Cambridge China Forum 2019 Highlights

Cambridge China Forum 2019 exceeded the high standards set in the previous year and proved itself to be the leading event for promoting investment and trade between China and the Cambridge Science & Technology Cluster.

#CCForum2019 was co-curated by Cambridge China Centre and TusPark UK (part of TusHoldings’ global innovation ecosystem of 300 incubators, science parks, and science cities worldwide) to provide an equal ratio of speakers from Chinese and UK/international backgrounds.

The resulting collaboration provided an ideal space for UK businesses that are considering doing business with China to get their feet wet and speak with experts. For those actively involved in UK|China trade, #CCForum2019 generated opportunities for interaction between technology industry experts, government officials, patent/IP specialists and C-level professionals from both countries.

The theme of CCF2019, “UK|China Investment and Trade – Science and Technology Forefront” enabled the speakers and delegates to focus on trends in Bio-Tech, Artificial Intelligence & 5G, developments in Intellectual Property, Impact Investing, and Trade.

Surveying the Cambridge technology landscape

The day began with a warm welcome from co-organisers Congcong Wang (Head of Operations at TusPark UK) and Jinzhao Li (Director of Cambridge China Centre). The introduction was followed by keynote speeches designed to give a clear view of the current landscape of technology in Cambridge, and UK|China trade and investment.

Charles Cotton, recognised expert and leader of Cambridge’s science & industry developments, spoke on the past and present of the “Cambridge Phenomenon”. Dr Ian Zhu, (Head of Outbound Investment for Grant Thornton) provided “An Overview of Chinese Investment into the UK”. The Honourable Matthew Bullock (Master of St Edmunds College Cambridge), drew on historical trade patterns to position the future of UK|China trade through his speech, “Cambridge and the Silk Road”.

Matthew Bullock and Charles Cotton were then joined by John Bridge (Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce) and Cambridge China Centre Director, Jinzhao Li, for a panel to explore “the Cambridge Cluster and China Opportunities”.

Bioscience Forefront

The Cambridge Bioscience Forefront panel, led by Dr Simon Haworth of the Sino-UK Fund and Dynasty Technology, explored the possibilities and protocols for going in both inbound and outbound directions. Professor Chris Lowe, (Director of the Cambridge Academy of Therapeutic Sciences), gave his authoritative insight into what one should (and shouldn’t) do when becoming involved with the Cambridge technology cluster. David Coorey (Abcam’s Global Vice-President of Sales), provided deep knowledge of selling pharma, diagnostics and medical devices in the China market.

Artificial Intelligence

The ‘UK A.I. Forefront panel’ was chaired by Syrus Lorasb, Founder of China-Britain Fusion & China-Britain A.I. Mr. Lorasb masterfully lead the conversation to include the latest development in technology, the underlying philosophical considerations of AI and how that may shape future developments of how AI may be part of our lives in the future. Joining Mr. Lorasb were Humayun Sheikh (CEO and Founder of Fetch AI), Dr. Fan Wu (Chief Scientist at Turin Tech), and Dr Gareth Tilley (Lead Engineer at Simplifai).

5G

‘How 5G will change our lives’ featured leading authorities on 5G research, development and roll-out. The panel consisted of Bob Driver (Head of UK5G and CW Director), Dr Jean-Francois Fava-Verde (Innovation Lead for Digital at Innovate UK) and Dr Yue Wang (the Principal 5G researcher at Samsung UK). Moderating the panel was Dr Colin Tan (Director of Operations at TusPark Newcastle).

International Trade & Intellectual Property

With the discussions of technology and trade, the organisers of #CCForum2019 included a panel on International Trade and I.P. Protection. Moderated by Ting Zhang (Founder and CEO of Crayfish.io), the panellists gave much-needed insight into what was real and what was rumour in regard to trade, filing patents and pursuing IP enforcement. John Bridge (Chief Executive of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce) returned to the stage and was joined by two Partners from Marks and Clerk: Gareth Williams (Partner and Patent Attorney) spoke and answered questions on UK and European technology patents followed by Graham Burnett-Hall discussing his experience with IP litigation and disputes in China. The representatives from Marks and Clark were exceptional at separating Intellectual Property myths from facts.

Impact Investing

Having spent the day exploring trade and investment in technology sectors, the organisers of #CCForum2019 included a two-part keynote address from Mohan Ma (MBA with Judge Business School) and Professor Chengwen Wang (Director of Environmental Impact Assessment Office, Tsinghua University; Executive Director, Council of Industry and Technology Alliances in Z-Park). The two speakers provided strong ethical considerations by discussing the potentials of technology to help the environment and endangered animal species.

Exhibitions and Networking

An important part of the Forum was the space for exhibition stands and networking.

Gala Dinner

Finishing the night was a Gala Dinner that gave the delegates a chance to do further networking and reflect upon the earlier discussions.

Keynote speech from Oliver Shiell: without dreams, we cannot shape reality

The gala dinner features a keynote speech from the Founder & Managing Partner of Asiability, Oliver Shiell: Without dreams, we cannot shape reality.

Fund raising for the Alzheimer’s Research UK

The evening concluded with a charity draw, which raised £670 for the Alzheimer’s Research UK. We would like to thank Air China and Panda Fine wines for sponsoring the charity draw prizes.

A special photography exhibition celebrating 41 years of Chinese development

Supporting the Forum was a special exhibition of photographs sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in London that highlighted 41 years of Chinese technological advancements.