Global China Academy

The year 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of the Global China Academy (GCA), which was founded in 2013 as CCPN Global. GCA’s operations are supported through outsourcing to experts in various fields, such as website design and maintenance, graphic design, translation, copy editing and more. Additionally, individuals who align with our academic and social missions significantly contribute on a voluntary basis. As an independent non-profit academic institution, our independence is evident in the transparency of our funding sources, which are available for scrutiny by anyone at any time, and in Global Century Press’s commitment to publishing uncensored work on China.

One of the panels of the 7th Global China Dialogue (GCD) was ‘Reforming the Institutions’. Professor Martin Albrow, Funding and Past Honorary President of GCA, encouraged the GCA to reform itself into a sustainable institution. In addition to leveraging existing publication revenues, GCD-based income and small fellowship subscriptions, in 2023 we initiated our own version of a ‘reform and opening-up policy’ which encompasses ‘outreach and invitation’, following consultation and approval from the GCA Board of Trustees. This innovative policy involves utilizing the property occupied by the GCA Centre to create funding opportunities through extensive networking. This page showcases some reform-related activities, outcomes, or potential long-term benefits.

From July 4-10, the GCA Fellows’ Home welcomed guests from Hong Kong and Macau. While the GCA Centre has previously hosted speakers and participants for GCA events, offering free accommodation in exchange for volunteer work, this occasion marked the first time it was opened to GCA friends for networking purposes, aiming to fulfil both academic and social missions. Introduced by Professor Xiangqun Chang’s golf friend, Kai Liang (an Ambassador of the Hampton Court Golf Club and Director of Business Development of MEL Science, second from the left in the left photo), Dr Pu Zhai (President for Ascendent Capital Partners (Asia) Limited, Hong Kong, first on the right in the left photo) and his daughters were accommodated at the Fellows’ Home. Dr Zhai introduced some of his friends to Professor Chang, including guests from Macau (third from the right in the left photo), Singapore (first and second from the left in the second photo), and London, including Dr Chen and her husband (first and second from the left in the right photo), and Dr Frank Guo (Chairman of New Beacon Group, in the middle of the second photo from the left).

Later in July, Dr Guo (middle in the right photo) attended a meeting with DU Yichao, who visited the UK in preparation for the Wuxi City delegation in August. He is Director of Wuxi Institute of New Culture, PhD student of UCL and GCA Associate.

On July 19, Professor Xiangqun Chang visited the home of Mr Mark Lee, GCA’s Graphic Designer, and Mrs Sarah Lee, GCA’s Librarian (both in the second photo above), in Sheffield. In addition to discussing GCA’s work, they enjoyed playing hide and seek in their ‘secret garden’ and explored unique rooms with different colours and their work studio. During their visit after the 7th Global China Dialogue in 2021, they contributed to the development of the GCA Centre’s five ‘walk and talk’ routes and enjoyed Routes 1 and 2. A few days later, Professor Chang hosted a farewell meal for the retired GCA Administrative Manager, Zhufeng Sheng (left in the fourth photo).

On July 22, the two Chinese sociologists whom Professor Chang met at SOAS in May visited the GCA Centre. They are Dr QIN Chen (who stands under the picture in the left photo), Associate Professor at Hohai University, and Dr YUE Shaohua (who is pictured with a family of four in the left photo), Associate Research Fellow at the Jiangsu Academy of Social Sciences. Dr Yue’s wife, Dr ZHANG Haihua, is a Visiting Fellow at LSE from Nanjing Agricultural University. All of them graduated from Nanjing University under the supervision of either Professor SONG Linfei, former President of the Jiangsu Academy of Social Sciences and the Chinese Sociological Association, or Professor ZHOU Xiaohong, the founding Dean of the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Nanjing University. They enjoyed the GCA Centre’s ‘walk and talk’ route 2, which includes lunch and tea, offering a blend of leisure, learning, and physical activity to enhance the experience for visitors.

From August 6-7, Mr Kai Liang attended a meeting with DU Yichao at the GCA Centre in preparation for the Wuxi (London) Promotion Conference scheduled for August 9. The following day, Professor Chang met with Mr David Liu, Manager of the Brocket Hall Golf Club, and played golf with Mr Kai Liang and his son at the Winter Hill Golf Club. The preparations for the 7th Global China Dialogue: Governance for Global Health (GCD II) were discussed. A few days later, David’s family and relatives visited the GCA Centre. They all shared GCA’s social mission and expressed their support for GCD II.

