Young Icebreaker Launched

The 48 Group Club was established in early 1950s with an aim to promote culture exchanges and trade between Britain and China. It was originally founded by 48 companies so later named as ‘The 48 Group Club’. It’s known as the ‘Icebreakers’ between these two countries (more on its history). Last Thursday I attended the launch of their Young Icebreaker event, which I have to say was one of the best events I’ve attended so far this year.

What I want to share first is the speech given by the Chinese ambassador Fu Ying. I was expecting a formal and somewhat Chinese government style speech at the beginning. But she went straight to the point on the misunderstanding that we had recently and what happened at the Olympic torch relay in London. By pointing out the ‘Ice’ we had, she then went on to address the importance of this Icebreaker for the young generation. I was very much impressed by her speech and I’m proud that we have an ambassador like her.

Update 13/05/2008: the speech transcript

There were about 200 attendants, mostly young Chinese professionals. Beside the celebration of the Young Icebreaker launch, it was a great networking event as well. I met a lot of people from big name companies. I thought I’d bought enough name cards but they all gone within the first hour.

I’m glad to see more and more such communities established to break ices between these two cultures. As I said, what I saw in the Olympic torch relay was disheartening. I guess most protesters haven’t actually been to China and don’t know what’s the real life like there. Communication and mutual understanding are important. I do hope the Young Icebreaker group will play a significant role in breaking the ‘ice’ that we had.

Here are some photos to share.

Ambassador Fu was give a speech. Taken by my blackberry, the quality wasn’t that good.

In Shanghai Blue, event venue.

A photo with Keith, Greg and Vincent. Thanks to the journalist from SingTao Newspaper for taking this photo for us.