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UCL Built Environment Clubs to be launched

24 September 2012

UCL today announced the future launch of its first two Built Environment Clubs (BECs) in Shanghai and Hong Kong on 28th and 29th October respectively.

Alumni networking UCL has developed a significant academic and business network in these and other China regions which include many Alumni keen to bring additional value to China's urbanisation programme by harnessing the expertise of their 'alma mater'.

Sir David Brewer CMG, Chairman of CBBC commented: "China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) is delighted to learn of this enterprising UCL initiative to establish 'Built Environment Clubs' which powerfully connects a UK top world ranked university's Alumni and knowledge base with UK world-class companies, their clients and associates across China. UCL's academic insights will undoubtedly help China deliver more sustainable urbanisation and regeneration processes in addition to helping build capacity - within officialdom and UK companies."

In addition to a core of UCL Alumni from several faculties and departments at UCL including the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment and Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, the BECs will also welcome others engaged in the Built Environment who are interested in networking opportunities in the region.

The launch of the BECs will help to support work on strengthening China's urbanisation knowledge base and skills and we aim to achieve this through research collaboration, advisory and executive training programmes delivered both in the UK and China.

Professor Alan Penn

It is envisaged that, following their 'soft launch' the BECs will develop and grow organically beyond initial informal social networking events in a manner reflecting local preferences and where value can best be added. This may include, for example, UCL visiting lectures, guest speaker dinners, site visits and Continuing Professional Development training events/workshops.

UCL is no stranger to China. Way back in 1837 Samuel Kidd became the UK's first professor of Chinese. Moreover, nowadays over 5% of all Chinese students who come to study in UK universities choose UCL and they make a significant contribution to the social and intellectual fabric of UCL - consistently near the top of the world's university 'Ivy League'.

The Bartlett's Dean Professor Alan Penn, who will attend both launch events, commented: "I have had the pleasure of witnessing China's remarkable ability to rise to and meet the challenges its immense urbanisation programme brings. The launch of the BECs will help to support work on strengthening China's urbanisation knowledge base and skills and we aim to achieve this through research collaboration, advisory and executive training programmes delivered both in the UK and China. 

"This is in addition to supporting British professional services companies working in China - thus creating a powerful 'offer' of the knowledge and practitioner bases combining on real projects."

The launch dinners will be hosted by Aedas and Oval Partnership both of whom benefit from many UCL Alumni amongst their staff - at all levels. UCL Built Environment Alumni and those wishing to participate in the new clubs may register for the launch events and/or their interest by visiting the websites at the side.


Links:

UCL Barltett Faculty of the Built Environment
UCL Civil, Environment & Geomatic Engineering
China Britain Business Council