From September 10-11, LI Li, the Founder and Honorary Curator of the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum, spent two days at the GCA Fellows’ Home. She is a Visiting Fellow at the Fitzwilliam Museum and a Fellow of Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge. The museum is located on the historical site of the Qing Dynasty trading posts in Guangzhou. It houses more than 6,600 artifacts, highlighting Guangzhou’s significant role in the ancient Maritime Silk Road and its exclusive maritime trade with Europe and America. A large number of Western-style products that incorporate Chinese elements showcase the shared beauty between China and the West during the 18th and 19th centuries, representing the outcomes of transcultural exchange. Their importance today highlights the early stages of globalization, emphasizing the critical importance of mutual understanding and cooperation in shaping a global society, international relations, and trade. During LI Li’s stay, she and Professor Chang visited the British Library, attended the ‘China’s Hidden Century’ exhibition at the British Museum, and played golf at Brocket Hall.

On September 13, some GCA colleagues gathered socially at the GCA Centre and Mill Hill Golf Club. Professor Martin Albrow (left in the right photo) discussed his upcoming trip to China in one month. Professor Xiangqun Chang shared her experiences of adopting a new lifestyle of living alone in an ’empty nest’ and ‘living with separation’ (Charles Stafford, 2003), after her husband, Dr Thomas Clarke (GCA Trustee, right in the left photo), moved to his father’s house after the COVID-19 and decided to stay there even after his father’s passing. Dr Frances Wood (2nd from the left in both photos) shared her knowledge about the history of the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs and expressed appreciation that GCP was considering publishing an oral history of Isabel Crook (1915-2023), whom she knew very well.

On October 13, Professor Xiangqun Chang and David Liu were invited by LI Li to attend Lucy’s Festival of Giving, where they met Dr Xin Fan (second from the right in the left photo), ‘a global citizen’ who has studied and taught at universities in China, Germany, the USA, and the UK. He serves as Director of Studies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and as a Teaching Associate in Modern Chinese History at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Professor Chang and Dr Jane Greatorex exchanged their details at the high table. She is a Senior Tutor, Graduate and Undergraduate Tutor, Director of Studies in Pre-Clinical Part II Veterinary Medicine, and Honorary Scientist at Public Health England. The event provided a valuable opportunity for networking and sharing insights among professionals from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, enriching the dialogue on global citizenship and interdisciplinary collaboration.

From October 27-29, during the Asian Art in London event, the GCA Centre welcomed Fellows and guests from Cambridge. The distinguished visitors included LI Li, Fellow of Lucy Cavendish College (LCC); Alison Vinnicombe, Praelector, Registrar, Archivist, and Dean of Discipline LCC; Dr James Lin, Curator of the Asia Department at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge; Jeni Kong, Trustee of the Confucius Better World Foundation and daughter-in-law to the 78th generation descendant of Confucius, notably the only person of non-Chinese ethnic; Rory Hutton, Designer at Rory Hutton Ltd; and Dr Kim Yahya, Principal Scientist at WaveBreak. David Liu played a key role in hosting the event. It is the first time the GCA Centre has received guests for non-GCA events. A total of eight individuals from eight different disciplines and five ethnic backgrounds came together, united by their shared interests. The discussions were engaging and filled with enthusiasm. Everyone felt that the GCA Centre truly deserved to be called a ‘Fellows’ Home’ and enjoyed being treated as such.

From November 7-10, Dr Yuan Cheng (second from the right in the left photo), a GCA Trustee, visited the UK. Coincidentally, she is a friend with Dr Pu Zhai from the Oxbridge Alumni Network. Following Dr Zhai’s recommendation in early July during his stay at the GCA Centre, Dr Cheng and Professor Chang met with some professionals suggested by Dr Zhai. These included Alan Fang (a lawyer, second from the left in the left photo), his wife Katie Zheng (a solicitor, first on the left in the left photo), Dr Ian Zhu (an accountant, first on the right in the second photo from the left), and Terry Ho (an accountant, second from the left in the second photo from the right). Many of them attended Rory Hutton’s ‘Gardening in Linocut’ exhibition, where they met LI Li, Rory, and Joni. They enjoyed the distinct styles of art on display and discovered elements of Chinese culture within them.

On December 7, participants and volunteers of GCD VIII took pleasure in preparing snacks and cakes for the Tea Party scheduled to be held at Lucy Cavendish College’s ‘Fellows’ Home’—Marshall House. WANG Conghan, a PhD candidate from Zhejiang Gongshang University (second from the left in the left photo), and SHA Yuze, a PhD candidate from Lancaster University (in the second photo from the left), created the Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Appetizer. MENG Jialin, an interpreter (featured in the right two photos), prepared an Italian Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake. Their contributions were greatly appreciated by the party attendees. Dr Jane Greatorex of LCC specifically mentioned their efforts in her email.

