News

Business experts from Queen’s University are leading a major national project to enhance wealth and job creation opportunities between the UK and the fastest developing economic region in the south-west of China.

The project, supported by the British Council, is one of only five university initiatives to win funding this year under the Prime Minister’s Initiative for International Education, PMI2, which supports partnerships between UK institutions and selected countries worldwide.

Later this week, a team from Queen’s University Management School will travel to China to build on academic connections already forged between the University and the city of Chongqing.

Chongqing has been designated by the Chinese Government as the site of the country’s new economic area – Two Rivers New Zone, which is projected to create three million new jobs and numerous business opportunities over the next 10 years. It is anticipated that one-third of the world's laptops will be produced in this zone in the next five years, and the total investment in the area during the same period will be £100 trillion.

The Queen’s delegation will be led by Director of Queen’s University Management School Professor Richard Harrison, strategic advisor to the Board of Chongqing International Investment Corporate Group, the largest management consultancy company in Chongqing. The group also includes Director of Queen's China Management Research Institute Dr Yu Xiong, Deputy Chair of the UK’s China Innovation and Development Association.

During the study visit, the Queen’s academics, working with partners Sichuan International Studies University and Chongqing University, will examine ways to develop and enhance the sustainability of opportunities for wealth creation in both the UK and China.

Among their objectives is the creation of a joint China UK Entrepreneurship School to provide a systematic approach to future entrepreneurship and employability exchange between China and the UK.  The project also includes the development of staff and student exchanges between Queen’s and the two universities,

Speaking before his departure, Professor Harrison said: ”This is a unique opportunity for Queen’s, Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole to link to the fastest growing economic area in China, an area which is already on the radar of some of the world’s leading companies as a direct investment opportunity.

“The project has already attracted intense interest in China, and we will be working with a range of other support agencies and organisations, including the Department for Employment and Learning and Invest Northern Ireland, to promote it further.”

Dr Xiong, who met the Chair of the new economic zone’s Steering Committee, Dr Jieming Weng, during a visit to Chiongqing in December, said: “In the current extremely competitive labour market and global economic environment, students in both the UK and China need to acquire the knowledge and skills required for future employment or the creation of new businesses.  It's a rare opportunity to have the chance to work with the new economic zone's Steering Committee.

 “This joint project will provide a strong platform for leading higher education institutions to share common issues and mutual concerns, and for students to explore new models in business education in the largest city in the world, with a population of some 32 million people."

Accompanying Professor Harrison and Dr Xiong will be Dr Johan Lindeque from Queen’s University Management School, and four Masters students, Enda Scanlan from Ballymote, Co.Sligo, Ronald Cumberbatch from Guyana, and Liang Meng and Mao Mao, from China.

Top of Page

Two MSc International Business students have been awarded £2,500 Santander Scholarships, and will undertake field research in the China Centre for Economic Research and the National School of Development at Peking University, Beijing in June.

Leanne Morris and Rachel Ann Montgomery have been awarded £2,500 Santander Scholarships, and will undertake field research in the China Centre for Economic Research and the National School of Development at Peking University, Beijing in June. During this time Leanne and Rachel will be able to experience living in China’s capital and sit in on lectures at Peking University. This visit will also provide them with a unique opportunity for the students to collect data for their MSc dissertations where appropriate. The visit has been financially supported through the Banco Santander Studentship Scheme, made possible as a result of Queen’s University and Peking University’s participation in the Santander Universities Network.

Last academic year Lisa O’Neill and Conor McDonald were awarded with Santander Scholarships and also visited Peking University.  Lisa is now employed in Randox Laboratories as an International Business Development Executive in the Distribution Department.  Conor is currently undertaking a PhD sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council and the China Britain Business Council. Lisa said about her experience:

"The whole class got the opportunity to apply for a studentship from Santander (£2500) to travel to Beijing to undertake research for their upcoming dissertation. There were two studentships and I was lucky to be awarded one, after submitting a research proposal giving an outline of my potential dissertation topic and why I felt I deserved a studentship.

Conor McDonald and I went to Beijing in June 2010 for three and a half weeks. Dr Eunsuk Hong, Programme Director, had contacts in Peking University, Beijing so we teamed up with the university there and were looked after really well. I had the most wonderful three weeks, experiencing Chinese culture, climbing the Great Wall, making lots of friends from all over the world who are studying in Beijing or teaching English out there. I will forever be grateful to Queen's for giving me such an excellent opportunity."

Top of Page

Four Masters students from QUMS are preparing to spend one month in China, accompanied by three academic staff from the School, as part of the PMI2 initiative*.  The grant was awarded to QUMS - one of only five universities in the UK to succeed in this year's bid - by the British Council.  The students, who are in the final stages of their master’s programmes, will use the visit to China to conduct research as part of their dissertation.

