Business Confucius Institute Anniversary Celebrations

Friends and partners of the Business Confucius Institute celebrated its fifth anniversary at a cultural event in Parkinson Court, attended by special guests from the University of Leeds and the Chinese Embassy in Manchester.

The Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds (BCI) was founded five years ago on 28 November 2012. The celebration was an opportunity to mark this milestone, and thank the people who have supported the BCI during this time. Attended by students, exam candidates, partners, stakeholders, and former staff, the event included a range of cultural activities and a photo exhibition showing highlights from the past five years.

The University of Leeds Deputy Vice Chancellor: Student Education, Professor Tom Ward, opened the event. He said: "As an inclusive University with an international outlook and reach as well as a diverse body of students and staff, Leeds is proud to have this Confucius Institute that can complement and support our efforts relating to internationalisation and intercultural competence."

Consul General Dr Sun Dali, speaking on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Manchester, also warmly congratulated the BCI on its success over the past five years, and celebrated its contribution to UK-China relations.

The gifts exchanged by Professor Ward and Dr Dali honoured the relationships created and strengthened by the BCI and its work.

Following the speeches, BCI Executive Director Dr Giles Blackburne opened the festivities. Guests took part in Chinese culture workshops including calligraphy, tea, music, and knots. They could also get their own Chinese name written for them on a commemorative bookmark. This selection of 'greatest hits' from the past five years was an opportunity for guests to mingle and have fun while having a hands-on experience of Chinese culture.

View photographs from the event on Flickr and Facebook.

Current and former BCI directors reflect on the past five years and look forward to the future in this news article.