On December 11th, Dr QIAN Zhenhua met with GCA Treasurer Dr Thomas Clarke at the GCA Centre to discuss China’s complex global relationships, including Taiwan, South China Sea disputes, and its influence on ASEAN countries. They explored the challenges facing democracy, such as nationalism and misinformation. Dr Clarke inquired about China’s role in global progress. Dr Qian admired Clarke’s vision but cited challenges for Chinese influence due to internal and external factors.

On December 21st, before her departure back to China, together with LI Li, a farewell gathering was held at the GCA Fellows’ Home for LIAO Nong (left in the left photo), Chief Physician of the Plastic Surgery Department at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. She presented a paper on ‘Challenges faced by the medical beauty industry’ at the 8th Global China Dialogue on December 8th, 2023. During the gathering, LI Li expressed a strong desire to meet Dr Frances Wood to seek advice and resources for digitalizing the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum. The meeting was arranged with outdoor activities on February 4th, 2024. 

The middle photo was taken on February 10th when Dr. Frances Wood signed a copy of her book Betrayed Ally: China in the Great War for Professor Xiangqun Chang. Afterwards, they enjoyed the GCA Centre’s ‘Walk and Talk’ Route 4 on Chinese New Year Day. Coincidentally, Dr. Wood brought lily flowers and a fine China mug with William Morris’s design. He was a British textile designer, poet, artist, writer, and socialist activist associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement in the 19th century. The flowers brought by LI Li from Cambridge were placed at the end of the table near the window, which had more varieties.

The right photo shows the mug and plate were displayed at the GCA Centre. Both are masterpieces of decorative art, each carrying the uniqueness of its culture and history. The mug’s colors are relatively soft, dominated by greens and yellows, complemented by delicate floral patterns. In contrast, the Canton enamel plate is more vibrant, using a variety of colors, including pink, green, yellow, and blue. William Morris’s designs are typically representative of the British Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century, characterized by complex natural patterns, symmetry, and repetitive botanical motifs. The Canton enamel plate reflects the artistic style of the Thirteen Hongs period in Guangdong Province, China, famous for its rich colors, complex landscapes, and symmetrical decorations. The mug might be a product of industrial pattern printing, whereas the making of the Canton enamel plate might be more complex, involving multiple firings and hand painting. The mug is a daily use item for drinking liquids; the Canton enamel plate is more likely a decorative piece or a vessel for special occasions. William Morris’s designs reflect the socio-cultural background of late 19th-century Britain, emphasizing craftsmanship and anti-industrialization. The Canton enamel plate reflects the trade prosperity and cultural exchanges of Guangdong Province during the Thirteen Hongs period.

(Note: the last two photos and text were updated afterwards).

In conclusion, the year 2023 has been a landmark period for the Global China Academy (GCA), marking a decade of significant growth, outreach, and innovation since its inception. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, GCA has not only upheld its commitment to promoting academic exchange, research dissemination, and cultural communication but has also ventured into new territories with the implementation of the ‘Reform and Opening-Up Policy.’ Endorsed by the GCA board, this policy represents a strategic pivot towards utilizing GCA’s assets more effectively, thereby ensuring the institution’s sustainability and expanding its impact.

The diverse range of activities and engagements throughout the year underscores GCA’s role as a dynamic platform for fostering understanding and cooperation between China and the global community. The introduction of the GCA Centre and the establishment of the Fellows’ Home as a space for academic hospitality have further cemented GCA’s reputation as a forward-thinking and inclusive institution.

Through strategic collaborations, extensive networking, and a steadfast dedication to its mission, GCA continues to shape the dialogue on global governance, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration. As we reflect on the achievements of the past year and look forward to the future, it is clear that GCA is poised for even greater contributions to global academic and social missions, driven by a commitment to reform, openness, and mutual understanding. By embracing change, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity, GCA is redefining what it means to be a global academic institution in the 21st century.

• Click here to view 2023: The First Year of Implementing the ‘Reform and Opening-Up Policy’ at the GCA Centre (Chinese).
• Click here to view GCA’s Two-Day Team Building: Blending Academic Insight with Cultural, Historic and Nature Discovery.
• Click here to visit the GCA News & Blog section. 

