As we traverse the dynamic landscape of the changing seasons, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and reconnect with you, sharing the remarkable journey and accomplishments of the University of Manchester China Centre.

In reflecting upon the past months, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment—a moment of celebration, commitment, and recognition. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China Centre, an occasion that holds profound significance in our shared history. To commemorate this milestone, we had the honour of hosting Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, during her visit to China. Her engagements with key partners, institutions, and the Alumni Gala Dinner were a testament to the enduring bonds we've forged over the years.

Professor Rothwell's visit was not only a celebration of our past but a recognition of our continuous commitment to excellence and sustainability. The University of Manchester China Centre proudly sponsored the Future ESG Leader Award at the ESG China Awards 2023, organised by the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai. This sponsorship aligns seamlessly with our dedication to recognising and supporting businesses that make a positive ESG impact in China.

Sustainability has been a recurring theme in our recent endeavours, and the accolades received by the University of Manchester affirm our commitment to this cause. In the latest QS World University Sustainability Rankings, we were rated top in the UK and Europe, and third globally. This recognition highlights our dedication to integrating sustainability into our research, teaching, and social responsibility initiatives, contributing positively to society and the global community.

The Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) Alumni Annual Gathering and Welcome Dinner for the Head of AMBS were also notable in this winter. Over 150 alumni gathered to share the latest updates of the School. This event, featuring insightful presentations on sustainable development, exemplifies our commitment to empowering alumni and strengthening connections between the alma mater and its graduates.

As we look forward to the University's Bicentenary in 2024, there is an air of anticipation for the series of celebrations and activities that lie ahead. This momentous occasion provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and envision a future marked by sustained excellence and global impact.

In closing, I express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and belief in our vision. Your contributions have been instrumental in shaping the vibrant community that defines the University of Manchester China Centre. Together, let us forge ahead, aspiring for a bright and sustainable future.

Warm regards,

Sherry Fu

Regional Director

The University of Manchester

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester Visited China, including Beijing and Shanghai, between 11 to 13 September 2023. This is the President's first China visit since the hiatus in face-to-face activity owing to the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, and recognizes the long and close relationship between The University and China.

On 13 September, Professor Rothwell toured the new premises of The University of Manchester China Centre in Shanghai. Ms. Sherry Fu, Founding Director of the China Centre hosted the visit and introduced the Centre’s low-carbon office project, support for the delivery of Global MBA, and online-blended Masters courses such as MA Education Leadership in Practice, MSc Financial Management, Centre’s cultural activities, social impact to the President and her delegation. Professor Rothwell says she is impressed by the ambition and growth of China Centre in the past 15 years. She also appreciated the support from the China Centre to ensure the best experience for all University students and alumni, and to contribute to a broader landscape of transnational education.

On the evening of Wed. 13 September, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, hosted an Alumni Gala for over 300 alumni across the country and distinguished guests to celebrate the 15th anniversary of The University of Manchester China Centre. 

Professor Rothwell especially mentioned the upcoming University’s bicentenary celebration and welcomed alumni in China to celebrate this significant milestone for the University in 2024.

On the evening of 11 September, an alumni reception in Beijing was hosted by Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester at St. Regis Hotel in Beijing. The event witnessed a remarkable turnout with over 200 alumni and distinguished guests in attendance. Sherry Fu, Director of UoM China Centre and representatives from The University of Manchester Alumni Associations participated in this grand event.

On 30th November 2023, the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) Alumni Annual Gathering and Welcome Dinner Head of AMBS were successfully held at Renaissance Shanghai Zhongshan Park Hotel. Professor Fiona Devine, Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at The University of Manchester, Professor Kenneth McPhail, Head of the Alliance Manchester Business School, and Mr. Richard Cotton, Director of International Development at The University of Manchester attended the event. Over 150 alumni gathered to share the latest developments of the University and the Business School. The event also featured insightful presentations by four distinguished alumni in sustainable development. The aim was to foster alumni collaboration, strengthen connections between alumni and the alma mater, and provide networking opportunities.

On 29 November, Professor Ken McPhail, the new Head of Alliance Manchester Business School at The University of Manchester, was invited to deliver a keynote speech on ‘The Changing Role of Business in Society’ at the exclusive CEO Roundtable, during his first visit to Shanghai. The event was hosted at The University of Manchester China Centre, drawing C-suite members from the British Chamber of Commerce as well as senior Manchester Global MBA alumni in China. 

On 26 October 2023, the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai (BritCham Shanghai) held its Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony of the ESG China Awards 2023 in Shanghai. The University of Manchester China Centre is proud to support the awards by sponsoring the Future ESG Leader Award, we are glad to celebrate the many excellent businesses, of all sizes, organisations and individuals who are doing astonishing things in China.

The University of Manchester has been rated top in the UK and Europe, and third in the world, in the independent QS World University Sustainability Rankings, echoing its performance in the Times Higher Education Impact league table earlier this year.

QS, which also publishes the globally influential QS World University Rankings, launched the Sustainability Rankings in 2022. The ranking draws on evidence such as policies and case studies, and sources such as staff and alumni surveys and research data. More than 1,400 universities from 95 countries are assessed on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.

On 18 August, 2023, the 2023 FutureGreen Annual Ceremony was held grandly at the Roosevelt Hall on the Bund, Shanghai. The ceremony attracted elites from more than a hundred companies and institutions at home and abroad to gather together to discuss how to achieve the transformation and upgrading of the green economy under the guidance of China's dual carbon goals under the global sustainable development trend. China Centre won the Green Impact Enterprise Award. Ms. Sherry Fu, Director of the Centre, was invited to attend the awards dinner and receive the Impact Corporate Award. 

On 8th Nov. 2023, the 11th Tencent Business School Development Forum and Annual Summit on professional Degree Education was successfully held in Beijing. Under the theme of “Freshness and Integration”, the forum gathered experts and scholars in the field of business education.

As the only invited overseas institution, Ms. Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre was invited to present at the forum and received the “China Business Education Leader Award of 2023”. The University of Manchester China Centre has won the “China Business Education Benchmark Award of 2023”.