The University of Manchester China Centre marked its 18th Anniversary with a special reception, "Celebrating 18 Years: Building the Future Together", held at Sinan Mansion in Shanghai. The event brought together partners, alumni and distinguished guests to celebrate nearly two decades of educational collaboration, international engagement and community building between the UK and China.

Among the distinguished guests were Professor Fiona Devine, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at The University of Manchester, and Professor Panos Sousounis, Associate Dean for International, Faculty of Humanities, who made a special trip to Shanghai from Manchester. Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre and Managing Director of The University of Manchester China; Mr Sohail Shaikh, Deputy Trade Commissioner for China at the UK Department for Business and Trade; Mr Dom Hastings, Acting Director East China, British Council.

Celebrating 18 Years of Growth and Partnership

Opening the evening, Dr Sherry Fu reflected on the remarkable journey of the China Centre since its establishment in Shanghai in 2008. From welcoming its first cohort of students to developing a comprehensive portfolio of part-time master's programmes—including the Global MBA, MSc Financial Management and MA Educational Leadership in Practice—the Centre has remained committed to advancing international education, cultivating global talent and strengthening UK-China collaboration.

Dr Fu expressed her sincere gratitude to the University's past and present leadership for their longstanding trust and support, which have enabled the Centre's continuous growth. She also thanked the Centre's partners for their enduring collaboration in driving educational innovation and talent development, as well as its alumni, whose leadership and professional achievements continue to demonstrate the value of a Manchester education.

"The greatest achievement of the China Centre is not only what we have accomplished, but the vibrant global lifelong learning community we have built together," said Dr Fu.

"As we celebrate our 18th anniversary, we are not simply looking back—we are looking ahead. In an era shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid global transformation, the importance of quality education, international collaboration and responsible leadership has never been greater."

Dr Sherry Fu

Mr Sohail Shaikh, Deputy Trade Commissioner for China, congratulated the China Centre on its milestone and highlighted the enduring importance of educational cooperation as a cornerstone of the UK-China relationship. He emphasised that international education strengthens people-to-people connections and provides a solid foundation for long-term bilateral collaboration.

Mr Sohail Shaikh

Strengthening Manchester’s Global Mission

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Fiona Devine praised the China Centre's achievements over the past eighteen years and reaffirmed its strategic importance within the University's global engagement.

Professor Fiona Devine

Professor Devine noted that the Centre's success lies not only in its sustained development, but also in its ability to build trusted partnerships and foster a shared commitment to education and social impact. Since opening in Shanghai in 2008, the Centre has become an important hub within the University's international strategy, providing flexible, high-quality postgraduate education for working professionals through a blended learning model supported by leading academics from Manchester.

Professor Devine also highlighted the University’s extensive global alumni network, spanning more than 190 countries and regions. Alliance Manchester Business School alone has over 60,000 alumni across 176 countries, including more than 20,000 across Asia. The China Centre itself has supported more than 3,000 Global MBA graduates over the past eighteen years.

"Our global impact is built upon our people," Professor Devine remarked. "Our alumni across China continue to make significant contributions in business, innovation and society while serving as important bridges between the UK and China."

A Community Built by Alumni and Partners

Representing the alumni community, Mr Ping Fan, Chairman of Longrise Investment Group and Chairman of Concord Academy, shared how his Manchester education shaped both his personal development and entrepreneurial journey.

Mr Francis Ping

Mr Dom Hastings, Acting Director East China of the British Council, congratulated the China Centre on its anniversary and recognised its important contribution to advancing UK-China educational exchange and international cooperation.

Mr Dom Hastings

Mr Kenneth Goh, representing the University of Manchester Alumni Community in Singapore, also attended the celebration and shared the development of the Singapore alumni network, expressing his hope for even stronger collaboration among Manchester alumni communities across Asia.

Mr Kenneth Goh

Recognising Shared Success

A special recognition ceremony honoured alumni, staff and strategic partners who have made long-standing contributions to the development of the China Centre. Dr Sherry Fu, Professor Fiona Devine and Dr Panos Sousounis presented awards in appreciation of their commitment, partnership and continued support over the years.

Guests also enjoyed networking, cultural performances and conversations celebrating shared achievements while looking towards future collaboration. The University of Manchester China Centre extends its sincere appreciation to Select Group for its generous sponsorship of the anniversary celebration, and to alumni Aileen Wei, Aries Li and Kenneth Goh for providing commemorative gifts for guests.

Looking Ahead

For eighteen years, The University of Manchester China Centre has served as a bridge connecting Manchester and China, academia and industry, and local aspirations with global opportunities.

As it enters its next chapter, the Centre remains committed to supporting international education, strengthening UK-China collaboration, nurturing globally minded leaders and creating positive social impact through education.

About The University of Manchester China Centre

Established in Shanghai in 2008, The University of Manchester China Centre is the University's official platform for international education in China. It supports cultural, educational and business exchange between the UK and China while providing local academic and student support for the University's blended-learning postgraduate programmes, including the Global MBA, MSc Financial Management and MA Educational Leadership in Practice.

Today, the Centre connects a community of more than 60,000 University of Manchester alumni across China and works closely with universities, businesses and organisations to promote lifelong learning, leadership development and international collaboration.