The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Global China Academy (GCA), which was founded in 2013 as CCPN Global. GCA’s operations are supported through outsourcing to experts in various fields, such as website design and maintenance, graphic design, translation, copy editing, and more. Additionally, individuals who align with our academic and social missions significantly contribute on a voluntary basis. As an independent non-profit academic institution, our independence is evident in the transparency of our funding sources, which are open for examination at any time, and our commitment through Global Century Press to publishing uncensored work on China.

2023年标志着全球中国学院（GCA）成立10周年，该学院于2013年作为全球中国比较研究会（CCPN Global）成立。GCA的运营通过外包给各个领域的专家支持，如网站设计与维护、平面设计、翻译、文案编辑等。此外，与我们的学术和社会使命一致的个人也通过自愿贡献显著地参与其中。作为一个独立的非营利学术机构，我们的独立性在于我们资金来源的透明度，这些资金来源随时开放供审查，以及我们通过全球世纪出版社对中国的未经审查的作品的出版承诺。

One of panels of the 7th Global China Dialogue: reforming global governance is ‘Reforming the Institutions’. Professor Martin Albrow, Founding and Past Honorary President of GCA, encouraged the GCA to reform itself into a sustainable institution. In addition to leveraging existing publication revenues, dialogue-based income, and small fellowship subscriptions, in 2023, after seeking advice and approval from the GCA Board of Trustees, we have implemented an innovative policy. This policy involves utilizing the property occupied by the GCA Centre to create funding opportunities through extensive networking. This page showcases some reform-related activities, outcomes, or potential long-term benefits.

第七届全球中国对话的其中一个小组讨论是“改革全球治理：改革机构”。GCA的创始人及前荣誉会长马丁·阿尔布罗教授鼓励GCA将自身改革成为一个可持续的机构。除了利用现有的出版收入、基于对话的收入和小额研究员订阅外，2023年，在征求GCA董事会的建议和批准后，我们实施了一项创新政策。该政策涉及利用GCA中心占用的房产通过广泛的网络创建资金机会。本页展示了一些与改革相关的活动、成果或潜在的长期利益。

从7月4日至10日，GCA研究员之家欢迎了来自香港和澳门的客人。尽管GCA中心此前已经为GCA活动的演讲者和参与者提供了免费住宿以换取志愿服务，但这次是首次将其开放给GCA的朋友们进行网络交流，旨在实现学术和社会使命。由向群昌教授的高尔夫朋友，凯亮（汉普顿宫高尔夫俱乐部大使兼MEL科学的业务发展总监，左边照片中从左数第二位），介绍，蔡朴博士（升华资本合伙人（亚洲）有限公司，香港，总裁，左边照片中最右边）及其女儿们被安排在研究员之家住宿。蔡博士向向教授介绍了一些他的朋友，包括来自澳门的客人（左边照片中从右数第三位），新加坡的客人（第二张照片中从左数第一位和第二位），伦敦的客人，包括陈博士及其丈夫（右边照片中从左数第一位和第二位），以及郭峰博士（新辉集团董事长，左二照片中间）。

7月26日，郭博士（右边照片中间）参加了与杜一超的会面，杜一超为了准备8月份的无锡市代表团访问英国而来。他是无锡新文化研究所所长，UCL的博士生以及GCA的合作伙伴。

From July 4-10, the GCA Fellows’ Home welcomed guests from Hong Kong and Macau. While the GCA Centre has previously hosted speakers and participants for GCA events, offering free accommodation in exchange for volunteer work, this occasion marked the first time it was opened to GCA friends for networking purposes, aiming to fulfil both academic and social missions. Introduced by Professor Xiangqun Chang’s golf friend, Kai Liang (an Ambassador of the Hampton Court Golf Club and Director of Business Development of MEL Science, second from the left in the left photo), Dr Pu Zhai (President for Ascendent Capital Partners (Asia) Limited, Hong Kong, first on the right in the left photo) and his daughters were accommodated at the Fellows’ Home. Dr Zhai introduced some of his friends to Professor Chang, including guests from Macau (third from the right in the left photo), Singapore (first and second from the left in the second photo), and London, including Dr Chen and her husband (first and second from the left in the right photo), and Dr Frank Guo (Chairman of New Beacon Group, in the middle of the second photo from the left).
On July 26, Dr Guo (middle in the right photo) attended a meeting with DU Yichao, who visited the UK in preparation for the Wuxi City delegation in August. He is Director of Wuxi Institute of New Culture, PhD student of UCL and GCA Associate.

