Trusting the Tiger Chinese New Year , 23 February 2010

Networking, musical performances, old friends and a delicious dinner were all tasty ingredients that made the Chopsticks Club New Year dinner at London's Shanghai Blues a night to remember. VIP guests included former Governor of Hong Kong, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, Embassy representatives including Minister Counsellor Tian Xiaogang, Mr Zhou Zheng and Mr Li Feng; Managing Director of Phoenix CNTV Mr Shao Wenguang and Andrew Summers, Head of Design Partners and a significant player in the UK Pavilion at Shanghai Expo.

The event was sponsored by Invensys and L2 Language & Cultural Services Ltd.

Mr Sun Xixu, Chief Retail Banking Officer, Bank of China (UK) Ltd, gave a thought-provoking speech on the topic of 'The natue of 'Post Crisis Banking'. He spoke of the Chinese characteristic of saving rather than spending and the importance of transparency.

Club Directors, Theresa Booth and H-J Colston spoke of the nature and the exciting growth of the Club, the vision for the future - including stronger relationships with businesses, support of student groups and a business travel tour to China - and highlights of the past year. These included business panel-led seminars and strategic partnerships with brands such as HSBC and GTUK.

SOAK UP THE ATMOSPHERE of the evening by listening to this piece by London Huayu Radio. 

LISTEN to Club Director, H-J Colston's speech here. 

  

The atmosphere of the evening was inviting and good for personal guanxi. As one guest commented, "Thanks warmly for having taken so much trouble to ensure us and everyone a really fulfilling and enjoyable evening – definitely one to remember, with good openings for the future".

Another guest, whose first exposure to the Club was at the New Year Dinner said, "impressed by the friendliness of your Chopsticks Club members and quality of your events, and of course excellent speeches..I believe it’s just a matter of time before you achieve your aspirations for the future of the Chopsticks Club".