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Event Date: 24/02/2009

Director of the Scottish Centre for Chinese Studies and the Confucius Institute for Scotland in the University of Edinburgh, Professor Natascha Gentz will deliver a special lecture on Tuesday 24 February.

Entitled, ‘The Birth of Tragedy in China: Global Routes of a Local Genre’ the lecture will take place at 5.15pm in lecture theatre B of the David Hume Tower, George Square. A reception will follow. If you would like to attend this lecture please email patricia.mcclory@ed.ac.uk

Thursday 13th proved to be lucky for Garrow Ltd, one of the 160 companies that registered to attended a China expert panel event organised by the Confucius Institute for Scotland as a finale to the business programme of China Now in Scotland.

Director Bob Garrow attended the Glasgow event with a number of specific questions regarding his ambition to access the China water processing market and was delighted when his number was drawn to win two Business Class return tickets from Scotland to any destination in China served by Lufthansa.

`We supply treatment plants which only require energy. One is a new but proven technology to clean up drinking water; the other is a different technology which cleans up waste water for reuse or safe release to the environment. Both are avaiable at a fraction of the capital costs of traditional method technologies and without the need for expensive built infrastructure.

I came along to this event because I was aware that, because there is no choice, most of China’s one billion people are drinking water which is not clean. We supply a new but proven technology to clean up drinking water as well as a different technology which cleans up waste water for reuse or safe release to the environment. Both are avaiable at a fraction of the capital costs of traditional method technologies and without the need for expensive built infrastructure.

This event was particularly valuable because the panel, while stressing the differences, difficulties and distances, identified that success was possible and pointed me towards helpful resources.

Winning return tickets to China was most welcome and certainly reduces the distance factor. Anyone who can help me deliver these products to the chinese market is welcome but must not expect a free ride!`

Lufthansa which offers flights to Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing and Shenyang is the airline sponsor of China Now in Scotland. Lufthansa not only provided the tickets for this prize draw, but also provided a number of tickets from China to Scotland which were used to bring over visiting artists taking part in China Now in Scotland.

China Now in Scotland ran from February – November 2008. Over the ten months there have been over 150 events attended by over 70,000 people.

Event Date: 13/11/2008

As a culmination of the ten month long China Now in Scotland festival, the Confucius Institute is organising a series of Expert Panel Events around Scotland.

The Glasgow event will be held in the University of Glasgow
Doors open 6pm business session begins 6.15pm.
A networking drinks/canapés reception will take place after the business session.

To reserve a place please complete the RSVP form which can be downloaded here.

With sponsorship from the Confucius Institute, Arup Scotland and venue hosts, these events are offered at no charge. In addition, all attendees will be entered into a prize draw to win two business class return tickets to any destination in China served by Lufthansa.

A diverse panel of expertise has been assembled for the Expert Panel Event taking place on Wednesday 5 November at the University of Aberdeen which will be chaired by the Right Honourable John Prescott.

CHAIR: Right Honourable John Prescott

Deputy Prime Minister from May 1997-June 2007, John Prescott chaired the China Task Force from 2003 – 2007 working to forge increased co-operation between the UK and China in the fields of education, international development, health, trade and investment, science, culture and sustainable development.

PANELLISTS

Peter Budd, Arup Scotland

A civil engineer to profession, Peter is chair of Arup Scotland and vice-chair of the China-Britain Business Council. With the significant contracts his company has in China, he is a frequent visitor to China where Arup’s contracts include work on Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3; the Bird’s Nest Stadium; and the Water Cube.

He is Vice Chair of the China Britain Business Council and Executive Chair of the business advisory group, China Now in Scotland.

David Valentine, Angus Council

As Head of Economic Development, David Valentine has led Angus Council`s `Angus in China Initiative` for over 12 years. With a tourism and international trade focus particularly in Yantai, Shandong Province where he became an honorary citizen in 2006, he has an extensive network of contacts and knowledge.

David is the only non-Chinese member of the Scottish Confederation of Chinese Associations.
James Brown, Patent Attorney, Murgitroyd

Murgitroyd is a firm of Scottish based (HQ in Glasgow) European Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys with offices not only in the UK but also in France, Germany, Ireland and Italy. The company has become very active in China particularly over the last 5 years or so due to client demand. Protection of IP rights in China is a major focus for Murgitroyd clients where the firm assist not only in IP filings but also in enforcement.

James’s particular area of expertise is on oil and gas technology such as downhole tools and processes. He has experience of Trade Mark prosecution, opposition and enforcement, especially relating to the entertainment industry and handles IP issues in China.