7月22日，那两位5月份在伦敦大学亚非学院（SOAS）与向群昌教授会面的中国社会学家访问了GCA中心。他们是河海大学的副教授秦晨博士（站在左边照片中的画下面），以及江苏省社会科学院的副研究员岳少华博士（在左边照片中与一家四口一起的人）。岳博士的妻子，张海华博士，来自南京农业大学，是伦敦经济学院的访问学者。他们都是在宋林飞教授或周晓虹教授的指导下于南京大学毕业的，宋林飞教授是江苏省社会科学院以及中国社会学会的前任院长，周晓虹教授是南京大学社会与行为科学学院的创始院长。他们享受了GCA中心的“边走边谈”第二路线，其中包括午餐和茶点，提供了休闲、学习和体育活动的完美结合，以增强访客的体验。

On July 22, the two Chinese sociologists whom Professor Chang met at SOAS in May visited the GCA Centre. They are Dr QIN Chen (who stands under the picture in the left photo), Associate Professor at Hohai University, and Dr YUE Shaohua (who is pictured with a family of four in the left photo), Associate Research Fellow at the Jiangsu Academy of Social Sciences. Dr Yue’s wife, Dr ZHANG Haihua, is a Visiting Fellow at LSE from Nanjing Agricultural University. All of them graduated from Nanjing University under the supervision of either Professor SONG Linfei, former President of the Jiangsu Academy of Social Sciences and the Chinese Sociological Association, or Professor ZHOU Xiaohong, the founding Dean of the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Nanjing University. They enjoyed the GCA Centre’s ‘walk and talk’ route 2, which includes lunch and tea, offering a blend of leisure, learning, and physical activity to enhance the experience for visitors.

从8月6日至7日，凯亮先生参加了在GCA中心与杜一超的会议，为8月9日计划的无锡（伦敦）推广会做准备。次日，向群昌教授与布罗克特霍尔高尔夫俱乐部的经理刘大卫先生会面，并与凯亮先生及其儿子一同在冬山高尔夫俱乐部打高尔夫。他们讨论了第七届全球中国对话：全球健康治理（GCD II）的准备工作。几天后，大卫的家人和亲戚访问了GCA中心。他们都分享了GCA的社会使命，并表达了对GCD II的支持。

From August 6-7, Mr Kai Liang attended a meeting with DU Yichao at the GCA Centre in preparation for the Wuxi (London) Promotion Conference scheduled for August 9. The following day, Professor Chang met with Mr David Liu, Manager of the Brocket Hall Golf Club, and played golf with Mr Kai Liang and his son at the Winter Hill Golf Club. The preparations for the 7th Global China Dialogue: Governance for Global Health (GCD II) were discussed. A few days later, David’s family and relatives visited the GCA Centre. They all shared GCA’s social mission and expressed their support for GCD II.

从9月10日至11日，广州十三行博物馆的创始人兼名誉馆长李丽在GCA研究员之家度过了两天。她是剑桥大学菲茨威廉博物馆的访问学者和露西·卡文迪许学院的研究员。该博物馆位于广州清代贸易哨所的历史遗址上。它收藏了超过6600件文物，凸显了广州在古代海上丝绸之路中的重要角色及其与欧洲和美洲的独家海上贸易。大量融入中国元素的西式产品展示了18和19世纪中西之间的共享美，代表了跨文化交流的成果。它们今天的重要性突出了全球化的早期阶段，强调了在塑造全球社会、国际关系和贸易中，相互理解与合作的关键重要性。在李丽的访问期间，她和向教授参观了大英图书馆，参加了大英博物馆的“中国的隐藏世纪”展览，并在布罗克特霍尔打高尔夫。

From September 10-11, LI Li, the Founder and Honorary Curator of the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum, spent two days at the GCA Fellows’ Home. She is a Visiting Fellow at the Fitzwilliam Museum and a Fellow of Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge. The museum is located on the historical site of the Qing Dynasty trading posts in Guangzhou. It houses more than 6,600 artifacts, highlighting Guangzhou’s significant role in the ancient Maritime Silk Road and its exclusive maritime trade with Europe and America. A large number of Western-style products that incorporate Chinese elements showcase the shared beauty between China and the West during the 18th and 19th centuries, representing the outcomes of transcultural exchange. Their importance today highlights the early stages of globalization, emphasizing the critical importance of mutual understanding and cooperation in shaping a global society, international relations, and trade. During LI Li’s stay, she and Professor Chang visited the British Library, attended the ‘China’s Hidden Century’ exhibition at the British Museum, and played golf at Brocket Hall.