 

• Ronald Cumberbatch, MSc Environmental Management, from Guyana will investigate “The Eco-preneurship influences in industry transition to a low-carbon economy”.
• Liang Meng, MSc in International Business, from China, will investigate “The Change of Entrepreneurship in an Emerging Market: How Entrepreneurs in Chongqing have been influenced by Globalisation”.
• Enda Scanlan, MSc Management, from Ireland will study “entrepreneurship from the point of view of an internationalising Irish SME".  It will look at the opportunities and business models from Irish businesses to export to China.
• Mao Mao, MSc Accounting and Finance, from China, will focus on “Sustainability Issues of Companies in China: Challenges and Opportunities”. 

 

Talking  about the visit Mao Mao said: "Participating in PMI 2 is an excellent opportunity for me to develop more in-depth experience and understanding of the current China capital market and its huge potential for UK business developments. The project leaders from Queen’s have been very supportive and co-operative from day one. It is a great opportunity to widen my horizon and enhance my postgraduate experience. I am currently planning to conduct surveys and interviews with companies based in China regarding to their strategies of sustainability and potential business opportunities. I believe this is a great dissertation topic and the results from this report will not only be beneficial for me, but more importantly can facilitate the cooperation of UK and China business further."

Enda Scanlan commented:

“I first became aware of the PMI2 project in December of last year and immediately I was struck by how great an opportunity it was. I submitted a research proposal and heard back at the beginning of 2011 that my application was successful. Since then, I have been busy reading and exploring the topic of my dissertation which of course will explore the business links and opportunities between Chongqing and the UK. 

The support, encouragement and feedback I've received as a member of this initiative has been brilliant. It really is a good feeling to be able to connect many of the theories and concepts I've learned as part of my MSc Management and explore them further in one of the most dynamic business environments in the world."

Talking about the MSc Management programme Enda said “the course has been very challenging yet rewarding. I feel I've been exposed to a lot of new theories and ideas which will be very useful as I move forward to develop a career. The staff and lecturers at the management school are all approachable and friendly and really have a lot of knowledge and experience of their subjects.” 

*The PMI2 Further Education Partnership Fund is specifically directed at the Further Education sector in the UK to support their position in international education. The Partnership fund provides grants to UK FE institutions to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with FE institutions in a number of countries.

 

Top of Page

Business experts from Queen’s University are joining forces with the Chinese Embassy in London to forge closer trade links between the United Kingdom and China.

Representatives from Queen’s University Management School will host a major networking forum in London on Tuesday (24 May) to address the role of higher education and entrepreneurship in building science and technology links with the country.

The China Britain Business Council, the China Innovation and Development Association and the British Council are also involved in organising the event.

Keynote speakers will include Professor Richard Harrison, Director of Queen's University Management School and Chair of the University’s China Management Research Institute (CMRI), and the Institute’s Director, Dr Yu Xiong.

The CMRI encourages local entrepreneurs to look towards China as a source of new trading partners and markets and undertakes education exchange and research programmes. The Institute works with a diversity of Chinese organisations, including educational institutions, businesses and local government.

Professor Harrison described Tuesday’s forum as “a unique opportunity” to enhance business links between the United Kingdom and China.

He said: "China is an increasingly important economy on the world stage and is emerging as a major research and education centre, which is investing heavily in science and technology.     “The fact that we at Queen’s were invited to host this event with such prestigious partners recognises our work in leading research into Chinese management and business practices.

“Next week’s discussions will provide an excellent opportunity for the business and science communities in both the UK and China to explore future areas of research collaboration and business partnership.”

The Embassy’s Minister Counsellor for Science and Technology, Mr Futao Chen, will also address the forum, at which he will reveal planned developments in science and technology in China over the next five years.

Top of Page

Top of Page

To celebrate the Year of the Rabbit,why not head to St George's Market in Belfast on Sunday 6 February.

This grand Victorian building will be transformed into a bustling Chinese marketplace full of performances from China, Chinese arts and crafts, workshops, food from many countries and much more.

Tickets for the event, which runs from 12 noon to 5pm, cost £2 for adults and £1 for children and senior citizens.

Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be gracious, sensitive, lucky, artistic and a good friend. On the converse they can also be moody, self-indulgent and stubborn. Famous Rabbits include Ingrid Bergman, John Cleese, Whitney Houston, Sting and Belfast-born scribe Lewis Carroll.