Donald Smith, Albyn Limited

Albyn Limited is a specialist haircare company, which began trading with China 10 years ago when Donald Smith, Managing Director set up a Chinese supply base. The company has extensive experience of purchasing in China. Donald has over 23 years experience in all aspects of consumer goods development, manufacture and selling and serves on the North East Committee of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

Employing seven people, and with a turnover of around £3M per annum of which 25% is export trade, Albyn customers include Bayer Healthcare, GlaxoSmithkline, Boots, Rive Gauche(Russia) and Douglas(Germany). Brands include Toni and Guy, Trevor Sorbie and Lee Stafford.

Andrew K.P.Leung, SBS, FRSA, International Consultants Ltd

Chairman of Andrew Leung International, Andrew is a China specialist with 40 years of experience in many senior government positions in Hong Kong, including commerce, industry, banking, finance and overseas diplomatic representation. His last position was Hong Kong’s chief official representative for the United Kingdom and 14 EU and non-EU countries, including Russia, Switzerland and Norway. Chairman of Andrew Leung International Consultants Limited based in London, Andrew has recently been appointed Vice Chairman of the 48 Group Club. Andrew appears regularly on live TV interviews on China with CNBC Europe, BBC Asia, Bloomerberg etc and has given numerous talks, presentations and commentaries on China.

If you have not already booked your place please click here for the information flyer and here for the downloadable RSVP form.

Event Date: 31/10/2008

As a culmination of the ten month long China Now in Scotland festival, the Confucius Institute is organising four evening events for Scottish businesses.

The Edinburgh event is chaired by Sir Richard Needham, Director for International and Commercial affairs at Dyson who has been largely responsible for the development of the company`s overseas operations in Europe, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Korea and China.

As Minister of Trade in the early 1990s, he overhauled and reinvigorated Britain`s export strategy. He was made a Privy Counsellor in 1994 and knighted in 1997.

Venue: Playfair Library, Old College, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, EH8 9YL

Please reserve a place in advance by completing and returning the Priority Registration Form.

Doors open at 4pm, business session begins 4.30pm
A networking drinks/canapés reception will take place after the business session.

With sponsorship from the Confucius Institute, Arup Scotland and venue hosts, these events are offered at no charge. In addition, all attendees will be entered into a prize draw to win two business class return tickets to any destination in China served by Lufthansa.

Graham Thomson, business writer and consultant based in China since 2002, will share his insight and views on China`s outbound investment activity.

Join us on Thursday 23 October at 6pm to find out what the Chinese are investing in, where these investments are taking place and why this is happening. The trends in outward investment and the possible implications of this will all be considered in this informative session.

Date: Thursday 23 October
Time: 6pm-7.30pm
Venue: Room 7.01, David Hume Tower, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JX

Reserve your place in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, or Glasgow for one of the three China Expert Panel events running October and November organised by the Confucius Institute for Scotland.

As a culmination of the ten month long China Now in Scotland festival, the Confucius Institute is organising three evening events for Scottish businesses. With sponsorship from the Confucius Institute, Arup Scotland and venue hosts, these events are offered at no charge. In addition, all attendees will be entered into a prize draw to win two business class return tickets to any destination in China served by Lufthansa.

Each event will operate under a well respected and high profile chair, whose own insight and experience will be enhanced by the panel members who will share their knowledge of doing business in or with China.

As the credit crunch bites and the economy wobbles, every business should consider its strategy to survive and flourish. Reserve your place today and come along to learn from the expertise of others whilst sharing your knowledge and concerns.

Click here for Information Flyer and Registration Form.

Click here to download a registration form in word which can be emailed back to reserve a place.

Dates, Venues, Timing

Edinburgh: Friday 31 October
Chair: Sir Richard Needham
Venue: Playfair Library, Old College, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, EH8 9YL

Sir Richard Needham is Director for International and Commercial affairs at Dyson and has been largely responsible for the development of the company`s overseas operations in Europe, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Korea and China.

As Minister of Trade in the early 1990s, he overhauled and reinvigorated Britain`s export strategy. He was made a Privy Counsellor in 1994 and knighted in 1997.

Doors open 4pm, business session begins 4.30pm
A networking drinks/canapés reception will take place after the business session.

Click here to see the Edinburgh panel profile.

Aberdeen: Wednesday 05 November
Chair: the Right Honourable John Prescott
Venue: Linklater Rooms, University of Aberdeen, AB24 3FX

Deputy Prime Minister from May 97-June 2007, John Prescott chaired the China Task Force from 2003-2007 working to forge increased co-operation between the UK and China in the fields of education, international development, health, trade and investment, science, culture and sustainable development.

Doors open 6pm business session begins 6.30pm.
A networking drinks/canapés reception will take place after the business session.