9月13日，一些GCA同事在GCA中心和米尔希尔高尔夫俱乐部进行了社交聚会。马丁·阿尔布罗教授（右图左侧）讨论了他一个月后即将前往中国的行程。向群昌教授分享了她的经历，讲述了在她的丈夫托马斯·克拉克博士（GCA信托人，左图右侧）因新冠疫情搬到他父亲家后决定留在那里，即使在他父亲去世后，她也开始采纳一种新的生活方式，独自生活在“空巢”中，并“与分离共处”（查尔斯·斯塔福德，2003）。弗兰西斯·伍德博士（两张照片中均为从左数第二位）分享了她对广州十三行历史的了解，并表示赞赏GCP考虑出版伊莎贝尔·克鲁克（1915-2023）的口述历史，她对此人非常了解。

On September 13, some GCA colleagues gathered socially at the GCA Centre and Mill Hill Golf Club. Professor Martin Albrow (left in the right photo) discussed his upcoming trip to China in one month. Professor Xiangqun Chang shared her experiences of adopting a new lifestyle of living alone in an ’empty nest’ and ‘living with separation’ (Charles Stafford, 2003), after her husband, Dr Thomas Clarke (GCA Trustee, right in the left photo), moved to his father’s house after the COVID-19 and decided to stay there even after his father’s passing. Dr Frances Wood (2nd from the left in both photos) shared her knowledge about the history of the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs and expressed appreciation that GCP was considering publishing an oral history of Isabel Crook (1915-2023), whom she knew very well.

10月13日，向群昌教授和刘大卫被李丽邀请参加露西的布施节，在那里他们遇到了范欣博士（左图中从右数第二位），一位“全球公民”，他在中国、德国、美国和英国的大学中学习和教学。他担任亚洲和中东研究的研究主任以及现代中国历史的教学副手，属于亚洲和中东研究系。向教授和简·格雷托里克斯博士在高桌上交换了他们的联系方式。她是一位高级导师、研究生和本科生导师、临床前第二部分兽医学研究的研究主任以及英国公共卫生署的荣誉科学家。这个活动为来自不同学术和文化背景的专业人士提供了一个宝贵的交流和分享见解的机会，丰富了关于全球公民身份和跨学科合作的对话。

On October 13, Professor Xiangqun Chang and David Liu were invited by LI Li to attend Lucy’s Festival of Giving, where they met Dr Xin Fan (second from the right in the left photo), ‘a global citizen’ who has studied and taught at universities in China, Germany, the USA, and the UK. He serves as Director of Studies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and as a Teaching Associate in Modern Chinese History at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Professor Chang and Dr Jane Greatorex exchanged their details at the high table. She is a Senior Tutor, Graduate and Undergraduate Tutor, Director of Studies in Pre-Clinical Part II Veterinary Medicine, and Honorary Scientist at Public Health England. The event provided a valuable opportunity for networking and sharing insights among professionals from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, enriching the dialogue on global citizenship and interdisciplinary collaboration.

从10月27日至29日，在伦敦亚洲艺术活动期间，GCA中心欢迎了来自剑桥的研究员和客人。杰出的访客包括露西·卡文迪许学院（LCC）的研究员李丽；Alison Vinnicombe，LCC的讲师、注册官、档案管理员和纪律院长；剑桥菲茨威廉博物馆亚洲部门的馆长林詹姆斯博士；孔令娟，孔子第七十八代后裔的儿媳妇，也是孔子家族唯一的非华裔人士，同时也是孔子更美好世界基金会的信托人；设计师Rory Hutton，Rory Hutton有限公司的创始人；以及WaveBreak的首席科学家金雅博士。刘大卫在主持这次活动中发挥了关键作用。这是GCA中心首次接待非GCA活动的客人。共有来自八个不同学科和五个种族背景的八位个体聚在一起，他们因共同的兴趣而团结。讨论充满了热情和活力。每个人都感觉GCA中心真正配得上“研究员之家”的称号，并享受如此的待遇。

From October 27-29, during the Asian Art in London event, the GCA Centre welcomed Fellows and guests from Cambridge. The distinguished visitors included LI Li, Fellow of Lucy Cavendish College (LCC); Alison Vinnicombe, Praelector, Registrar, Archivist, and Dean of Discipline LCC; Dr James Lin, Curator of the Asia Department at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge; Jeni Kong, Trustee of the Confucius Better World Foundation and daughter-in-law to the 78th generation descendant of Confucius, notably the only person of non-Chinese ethnic; Rory Hutton, Designer at Rory Hutton Ltd; and Dr Kim Yahya, Principal Scientist at WaveBreak. David Liu played a key role in hosting the event. It is the first time the GCA Centre has received guests for non-GCA events. A total of eight individuals from eight different disciplines and five ethnic backgrounds came together, united by their shared interests. The discussions were engaging and filled with enthusiasm. Everyone felt that the GCA Centre truly deserved to be called a ‘Fellows’ Home’ and enjoyed being treated as such.

