Sino-Australia Entrepreneurship & Innovation function at VU

The Sino-Australia Entrepreneurship and Innovation Function was held at Victoria University on 11 August 2017.

The event was organised by the Victoria Business Confucius Institute (VBCI) and the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce of Australia. More than 80 guests from innovative and creative circles attended the event, including members of the Victorian government, business, and education areas. The function was chaired by Professor Colin Clark, Dean of College of Business at VU and Director of VBCI.

The VBCI is the first business Confucius Institute in Australia; a collaboration between the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing and Victoria University.

Keynote speeches

Steve Berridge, Vice President of Engagement, Marketing and International at VU, gave the welcome speech. He described VBCI as a bridge between China and Australia, and spoke about its important role in exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia.

Acting Consul General for China in Melbourne, Mr. Huang Guobin, highlighted Confucius Institutes and universities contribution to the economic and trade exchanges between China and Australia.

John Kirby, Chairman of the advisory committee of the Victoria Business Confucius Institute, emphasised the importance of China for the young entrepreneur.

The Honorable Bruce Atkinson, President of the Legislative Council, also delivered a passionate speech to encourage young people to participate in international exchanges and to cultivate an international perspective, especially for the future 'Asian Age'. 

Panel discussions

Dr. Catherine Lou, Lecturer of College of Business, and VBCI project director, hosted a discussion by young leaders who had participated in a recent tour to China.

A panel of experts shared their insights into entrepreneurship between Australia and China, and start-up youth. Panel members included:

• Claire Wang, the VBCI Chinese Director
• Associate Professor Ken Smith, President of the Australia China Business Council, Victoria
• Mr Eric Gao, Founder and managing director, BMY Group (Investment)
• Zhu Zhenrong, Associate Professor of Beijing Polytechnic University.

Honorary appointments

Appointments to the position of adjunct fellow of Victoria Business Confucius Institute included:

• famous painter Mr. Yao Dixiong
• the Australian Basketball League CEO Mr. Jeremy Louleigh
• General Manager, MMG, Mr. Xu Jiqing.

Mr Yao Dixiong gave a living painting—Horse, and wished all the young entrepreneurs leader success in their careers.