The Chinese community is Northern Ireland's largest oldest minority ethnic group. Chinese immigrants arrived in the 1960s, mainly from Hong Kong, and today there are over 13,000 Chinese people - including students - living in Northern Ireland.

If you want to find out more about the Chinese Welfare Association’s work in the community, tel. (+44) (0)28 9028 8277 or visit www.cwa-ni.org. Their large, purpose-built headquarters are at 1 Stranmillis Embankment, Belfast.

Top of Page

Watch video coverage of the event by Phonix TV

Queen’s University will today launch its China Management Research Institute, which will fast-track business opportunities in China for companies in Northern Ireland.

The new Institute, based in Queen’s University Management School, will encourage local entrepreneurs to look towards China as a potential source of new trading partners and markets.

It will also further strengthen the links between Queen’s and China, by working with a range of Chinese educational, business and government organisations to forge new academic and research connections.

Professor Richard Harrison, Director of Queen’s University Management School, said: “China is an increasingly important economy on the world stage and is emerging as a major research and education centre.

 “The new Institute will lead research into Chinese management and business practices, which will enable Queen’s Management School to offer enhanced knowledge and expertise for the benefit of industry and commerce in both Northern Ireland and China. 

“In particular, it will provide insights for managers in both countries which will help to underpin enhanced trade and business development links.  

“It is the latest in a series of international initiatives within Queen’s University Management School, which offer our students the chance to experience different and highly dynamic business cultures.” 

The new Institute will be announced following the launch at Queen’s of the 4th China UK Entrepreneurship Competition, which will also strengthen the School’s existing partnerships with universities and government bodies in China.

The contest aims to encourage new business ventures between China and the UK, and replicates the process of entrepreneurs securing start-up funds from early stage investors and venture capital firms. There are two streams to the competition: one for students in the UK and China and one for businesses in both countries. Both promote business ideas that use internal resources or markets.

The competition is a joint venture between Queen’s, Lancaster University, University College London and the University of York, and is supported by the Chinese Government.

Keynote speakers at today’s events will include representatives of the China-Britain Business Council, the British Council, Invest NI, and Queen’s partner universities in the China-UK Entrepreneurship Competition.

Ends

For media enquiries please contact: Anne Langford, Communications Office, +44 (0)28 9097 5310, a.langford@qub.ac.uk

Notes to Editors:

The launch of the China Management Research Institute will take place in the Great Hall, Queen’s University at 2pm on Friday 21 January. Media facilities will be available.

 

Top of Page

A special ceremony was held recently for students awarded scholarships and certificates as part of the Shenzhen International Certificate in Foundation Studies course.

Professor Shane O'Neill, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Professor Tom Millar, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences presented 18 students with scholarships and 64 students with certificates during the ceremony in the Students' Union on 24 November.

 

 

Top of Page

The launch of the 4th China UK Entrepreneurship Competition takes place on 21 January 2011, in the Great Hall at Queen's University Belfast.

The competition, which is open to students and local businesses, aims to encourage new business ventures between China and the UK.  It replicates the process of entrepreneurs securing start-up funds from early stage investors and venture capital firms. Click here for further information about the launch.

Also taking place on 21 January 2011 is the launch of the PM12 Connect and China Management Research Institute in the Great Hall.

PM12 Connect is one strand of the Prime Minister's second Initiative for International Education. Its aim is to create mutual, complementary and sustainable partnership between the UK and the PM12 priority countries. Click here for further information about the launch.

For further information and to book a place at the above launches, contact Karen Close, Queen's University Management School, email k.close@qub.ac.uk, telephone 028 9097 5126.

Top of Page

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Dr Vince Cable was in China as part of a high-profile UK government and trade mission designed to improve business links with China.

The business secretary was joined by Prime Minister, David Cameron, and 50 British business leaders in the UK's largest trade trip to the country.

During the trip he took part in round table talks, where he heard from a small group of UK and Chinese scientists, researchers and businesses who are working with Chinese partners on a long-term project to address the global challenges of environmental pollution and food security.

Among those who attended were Professor Donghua Zhou, Head of Department of Automation at Tsinghua University which is one of Queen’s key partners in Beijing. He will be visiting Queen’s at the end of November to discuss future research and education collaborations with the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Top of Page

Under its £2.3M RCUK funded Science Bridge to promote links with China, the University recently held two international conferences in Wuxi, China on ‘Life-System Modelling’ and on ‘Sustainable Energy and the Environment’. The two events, jointly organized with Tsinghua, Zhejiang and Shanghai Jiaotong universities, attracted over 250 delegates from 15 countries and regions, including UK, US, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Australia, Austria, Canada, Netherlands, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Professor George W. Irwin, from the Intelligent Systems and Control cluster in the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, was the conference co-chair, while his colleague Dr Kang Li chaired the conference international programme committee.