从11月7日至10日，GCA信托人成远博士（左边照片中从右数第二位）访问了英国。巧合的是，她与来自牛津剑桥校友网络的蔡朴博士是朋友。继蔡博士在7月初他在GCA中心的停留期间的推荐之后，成博士和向教授会见了蔡博士建议的一些专业人士。这些人包括方律师（左边照片中从左数第二位）、他的妻子郑律师（左边照片中最左边）、朱博士（会计师，从左第二张照片中最右边）、和何先生（会计师，从右第二张照片中从左数第二位）。他们中的许多人参加了Rory Hutton的“亚麻刻印中的园艺”展览，在那里他们遇到了李丽、Rory和Joni。他们享受展出的独特艺术风格，并在其中发现了中国文化的元素。

From November 7-10, Dr Yuan Cheng (second from the right in the left photo), a GCA Trustee, visited the UK. Coincidentally, she is a friend with Dr Pu Zhai from the Oxbridge Alumni Network. Following Dr Zhai’s recommendation in early July during his stay at the GCA Centre, Dr Cheng and Professor Chang met with some professionals suggested by Dr Zhai. These included Alan Fang (a lawyer, second from the left in the left photo), his wife Katie Zheng (a solicitor, first on the left in the left photo), Dr Ian Zhu (an accountant, first on the right in the second photo from the left), and Terry Ho (an accountant, second from the left in the second photo from the right). Many of them attended Rory Hutton’s ‘Gardening in Linocut’ exhibition, where they met LI Li, Rory, and Joni. They enjoyed the distinct styles of art on display and discovered elements of Chinese culture within them.

12月11日，钱振华博士在GCA中心与GCA财务主管托马斯·克拉克博士会面，讨论了中国复杂的全球关系，包括台湾问题、南中国海争议以及其对东盟国家的影响。他们探讨了民主面临的挑战，如民族主义和错误信息。克拉克博士询问了中国在全球进步中的角色。钱博士赞赏克拉克的愿景，但指出由于内部和外部因素，中国影响力面临的挑战。

On December 11th, Dr QIAN Zhenhua met with GCA Treasurer Dr Thomas Clarke at the GCA Centre to discuss China’s complex global relationships, including Taiwan, South China Sea disputes, and its influence on ASEAN countries. They explored the challenges facing democracy, such as nationalism and misinformation. Dr Clarke inquired about China’s role in global progress. Dr Qian admired Clarke’s vision but cited challenges for Chinese influence due to internal and external factors.

12月21日，在她返回中国之前，与李丽一起，为广州医科大学第三附属医院整形外科主任医师廖浓（左边照片中左侧的人）在GCA研究员之家举行了一次欢送会。她在2023年12月8日的第八届全球中国对话会议上提交了一篇关于“医疗美容行业面临的挑战”的论文。在聚会期间，李丽强烈希望能够见到弗兰西斯·伍德博士，以寻求关于广州十三行博物馆数字化的建议和资源。会议安排在2024年2月4日进行户外活动。

右边的照片拍摄于2月10日，当时弗兰西斯·伍德博士为向群昌教授签署了她的书《背叛的盟友：大战中的中国》的副本。之后，他们享受了GCA中心“边走边谈”第4路线，在中国新年当天（注：后来进行了更新）。

On December 21st, before her departure back to China, together with LI Li, a farewell gathering was held at the GCA Fellows’ Home for LIAO Nong (left in the left photo), Chief Physician of the Plastic Surgery Department at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. She presented a paper on ‘Challenges faced by the medical beauty industry’ at the 8th Global China Dialogue on December 8th, 2023. During the gathering, LI Li expressed a strong desire to meet Dr Frances Wood to seek advice and resources for digitalizing the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum. The meeting was arranged with outdoor activities on February 4th, 2024. 

