Confucius Institute Staff Win Big at Prestigious Leeds University Staff Awards

Leeds, UK — The Leeds University Business School (LUBS) Partnership Awards 2025 took place last night, with staff members from the Confucius Institute among the big winners. The event, which celebrated the dedication of staff and students in enhancing the learning experience at Leeds University, was attended by senior Leeds University Business School staff and hosted by Julia Bennell, the Executive Dean of Leeds University Business School.

Communications and Engagement BCI staff member Jack Popplewell and Head Teacher Xiaolong Liu were present at the event, celebrating the recognition of their contributions to promoting international education and mentoring excellence.

Jack Popplewell was honoured with winning the prestigious Global Impact Award, a category that celebrates individuals whose efforts foster global engagement and intercultural understanding. His nomination highlighted a series of events that demonstrated his commitment to promoting Chinese culture and building international connections.

Jacks nomination read  - "In January 2025, Jack hosted and supported a remarkable portfolio of eight Chinese New Year-themed events across a busy three-week period. These events, which attracted over 5,000 guests, included notable figures such as the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Katung, and the Consul General of China. The events, covered by major media outlets including the BBC, The Yorkshire Post, and Evening Standard, showcased Chinese culture through a variety of activities, including lion dances, orchestra performances, and cultural workshops.

A particular highlight was Jack’s bilingual hosting of a 160-piece award-winning orchestra from Guangzhou, China. His fluency in Mandarin and confident delivery impressed audiences at venues across Leeds, Harrogate, and beyond. Collaborating with local partners, including the Merrion Shopping Centre, Harrogate Grammar School, and Leeds Co-op Academy, Jack ensured the events were a resounding success, further cementing the University’s commitment to global engagement and cultural exchange."

Meanwhile, the Leeds Business Confucius Institute Chinese Language Teaching Team, led by Head Teacher Xiaolong Liu, was nominated for the Mentorship Award. This category recognizes exceptional individuals who provide guidance and support to help others grow and progress, both personally and academically.

Xiaolong and team's nomination read "Xiaolong and his team’s mentorship of two Leeds University students, Francesca Pala and Sophie Kelly, proved to be transformative in their success at the prestigious “China Bridge 2024” global competition.

The competition, which attracted over 600 contestants from 147 countries, aims to inspire a passion for Chinese language and culture. Under Xiaolong’s mentorship, Francesca and Sophie achieved remarkable success. Sophie reached the semi-finals with her impressive Mandarin proficiency and paper-cutting demonstration, while Francesca advanced to the finals, winning three prestigious awards: Most Eloquent Award, Most Popular Contestant, and second place overall. Francesca’s success garnered an interview with Chinese state broadcaster CGTN and a paid position as a Travel Ambassador for China.

Over the course of two months, Xiaolong and his team provided invaluable support to the students, including daily Mandarin lessons, cultural performance guidance, and insights into Chinese history and traditions. Their mentorship not only helped the students excel in the competition but also strengthened their academic and personal growth. Additionally, Xiaolong coordinated all logistics for the final competition in London, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for the contestants."

Both Jack Popplewell and Xiaolong Liu, along with their respective teams, embody the University’s mission to foster global understanding and promote educational excellence. Their recognition at the LUBS Partnership Awards highlights the outstanding contributions they have made to enhancing Leeds University’s learning environment and its commitment to international and intercultural engagement.

This recognition is a significant achievement for the Leeds Business Confucius Institute, which is dedicated to spreading knowledge about Chinese language, history, and culture. Through initiatives like these, the Institute continues to foster a deeper understanding of China within the broader university community. Furthermore, the success of events and mentorship programs highlights the growing importance of connecting with Chinese international students, who make up an increasingly large and integral part of the Leeds Business School community. By nurturing these connections, the University not only strengthens its international ties but also enriches the educational experience for all students, promoting a more globally aware and interconnected learning environment.