uom.ac.cn/news/detail/828 3 April Shanghai | Overcome Your Mountain: A Journey of Challenge and Career Growth https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1u7y96ntme7?lang=en&rss=true Some women, after turning 30, have reached the summit of Mount Everest, crossing limits with resilience and passion, using every step to showcase the power of Chinese women’s perseverance. Others have navigated across industries and career paths, reshaping their professional journeys. What they share is not just excellence, but a relentless drive upward—continuously recalibrating in the face of change and reinventing themselves through challenges. On Friday afternoon, April 3, we will be joined by Ms. Zijun Han, the first Chinese woman to successfully summit Everest from both the North and South routes, and Ms. Serena Yu, partner at CGL Management Consulting and a University of Manchester Global MBA alumna, for an in-depth conversation on courage, persistence, and transcending limits. 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 CST 6fb575442978086b1f364c2c0e0cfa2d Upcoming Events Some women, after turning 30, have reached the summit of Mount Everest, crossing limits with resilience and passion, using every step to showcase the power of Chinese women’s perseverance. Others have navigated across industries and career paths, reshaping their professional journeys. What they share is not just excellence, but a relentless drive upward—continuously recalibrating in the face of change and reinventing themselves through challenges.   On Friday afternoon, April 3, we will be joined by Ms. Zijun Han, the first Chinese woman to successfully summit Everest from both the North and South routes, and Ms. Serena Yu, partner at CGL Management Consulting and a University of Manchester Global MBA alumna, for an in-depth conversation on courage, persistence, and transcending limits. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/da/a0bece26c99d15dff246db.jpg https://www.uom.ac.cn/events/detail/945 18 April Beijing Educational Leadership Luncheon | Career Resilience in a Rapidly Changing Industrial Environment https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/n1mz287z9up?lang=en&rss=true How can we turn uncertainty into career certainty in times of change? For expats working in the international education sector in China, the past few years have brought a unique set of challenges. True career security comes from leadership resilience. Welcome to join us on 18 April in Beijing, for the UoM China Centre Educational Leadership Luncheon, featuring Struan Mathieson, Academic Director of the High School at Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy. As an experienced international educator from overseas, Struan will share how he has used his leadership skills to navigate change, seize key opportunities, and continue progressing in his career within China’s international education landscape. 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 CST 1f646f2967e1cf1efceba130d5fbb4dd Upcoming Events How can we turn uncertainty into career certainty in times of change? For expats working in the international education sector in China, the past few years have brought a unique set of challenges. True career security comes from leadership resilience.   Welcome to join us on 18 April in Beijing, for the UoM China Centre Educational Leadership Luncheon, featuring Struan Mathieson, Academic Director of the High School at Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy. As an experienced international educator from overseas, Struan will share how he has used his leadership skills to navigate change, seize key opportunities, and continue progressing in his career within China’s international education landscape. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/84/4a2cc791e08dea54a92882.png https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/K96OJChmQ_uC3jSnMYyRjA China Centre Continues to Deliver Globally Relevant Learning Experiences in Shanghai https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/l1asfi4l610?lang=en&rss=true In March 2026, the University of Manchester China Centre continued to provide globally relevant learning experiences in Shanghai, offering a series of professional workshops designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and leadership skills. The workshops included Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management , Business Accounting & Finance, and Leading People & Organisations . Each workshop brought together professionals and executives to engage with internationally recognised teaching, applying theoretical insights to real-world business challenges. Through these sessions, the China Centre reinforced its commitment to delivering high-quality, globally informed education in China, supporting participants in developing the skills and mindset needed to excel in an increasingly complex business environment. 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 CST b5143a2f34a0c053b628eebe0f67dea8 Recap of Academics' Visit to China In March 2026, the University of Manchester China Centre continued to provide globally relevant learning experiences in Shanghai, offering a series of professional workshops designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and leadership skills.   