Perthshire: Thursday 06 November
Chair: Peter Budd, Chairman, Arup Scotland
Venue: Edrington Distillers, West Kinfauns, Perthshire, PH2 7XZ

THIS EVENT IN PERTH HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED

A civil engineer to profession, Peter is chair of Arup Scotland and vice-chair of the China-Britain Business Council. With the significant contracts his company has in China, he is a frequent visitor to China where Arup`s contracts include work on Beijing Capital Airport, Terminal 3, the Bird`s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube.

Doors open 5.30pm business session begins at 6pm.
A networking drinks/canapés reception will take place after the business session

Glasgow: Thursday 13 November
Chair: Sir David Brewer,(prov) Senior Consultant, Asia – International Financial Services
Due to commitments either side of the scheduled event it has not been possible for Sir David to travel up and down to Glasgow to take part in this event. An alternative chair will be arranged.
Venue: University of Glasgow

Doors open 6pm business session begins at 6.30pm.
A networking drinks/canapés reception will take place after the business session

Details of panel members will be added to the website as the panels are confirmed.

Click here for Information Flyer and Registration Form.
Click here to download a registration form in word which can be emailed back to reserve a place.

Event Date: 12/09/2008

This the tenth and final lunchtime event organised by the Confucius Institute for Scotland to complement the exhibition the Institute has brought to the City Art Centre China: A Photographic Portrait.

This is a performance event which will present glimpses into modern Chinese literature resonating in the major themes of the exhibition: existence, relationship, desire, and time.

Recitation by a professional actor and comments by experts in Chinese literature from the University of Edinburgh will reveal the intriguing diversity of literary voices in contemporary China.

The perforamnce starts at 1.30 on Friday 12 September and last for around one hour. Admission is included in the price of an exhibition ticket. To book please call 0131 529 3963/2.

Event Date: 08/09/2008

The Processes and Problems of Urbanisation in China

Dr Ya Ping Wang is Reader in Urban Studies and Director for the Scottish Centre for Chinese Urban and Environmental Studies, School of the Built Environment of Heriot-Watt University. He has published widely on issues related to housing, migration, poverty and urban changes in China. Dr Wang is currently examining the problems of urban sprawl and landless farmers around large Chinese cities.

This is the ninth in this series of lunchtime talks being run in conjuntion with China: A Photographic Portrait, brought by the Confucius Institute for Scotland to Edinburgh`s City Art Centre.

This talk starts at 1.30 on Monday 8 September and last for around one hour. Admission to the talk is included in the price of an exhibition ticket. To book a seat in advance please call 0131 529 3963/2

Event Date: 05/09/2008

The Whole Country is Red: China’s Cultural Revolution as told through the Stamp Issues of the Period. 

China’s Cultural Revolution convulsed the world’s most populous country in the late 1960’s and early 70’s. While stamp collecting was denounced as ‘bourgeois’, the Cultural Revolution produced some of the most interesting, and rarest, People’s Republic stamps.

This is the eighth in this series of lunchtime talks being run in conjuntion with China: A Photographic Portrait brought to the Edinburgh`s City Art Centre by the Confucius Institute for Scotland.

The speaker today is Dr Robert McLean, City of Edinburgh Council.

This talk starts at 1.30 on Friday 5 September and last for around one hour. Admission to the talk is included in the price of an exhibition ticket. To book a seat in advance please call 0131 529 3963/2

Event Date: 29/08/2008

In the seventh of the series of talks being run in conjunction with China: A Photographic Portrait, brought by the Confucius Institute to Edinburgh`s City Art Centre, Marc Cousins will present a vivid picture of perceptions of Chinese films in the West.

Mark Cousins is a film writer, producer and director. He has received awards for his own independent films while at the same time he is known as former director of the Edinburgh Film Festival and as an acclaimed film critic and researcher. His recent interest in China was reflected in the extraordinary nationwide festival Cinema China.

This talk starts at 1.30 on Friday 29 August and last for around one hour. Admission to the talk is included in the price of an exhibition ticket. To book a seat in advance please call 0131 529 3963/2

Kimho Ip is a renowned composer, performer and intercultural artist from Hong Kong, who has received numerous awards and whose compositions have been performed in the UK and China. Drawing on his practical and theoretical expertise Kimho will present a vivid picture of the changing nature of the contemporary Chinese music scene with many audio-visual examples.

This is the fifth talk in the lunchtime lecture series at Edinburgh`s City Art Centre where China: A Photographic Portrait is running until 14 September.

This talk starts at 1.30 on Thursday 28 August and last for around one hour. Admission to the talk is included in the price of an exhibition ticket. To book a seat in advance please call 0131 529 3963/2