Shanghai-UK symposium explores tech collaboration opportunities

Representatives from China and the United Kingdom gathered in Shanghai on Thursday for a symposium focused on technological innovation and industrial development, aiming to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies.

The event, organized by the UK Chapter of Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association, provided a platform for dialogue between returned Chinese students from the UK and British enterprises in Shanghai.

In his opening address, Mao Xiangdong, vice-president of SORSA and chairman of its UK Chapter, said the UK's recently unveiled Invest 2035: the UK's modern industrial strategy, which identifies key sectors including advanced manufacturing, life science and digital technology. These priorities, Mao noted, complement Shanghai's focus on frontier industries such as integrated circuits, biomedicine and artificial intelligence.

Cat Sinclair Jones, cultural and education consul at the British Consulate-General Shanghai, highlighted that 150,000 Chinese students are currently pursuing studies at British universities. She emphasized their potential role in fostering bilateral relations upon their return to China, particularly in addressing global challenges.

Stuart Dunn, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai, emphasized Shanghai's emergence as a technology hub and the contribution of British-educated graduates to the workforce.

The symposium also featured industry presentations, including one by Sun Kaijun, vice-president of SORSA and chairman of Shanghai Luoman Technologies Inc. Sun shared the company's transformation from urban lighting specialists to providers of digital entertainment and smart energy solutions, notably through the acquisition of British firm Holovis.

A highlight of the event was a roundtable discussion. Participants from both China and the UK explored topics ranging from AI applications to international team dynamics.

The event concluded with representatives from both SORSA's UK Chapter and the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai expressing commitment to deepening future cooperation.