The oldest university in the English speaking world is also sophisticated, innovative and business-facing. In this issue, China Thinking features Eric Thun, Professor of Chinese Business Studies and one of the key organizers of next week’s highlight event, the Oxford China Business Forum in Beijing. We meet Dr Yang Tan, an active alumnus volunteer and investment expert who has helped set up a new scholarship for Chinese students at Oxford. We also look at how the University’s endowment is managed, ahead of a visit to Hong Kong next month by its Chief Investment Officer, Sandra Robertson.
Don’t forget to check out the latest issue of Oxford Today magazine, which is now available online.
A new scholarship funded by Dr Walter Kwok Ping Sheung JP will provide full funding for two students from Hong Kong and China each year to pursue undergraduate studies at Oxford. Candidates must intend to develop a career in public service for the benefit of the Hong Kong community and betterment of China. MORE
Last month, the Oxford China Centre officially moved into the new Dickson Poon Oxford China Centre Building at a special ceremony attended by the Duke of Cambridge Prince William and Mr Dickson Poon. Funding for the building has primarily come from major gifts from donors in Hong Kong. MORE
British Council has launched the first ever awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made by international alumni of UK universities. In its pilot year, the awards are open to UK alumni from China, and nominations are open until 24 November. MORE
The Oxford University Society of Taiwan announced a fundraising campaign at the visit of Pro-Vice-Chancellor Nick Rawlins in May to support Taiwanese students studying at Oxford. As of September, more than £8000 have been raised towards their target of £10,000. MORE
SPOTLIGHT on
Have you ever wondered how the University’s academic programmes and other needs are funded? In the face of cuts in government funding for higher education, philanthropic giving has increased in importance, along with the University’s endowment – money and financial assets that are invested for the long-term. Oxford’ endowment has been built up over many years and includes gifts and donations given to the collegiate University for a range of purposes. The income generated from the capital investment supports Oxford's aims to secure the future of teaching, learning and research. MORE
Alumni encounters
With more than 15 years of experience in general management, operations, strategy, and investment across Asia Pacific and Europe, Dr Yang Tan is currently Managing Director of Creat Capital Company Limited, a private equity fund based in Hong Kong and co-managed with Rothschild Investment Trust in London. As an active alumnus volunteer for the University, Dr Yang had a vital role in setting up a new scholarship scheme for Chinese graduate students at Oxford funded by CREAT Group. MORE
With the theme of 'Transformational Change in China', this half-day event hosted by the Said Business School will feature speakers including Stephen Green, former Group Chairman of HSBC, Gordon Orr of McKinsey Asia and Chu Xuping of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. MORE
As Oxford’s first Chief Investment Officer, Sandra Robertson has overseen the building of a world-class investment office with the mission to grow the Oxford University Endowment Fund. Come to this event to have a behind-the-scenes look at how the Fund is performing and its investment strategies. MORE
1300-evening
The Peninsula Beijing
1830-2000
Club Lusitano Hong Kong
UNDERCOVER ACADEMIC
Eric Thun is the Peter Moores Associate Professor in Chinese Business Studies at Saїd Business School and a Fellow of Brasenose College. His primary interest is the political economy of China and the dynamics of competition in emerging markets. Prof. Thun is a key organiser and speaker at the upcoming Oxford China Business Forum. MORE
OXFORD THINKING CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Oxford alumni are ambassadors of the University and often act a bridge between the academic and business worlds. Alumnus Dr Yang Tang had a vital role in setting up the new Oxford-CREAT Graduate Scholarship which will provide full funding for two students from China per year to pursue graduate studies at Oxford. With the firm belief that higher education is the catalyst for progress, the CREAT group, an investment company under the leadership of Mr Wu Xu, CEO, has dedicated a portion of its profits to educational philanthropy each year. Their support for the Oxford-CREAT Graduate Scholarship is their first donation to an overseas project. MORE
