Alliance Manchester Business School co-organised an event to showcase the growing partnership between Manchester and China. Building upon existing links between the two regions, the event highlighted the technological, social and financial implications of Mobike’s presence in Manchester.
The event also marked the launch of the Manchester China Institute. Set up with the support of Hong Kong businessman, philanthropist and honorary graduate of the University of Manchester, Dr Lee Kai Hung, the aim of the institute is to contribute to promoting mutual understanding in UK-China relations and promote education, research and outreach related to china and across the University of Manchester.
Guests including Dr Lee heard how the bike-sharing company Mobike has successfully expanded to become available in 200 cities around the world, including Manchester, which became the firm’s first UK location in 2017. The panel debated opportunities for China to export technology to the West and how Manchester is becoming an ever more attractive destination for Chinese visitors and businesses.
Mobike was established as a bike sharing service to fulfil urban short trips and has grown rapidly since its inception in 2015. Steve Pyer, Mobike’s European Development Director commented: “The company chose Manchester as the first city to launch in outside of China due to the excellent cycling infrastructure of the city as well as the brilliant cycling community that is located here.”
During the event, Rhys Whalley, Executive Director of the Manchester China Forum said the University will play a crucial role developing relationships between Manchester and China: “Students, alumni and executive education partnerships will enhance the growing partnership between the city region and the economic powerhouse by establishing crucial relationships.”
Alliance MBS Director of Social Responsibility, Ismail Ertürk, also took part in the panel talking about the work the School undertakes with high profile Chinese banks on delivering leadership and developing internationalisation strategies training to their staff.
Professor Ken McPhail, the School’s Director of Research, introduced the panel discussion. He iterated how important Chinese students were to the business school with 450 Chinese students are undertaking Alliance MBS Masters courses this year.
The panel discussion was facilitated by Dr Andrew James, Associate Dean for Business Engagement and External Relations, Faculty of Humanities, University of Manchester and a Senior Lecturer at the Alliance Manchester Business School.