Mr Trevor Newsom, International Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor, welcomed the delegates on behalf of Queen's at the opening ceremony and also chaired a Science Bridge workshop. Professor John McCanny, Director of ECIT, gave an invited a keynote address on “Coupling Research and Innovation - New Models for Successful Economic Impact” which was well received.

Professor Irwin commented "These two conferences offered a unique platform for exchanging research ideas and information across the globe. Moreover, they represent a tangible demonstration of the rapid progress made in recent years to deliver the University’s internationalization goals".

Top of Page

The Minister for Commerce in the Chinese Embassy, London, His Excellency, Mr Xiaoming Zhou, participated in a seminar jointly hosted by Queen’s University Management School (QUMS) and Invest Northern Ireland.  The event focussed on successful business and business education in China, as well as several Queen’s China-related projects.  This seminar was supported by the China Britain Business Council.

Professor Tony Gallagher, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Planning, Staffing and External Relations, opened the event and addressed the importance of the collaboration between the University and China.

Dr Nola Hewitt-Dundas from QUMS acted as Chair and welcomed all guest speakers to the floor.  Dr Yu Xiong from QUMS focussed on the benefits of working with China and outlined a number of initiatives the School has been involved in recently including the recent collaboration with Chongqing University and Sichuan International Studies University, as well as the China UK Business Competition.

Also speaking at the event was Linda Forte, Trade Division, Invest Northern Ireland.  Ms Forte outlined the role of Invest NI and how Invest Northern Ireland can assist organisations to develop their business in relation to the Chinese market: to include: market research, participation in workshops, and attendance at trade missions including pre-publicity and mission brochures.

Dr Yun Bai, from the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPACE) outlined initiatives the School has been involved in including the Science Bridge project.

A director of a successful local company, Delta, shared the company’s experience on how to develop a successful business in the Chinese market.  The director, who is an alumni of QUMS, Mr Icarus Tang, highlighted that last year the company’s revenue was 38 million.  The company continues to diversify and is going from strength to strength and has also branched into the Indian market.

 Professor Richard Harrison, Director of QUMS, said “China is an important and growing market for both companies and higher education institutions in Northern Ireland. We are delighted to be able to host this seminar with the Minister.  This marks a continuation of a very strong relationship we have as a School in collaborating with a number of highly ranked Chinese Universities on both education and collaborative research programmes, and we look forward to developing further such relationships in the future.”

Top of Page

Queen's and China Medical University (CMU) have joined forces to develop a strategic alliance for an undergraduate programme in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

Representatives from CMU recently visited Queen's to sign a Heads of Agreement for the new partnership.

The programme will lead to the award of a first degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from Queen's. The course has just had its first intake of students at CMU and is now in its first semester. The new agreement between Queen's and CMU will also see a new joint research facility on CMU's campus in the area of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. The facility will enable students progressing from the Queen's MPhil in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology to undertake some of their PhD research at CMU.

China Medical University (CMU) in Shenyang City in the province of Liaoning, was the first medical school established by the Chinese Communist Party and over 50,000 senior specialized medical personnel have been educated by CMU since its establishment.

Top of Page

A group of Queen’s University students are currently in China as part of the Prime Minister’s Initiative 2, funded by the Queen’s Annual Fund and the British Council.

Paul Reddan, Karen Creighton, Lewis Elliot, Sable Campbell and Jason Cardwell arrived in Beijing on 15 July. The group will be working with students from Tsinghua University as part of their efforts to develop a business proposal under the theme “Sustainable Energy and Environment” for implementation in both the UK and China.

The group were greeted by Dr. Kang Li from Queen's and were introduced to Professor Song, their liaison with Tsinghua University, as well as a number of assisting Chinese students. Formal business included a visit to the electric power lab in the department of Electrical Engineering in Tsinghua University, as well as the civil engineering department. Being a large campus, the students rented bicycles to get around.

Among their first appointments was a visit to the Chinese office of Andor Technology, a Queen’s spin-out company. They were met by Depei Wang, who gave them an insight into accessing Chinese markets as well as other general business advice, which has been useful for their project.

But there was also time for sightseeing and the group managed to visit Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City, in the centre of Beijing and the Summer Palace, where 'Longevity Hill' and 'Kunming Lake' dominate most of the landscape.

Launched in April 2006, the Prime Minister's Initiative for International Education (PMI2) is a five year strategy to strengthen the UK’s position in international education.

Top of Page

Award-winning physicist Professor Zhang Jie, President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of the world’s top universities, has received an honorary degree from Queen's University for distinction in physics.

