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The economic, cultural and academic relationships between China and the UK have been boosted with the creation of a new organisation.
The Association of British Chinese Professors (ABCP) not only supports the rise of academic talent in the UK but also energises research and industrial collaboration between both countries.
Through its membership, the organisation will further develop and recognise the network of around 500 Chinese academics based in the UK who are already contributing strongly to Sino-British relations.
Society can advance where there is a stable environment that welcomes new ideas, new people and new investment.
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at Heriot-Watt University and Visiting Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has been appointed to the International Advisory Board of the ABCP.
Professor Williams said: “I'm delighted to be part of this new Association as my links with China have had a profound and positive influence on my own career.
“Society can advance where there is a stable environment that welcomes new ideas, new people and new investment. The ABCP has, I believe, the opportunity to drive this agenda at a faster pace and with great integrity to the mutual benefit of the UK and China.”
Heriot-Watt has a number of long-standing partnerships with Chinese Universities and industry. This year, the University's Dubai Campus welcomed 80 talented students from the country and the Edinburgh Campus hosts the Confucius Institute from where education, economic and cultural links between Scotland and China are promoted.
This global University was also named the International University of the Year 2018 by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.
Professor Williams added: “There is increased interest in the University and research sectors working more closely with Chinese institutions and the ABCP will help nurture these relationships.
“I very much look forward to contributing to these future collaborations and recognise that through the sharing of ideas and cultures, we are better placed to help meet the challenges of our future world.”