The workshops included Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management , Business Accounting & Finance, and Leading People & Organisations . Each workshop brought together professionals and executives to engage with internationally recognised teaching, applying theoretical insights to real-world business challenges.   Through these sessions, the China Centre reinforced its commitment to delivering high-quality, globally informed education in China, supporting participants in developing the skills and mindset needed to excel in an increasingly complex business environment. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/3a/439ef343b1e4decbf2a808.jpg 11 April [Shanghai & Online] MCloud Reading – NINETEEN From Accompaniment to Resilience: The Meaning of Life and Mental Growth in Education https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/7u5acij3r1o?lang=en&rss=true On Saturday 11 April, join UoM China Centre for a special sharing session. We have invited the renowned architect and author of Nineteen, Mr Adam Robarts, to engage in an in-depth conversation with Ms Sherry Fu, Director of the UoM China Centre, and Ms Jingfan Wu, ICF certified PCC life coach, who will share perspective on psychology. This time, we will go beyond discussing the book itself. From the perspectives of a father, an architect who has been involved in the design of major educational spaces, and a cross-cultural professional, we will explore a topic that concerns every international education family: the meaning of life and mental growth in education. 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 CST 4cbe37ed4a349c77682629935e7f141e Career and Alumni Events On Saturday 11 April, join UoM China Centre for a special sharing session. We have invited the renowned architect and author of Nineteen, Mr Adam Robarts, to engage in an in-depth conversation with Ms Sherry Fu, Director of the UoM China Centre, and Ms Jingfan Wu, ICF certified PCC life coach, who will share perspective on psychology. This time, we will go beyond discussing the book itself.    From the perspectives of a father, an architect who has been involved in the design of major educational spaces, and a cross-cultural professional, we will explore a topic that concerns every international education family: the meaning of life and mental growth in education. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/54/71b8d780156db6c3210143.png https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/IKfzeme8gYoe8iRK8vdWjA ELiP Workshop: Learning, Collaboration, and Alumni Inspiration https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/165dz6zmk6v?lang=en&rss=true From 6–8 March, the University of Manchester China Centre successfully held two sessions of the Educational Leadership in Practice (ELiP) workshop, bringing together around 30 participants from the September 2024 and September 2025 cohorts for an engaging, face-to-face learning experience. The sessions focused on leading educational networks, research skills, and practical enquiry. Key learning themes included collaborative curriculum projects, ethics in research, and an introduction to optional course units. 30 Mar 2026 12:00:00 CST 5f55b577fa65c5f8dc729be28744f175 Educational Leadership Engagements From 6–8 March, the University of Manchester China Centre successfully held two sessions of the Educational Leadership in Practice (ELiP) workshop, bringing together around 30 participants from the September 2024 and September 2025 cohorts for an engaging, face-to-face learning experience.   The sessions focused on leading educational networks, research skills, and practical enquiry. Key learning themes included collaborative curriculum projects, ethics in research, and an introduction to optional course units. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/5d/7c5f30b2702dff04c15688.jpg Global MBA Alumni Spotlight | Wendy Chen Leads MSquare Through a Successful Merger Listing https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1bb3599wjs2?lang=en&rss=true On 18 March, Hunan Heshun Petroleum Co., Ltd. approved an asset acquisition plan under which its wholly owned subsidiary, Hexin Micro, will acquire equity in MSquare—including 51.11% of voting rights—through a combination of equity transfer and capital increase for RMB 540 million. This milestone underscores MSquare’s leadership in high-speed interface IP and Chiplet solutions, and is made even more notable by the fact that its Founder and Chairman, Wendy Chen, is a Global MBA alumna of the University of Manchester. 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 CST 3821a44011ec2d56b519b7257fb20655 Series of Alumni Interview On 18 March, Hunan Heshun Petroleum Co., Ltd. approved an asset acquisition plan under which its wholly owned subsidiary, Hexin Micro, will acquire equity in MSquare—including 51.11% of voting rights—through a combination of equity transfer and capital increase for RMB 540 million.   This milestone underscores MSquare’s leadership in high-speed interface IP and Chiplet solutions, and is made even more notable by the fact that its Founder and Chairman, Wendy Chen, is a Global MBA alumna of the University of Manchester.  https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/c9/d62bbc544034daea7315b0.jpg https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/NTD7hdn42g7OEZsTuaJ5kw