Professor Zhang Jie has a worldwide reputation in the fields of x-ray lasers, and high field and laser-plasma physics.  His academic achievements have been recognised by numerous honours and awards, and he is the author of more than 100 academic papers.  He sits on the editorial board of a number of Chinese and overseas professional journals, and also serves on a number of national and international committees.

In November, 2006, he became the President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the youngest President in the University’s history.

Watch Professor Zhang Jie receive his honorary degree

Top of Page

Dr Yu Xiong from the Queen’s University Management School has become the first ever non-diplomat to deliver a keynote speech at the Science and Technology Diplomats Forum in China.

This prestigious high profile brain storming event, which takes place annually, is an opportunity for diplomats to share ideas about science and technology and explore further the importance of collaborations between China and the UK.

Following the speech given by the Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Ministry, Deputy Governor for Fujian Province, and Minister Counsellor of Science and Technooogy to UK, Dr Yu Xiong, who was the fourth speaker at event, was invited as the founder and director of the organising committee of the China UK Entrepreneurship Competition, which is recognised by both the UK and China governments.

Dr Xiong introduced Queen’s as a leading Russell Group university and outlined the University’s China strategy, and the China Science Bridge Project.

The event, which was widely publicised across the Chinese media, was attended by more than 300 government officials.

Top of Page

A free event at Queen’s University later this week (June 18 & 19) is offering the concrete, cement and civil engineering sectors on the island of Ireland the opportunity to avail of new trade opportunities in China’s £5 trillion construction industry.

The event has been organised by Queen’s School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPACE). Those who sign up for the event will have the opportunity to meet with over 30 construction-related professionals and academic researchers from leading Chinese government organisations and universities.

The event is being organised under the umbrella of the Science Bridge initiative, a £2.3 million programme to underpin technology transfer and wealth creation in both Northern Ireland and China in the areas of sustainable energy and the built environment. The Science Bridge project at Queen’s was the only construction-related project awarded funding under the international programme.

Dr Yun Bai from SPACE explained: “While local construction and related fields have stalled, the Chinese sector is growing at an exponential rate. This growth rate has brought with it a range of challenges and now Chinese construction professionals are looking to the expertise of firms on the island of Ireland to help them meet demand.

“We have been successfully working with local firms and Chinese academics and industry for some time now on the commercialisation of viable research discoveries in the concrete, cement and civil engineering fields. I would urge all firms on the island of Ireland, with an interest in this area, to make the most of this opportunity and make some valuable new linkages with leading Chinese construction professionals. Admission is free of charge and if any firms are interested in exhibiting at the event, they can do so for a nominal fee.”

To register for the event and for further details please visit www.qub.ac.uk/sciencebridge/events or contact cber-events@qub.ac.uk or telephone 028 9097 4032.

Media inquiries to Lisa McElroy, Senior Press Officer, 028 9097 5384 or email lisa.mcelroy@qub.ac.uk

Top of Page

Computing experts from Queen’s University will be attending an international conference in Shanghai later this year.

The 2010 international conferences on Life System Modeling and Simulation and Intelligent Computing for Sustainable Energy and Environment will run from September 17-20 in Wuxi.

The conference is based on the large-scale UK-China Science Bridge project on sustainable energy and built environment at Queen’s.

It offers an excellent forum for researchers and practitioners in the field of life system modelling and simulation as well as computational intelligence and applications from all over the world.

Jointly organised by Queen’s University, Shanghai University, and Jiangnan University, it has also been co-organised by Science Bridge partners.

Nine keynote speakers will include leading experts from UK, USA, Japapn, Singapore and China and the Netherlands.

A number of special sessions and workshops have been organised by the Science Bridge partners and delegates will also be able to attend the Shanghai EXPO which is taking place at the same time.

More information can be obtained through the website at http://www.lsms-icsee-2010.org/ and www.qub.ac.uk/sites/lsms2010/

Top of Page

Two key workshops, aimed at promoting academic and industrial collaboration between China, the UK and Ireland, will be held at Queen's University in June.

Organised by the Centre for Built Environment Research at Queen's, the workshops will be held in connection with the Prime Minister's Initiative and UK-China Science Bridge.

Aimed at strenghtening strategic alliances between Queen's and leading academic and industrial partners in China, the UK and Ireland, the overall objective of these projects is to accelerate the deployment of research knowledge, deepen and strengthen current research links and contribute to the generation of wealth in the UK, Ireland and China through technology-transfer activities in the field of sustainable solutions for the built environment.

The workshops, on June 18 and 19, will be attended by construction professionals, including practising engineers, academics and experts from the cement and concrete industry from China, UK and Ireland.

The first workshop will examine entrepreneurship, commercialisation and intellectual property management. Voted as the UK 'Entrepreneurial University of the Year' for 2009 at the Times Higher Education Awards, this workshop will communicate the University's expertise in this area.

The second event will focus on in situ monitoring and assessment of concrete structures.

Full details of the workshops and other conference information can be found by clicking here

Top of Page

A team from Queen’s University is hoping to conquer the growing problem of resistance to conventional antibiotics as part of an international £1 million ‘Dragons’ Den’ competition.

The competition, now in its third year, is part of the China Tomorrow scheme which was launched by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Encouraging links between China and the United Kingdom, it is open to those involved in new business ventures.

The Queen’s team, led by PhD student Ms Min Wang from the University’s School of Pharmacy, will be pitching a novel process to produce AntiMicrobial Peptides (AMPs). These are molecules that exist throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. It is feasible to advertise AMPs as new antibiotics with low cost but high yield, conquering the growing problem of resistance to conventional antibiotics.

The event, which has now reached the semi-final stage, replicates the well-known ‘Dragons' Den’ process where entrepreneurs secure start-up funds from early stage investors and capital firms.

Dr Yu Xiong, Director of the competition’s organising committee and a lecturer at Queen’s University Management School explained: “This is the only event of its kind that is supported by universities and authorities from both China and the United Kingdom. Doing business overseas can be daunting for many entrepreneurs but this exciting programme aims to promote opportunities that exist and highlight potential business leaders of the future. Those taking part learn a great deal through the process and their ideas can translate to real business opportunities.

“The competition is particularly exciting in light of the fact that China is becoming an increasingly important country economically. It has not been affected by the recession in the same way that other countries have, and business opportunities there are huge. And, as it has a rising scientific and technological base, it is attracting worldwide attention.”

There are eight teams in the semi-final. Their business ideas include an innovative mountain board that emulates the movements associated with snowboarding without the need for snow, and a purifying additive aimed at solving the problem of indoor pollution. Another project from Cambridge University strives to improve the technology behind the flat panel display industry.

Professor Richard Harrison, Director of Queen’s University Management School, is delighted that such strong links have been forged by this scheme: “We are pleased to be working with a number of leading UK universities and the Chinese authorities in this exciting competition.

“The judges will assess each business plan on criteria including market and competitor analysis, their project development and financial plans, risks and proposed mitigating factors, management of intellectual property and promotion of UK-China business links.”

The Minister Counsellor for Science and Technology of the Chinese Embassy, His Excellency Mr Futao Chen, will address the first semi-final which is taking place in Queen’s on Thursday 29 April, with the second taking place in Lancaster University. The overall winner will be announced at the national finals at University College, London in June.

Those who wish to attend the event need to register with Ms. Karen Close at k.close@qub.ac.uk

Top of Page

As part of the New Year celebrations to mark the Year of the Tiger a special event will be held on Sunday, February 14 in St George’s Market.

Organised by the Chinese Welfare Association and Belfast City Council, the annual Chinese New Year event, which runs from 12 noon to 5pm, will feature a Chinese marketplace full of Chinese performers, acrobats, jugglers, martial arts and Chinese arts and craft workshops.

There will also be oriental themed gifts as well as food stalls with local and global cuisine. Arrive early and enjoy the spectacular Chinese Lion Dance from 1pm to 3pm.

For photographs of the event click here and follow the links to Gallery via Multimedia.

There are more than 13,000 Chinese people in Northern Ireland with origins in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia, and many overseas students at both Queen’s University and the University of Ulster.

If you want to find out more about the Chinese Welfare Association’s important work in the community, telephone  (+44) (0)28 9028 8277 or visit www.cwa-ni.org 

In addition, a special event, organised by the Malaysian Students Society of Northern Ireland, will be held on Saturday, February 13 in the Elms Function Room at 1pm. Entry fee is £3 and everyone is welcome.

Top of Page

A competition with a prize fund of £1m is being rolled out by Queen’s University Belfast to students and local companies to encourage new business ventures between China and the UK.

The University is part of a consortium running the China UK Entrepreneurship Competition, which is also led by local government organisations in Chongging and Tianjin.

The competition aims to encourage new business ventures between China and the United Kingdom and replicates the process of entrepreneurs securing start-up funds from early stage investors and venture capital firms.

The overall winner will be announced at the national finals at University College London in June and events are also taking place at other participating universities. The competition was launched at the University of York and semi-finals will be hosted in April by Lancaster University and Queen’s University, which is involved in the competition for the first time this year.

The competition, now in its third year, is divided into two strands – Innovative Business track for existing businesses in the UK or China, and Tomorrow’s Leaders track - for students at any UK or Chinese University. Both strands promote business ideas that use international resources or markets.

Thirty-two teams will be selected to take part in the competition in order to win up to £10,000 in prizes, with an investment opportunity of £250,000 in the finals.

Yu Xiong, a lecturer at Queen’s University Management School, is Director of the organising committee of the China UK Entrepreneurship Competition.

He said: “The competition has been developed by partners in the UK and China to bring together existing business and new student-led start-ups hoping to develop commercial relationships and exploit market opportunities through business collaborations between China and the UK.

“China is becoming a more and more important country economically. It has not been affected by the recession in the same ways as others. Business opportunities there are huge and it has a rising scientific and technological base that is increasingly attracting worldwide attention.

“Doing business overseas can be daunting for many entrepreneurs but the programme aims to promote the opportunities that exist and to highlight potential stars to watch in the future. Those taking part learn a lot through the process and their ideas can translate to real business opportunities.”

Professor Richard Harrison, Director of the Queen’s University Management School, said: “We are delighted to be working with a number of other leading UK universities and Chinese authorities in this innovative programme. 

“We believe that the business ideas developed through this competition have the potential to make a significant contribution to economic development and prosperity in the UK and in China.  We are also delighted to be involved in a programme that will strengthen our existing important partnerships with universities and government bodies in China.”

All sectors are eligible to apply but the business idea proposal must link China and the UK. This may be through selection of the target market for the product or service, through key supplier relationships or through joint development of the technologies or services involved.

Judges will assess each business plan on criteria including market and competitor analysis, project development plan, financial plan, risks and proposed mitigating factors, management of intellectual property and promotion of UK-China business links. Assessment will be through written elements and oral presentations at each stage of the competition.

To enter, teams need to submit an executive summary of their idea by 26 February. For more information on the competition go to www.chinaukchallenge.com

 

Notes to Editors:

China UK Entrepreneurship Challenge is a joint collaboration between CIDA-UK, University College London, University of York, Lancaster University, Queen's University Belfast, Chongqing Association for Science and Technology, Tianjing TEDA science park.

This is part of the China Tomorrow programme, which was launched by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in February 2009 during a visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to the UK. In October, his Excellency Minister Counselor Lirong Zhang of the Chinese Embassy in London and the Lord Mayor of York officially launched this year’s China-UK Entrepreneurship Challenge in an event at York University.

The China Innovation and Development Association in the UK (CIDA-UK) serves as a bridge between the UK and China for exchange of trade, education and culture and as a coordinator for local Chinese organisations. CIDA has utilised the potentials of local and overseas Chinese to achieve a series of goals by providing with opportunities for professionals, scholars, executives, businessmen and government officials of the two countries.

Top of Page

China is Queen’s most successful overseas market with undergraduate and postgraduate numbers totalling 209 for this year’s entry.  The University hopes to build on this success and over the past few months Queen’s has welcomed a number of delegations from China.

Professor Sean Gorman, Chair of the University's China Working Group, said: "The interest shown by leading Chinese institutions in visiting Queen's shows their commitment to developing meaningful links with us. Schools from all three Faculties have responded to this interest and provide a wide range of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for students from China.

A recent visit by a delegation led by Professor Fang, the Chairman of the University Council from Hangzhou Dianzi (Electronics) University (HDU), saw a general Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two universities. HDU is also interested in the joint supervision of PhD students and Queen’s is hoping to recruit postgraduate students from HDU for the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computing Science.

The President of East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), Professor Qian and the Dean of the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Professor Tian, also visited Queen’s. As a result, a proposed MoU will be signed with ECUST for a joint 3+1+1 programme. Chinese students will come to Queen’s for the final year of their degrees before progressing to master programmes with the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in Queen’s.

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences Professor Sean Gorman and Head of School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor Robert Fleck welcomed a delegation led by Professor Chen, the Head of School of Material Engineering, Soochow University. The Queen's School has signed a MoU to recruit students from Soochow University for the MSc in Polymer Engineering.

In respect of the Science Bridge Project Queen's was also pleased to welcome a visit by a delegation from Tsinghua University led by the former Chinese national scientist on automation technology, Professor Cheng Wu.

Monica Yang, from the International Office, is recently visited partner universities and agents in China. She took part in Invest NI’s trade mission to Shanghai and Guangzhou before joining colleagues from Queen’s Management School, the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and the School of Geography, Archaeology and Palaeoecology. The Queen’s delegation also visited Soochow University, Jilin University, Tianjin University of Commerce and other universities.

Top of Page

A new £2 million food safety centre, employing 20 people and offering direct help to the local £2.4 billion agri-food industry, has been launched at Queen’s University.

And local businesses were invited to attend an event to mark the opening of the new world-class Centre for Assured, Safe and Traceable Food (ASSET) to learn how they can benefit from its work.

The production and processing of food plays a critical role in Northern Ireland’s economy. The industry generates £2.4 billion in sales, creates 2.2 per cent of NI Gross Value added and employs 12 per cent of the private sector.

Helping to secure the future of the local agri-food industry, ASSET was officially opened on 29 September in Belfast with a conference highlighting the challenges and opportunities for agri-food industries in today’s global marketplace.

The new Centre will conduct cutting-edge research to ensure that the safest and highest quality food in the world is produced across Ireland. It is led by Professor Chris Elliott, Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, in Queen’s School of Biological Sciences.

Professor Elliott said: “Many sectors of our agri-food industry not only produce primary agriculture products such as meat and milk but also import commodities such as cereals, poultry and honey, which are processed into high value items which may be re-exported.

“As the contents of processed food come from multiple countries which may not have as stringent safety standards as we do, there is a risk of them being contaminated and causing a risk to both the consumer and the local food industry.

“Last year’s dioxin crisis in the pork industry shows how the failure of just one small piece of equipment and failure to detect this problem quickly can cause multi-million pound losses as well as a loss of trust in the food supply chain.
  
“In China, over 50,000 children were hospitalised and a number of deaths were reported due to the melamine scandal which cost the Chinese economy a reported £5 billion loss and major embarrassment.

“Food is now a true global commodity and we are in competition with the rest of the world. We know other places can produce food cheaper, for example Brazil which can offer beef at prices up to 40% lower than we can, but our opportunities lie in producing the safest, highest quality and most traceable food in the world.

 “At ASSET we are using emerging technologies to deliver high-level traceability to detect and predict problems. We want to let local companies know how they can tap into ASSET’s expertise and compete in the global marketplace and would welcome them at this month’s event.”

Many local companies including Fane Valley, Dunbia and TraceAssured signed up to hear speakers from Queen’s, Invest NI, the Department for Employment and Learning’s Connected Initiative and the UK’s Food and Environment Agency at the opening event.

Topics under discussion at the conference included global issues of food traceability and authenticity including food fraud, supply chain management, and how the new ASSET Centre is using emerging technologies to deliver high level traceability for imported and exported foods.

Part-funded by the Department for Employment and Learning, the new Centre has links with Ashtown Food Research Centre in Dublin, Dublin City University and University College Dublin.

For media enquiries please contact: Andrea Clements, Press and PR Unit,+44 (0)28 90 97 5391, Mob 07980 013 362, a.clements@qub.ac.uk

Top of Page

An enterprising senior lecturer from Queen's University Management School has received national acclaim at the first ever enterprise educators awards.

David Gibson, from Broughshane in Co.Antrim, has become one of the first people to win the `educator highly commended´ award from the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) and Enterprise Educators UK (EEUK) at its recent annual award ceremony, which celebrates excellence within enterprise education.

His prestigious commendation recognises him as “a trail-blazer” for entrepreneurial education.  Among his achievements is developing an enterprise for life education model which is embedded across the entire curriculum at Queen’s. It has also been adopted by universities in China, India, Canada, Sri Lanka and throughout the UK and was recognised as a best practice model by the EEC.

David said: "Being recognised as a 'highly commended enterprise educator' is very rewarding to me as enterprise has been the major focus of my career in higher education and I am very grateful to the NCGE and EEUK for their support. What is more important is being able to help students to be more enterprising in these uncertain times.”

Alison Price, Director of Educator Development for the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship, said: “David has been highly commended for his impressive work within entrepreneurship education. He is a trailblazer, both for his institution and for this key international agenda, and this award recognises his significant achievements in providing enterprise education for all. 

“We are delighted to recognise David’s work both within Queen’s but also to support others working in this important agenda.”

David is a Senior NICENT (Northern Ireland Centre for Entrepreneurship) Teaching Fellow based in Queen’s University Management School.

The only recipient of a National Teaching Fellowship Award for enterprise education by the Higher Education Academy in the UK, he is the author of a leading book on enterprise competencies called The E Factor, which is now used in over 100 universities, including Cambridge, where it is a core text. It is aimed at helping all those involved in the learning and teaching of student business or social enterprise.

David has recently been appointed a Visiting Professor at Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration in Latvia and has been asked to apply his enterprise model in the Baltic States. He will also represent Europe in a major enterprise conference in Calcutta, India.

Top of Page