巧合的是，伍德博士带来了百合花和一只精美的中国马克杯，上面有威廉·莫里斯的设计。他是一位与19世纪英国艺术与工艺运动相关联的英国纺织设计师、诗人、艺术家、作家和社会主义活动家。李丽从剑桥带来的花被放置在靠近窗户的桌子一端，那里的花卉种类更多，而广彩盘看起来也更加色彩丰富。

The right photo was taken on February 10th when Dr. Frances Wood signed a copy of her book Betrayed Ally: China in the Great War for Professor Xiangqun Chang. Afterwards, they enjoyed the GCA Centre’s ‘Walk and Talk’ Route 4 on Chinese New Year Day (Note: This photo and caption were updated afterwards).

中间的照片拍摄于2月10日，当时弗兰西斯·伍德博士为向群昌教授签署了她的书《背叛的盟友：大战中的中国》。之后，他们在中国新年当天享受了GCA中心的“边走边谈”第4路线。巧合的是，伍德博士带来了百合花和一只精美的中国马克杯，上面有威廉·莫里斯的设计。他是一位19世纪英国的纺织设计师、诗人、艺术家、作家和社会主义活动家，与英国艺术与工艺运动有关。李丽从剑桥带来的花被放在靠窗户的桌子一端，那里的花种类更多。马克杯的颜色相对柔和，以绿色和黄色为主，补充以精致的花卉图案。相比之下，广彩盘色彩更加鲜艳，使用了包括粉红色、绿色、黄色和蓝色在内的多种颜色。

右边的照片展示了在GCA中心展出的马克杯和盘子。两者都是装饰艺术的杰作，各自承载着其文化和历史的独特性。马克杯的颜色相对柔和，以绿色和黄色为主，辅以精致的花卉图案。相比之下，广彩盘色彩更加鲜艳，使用了多种颜色，包括粉红色、绿色、黄色和蓝色。威廉·莫里斯的设计通常代表了19世纪末英国艺术与工艺运动的特点，其特点是复杂的自然图案、对称性和重复的植物图案。广彩盘反映了中国广东省十三行时期的艺术风格，以其丰富的颜色、复杂的风景和对称的装饰而著名。马克杯可能是工业印刷图案的产品，而广彩盘的制作可能更为复杂，涉及多次烧制和手工绘画。马克杯是日常使用的饮用器皿；而广彩盘更可能是装饰品或用于特殊场合的器皿。威廉·莫里斯的设计反映了19世纪末英国的社会文化背景，强调手工艺和反工业化。广彩盘反映了十三行时期广东省的贸易繁荣和文化交流。

注：此照片及其说明文字后来已更新。

总之，2023年对于全球中国学院（GCA）来说是一个具有里程碑意义的时期，标志着自成立以来十年来显著的增长、扩展和创新。庆祝其成立十周年，GCA不仅坚持了促进学术交流、研究传播和文化交流的承诺，而且还通过实施“改革开放政策”进入了新的领域。在GCA董事会的支持下，这一政策代表了一个战略转向，旨在更有效地利用GCA的资产，从而确保机构的可持续性并扩大其影响力。

全年的多样化活动和参与凸显了GCA作为促进中国与全球社区之间理解和合作的动态平台的角色。GCA中心的引入和研究员之家作为学术款待空间的建立，进一步巩固了GCA作为一个前瞻性和包容性机构的声誉。

通过战略合作、广泛的网络和对其使命的坚定奉献，GCA继续塑造全球治理、文化交流和学术合作的对话。当我们回顾过去一年的成就并展望未来时，很明显，GCA正准备为全球学术和社会使命做出更大的贡献，这一切都是出于对改革、开放和相互理解的承诺。通过拥抱变化、培养创新和促进包容性，GCA正在重新定义21世纪全球学术机构的含义。

In conclusion, the year 2023 has been a landmark period for the Global China Academy (GCA), marking a decade of significant growth, outreach, and innovation since its inception. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, GCA has not only upheld its commitment to promoting academic exchange, research dissemination, and cultural communication but has also ventured into new territories with the implementation of the ‘Reform and Opening-Up Policy.’ Endorsed by the GCA board, this policy represents a strategic pivot towards utilizing GCA’s assets more effectively, thereby ensuring the institution’s sustainability and expanding its impact.

The diverse range of activities and engagements throughout the year underscores GCA’s role as a dynamic platform for fostering understanding and cooperation between China and the global community. The introduction of the GCA Centre and the establishment of the Fellows’ Home as a space for academic hospitality have further cemented GCA’s reputation as a forward-thinking and inclusive institution.

Through strategic collaborations, extensive networking, and a steadfast dedication to its mission, GCA continues to shape the dialogue on global governance, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration. As we reflect on the achievements of the past year and look forward to the future, it is clear that GCA is poised for even greater contributions to global academic and social missions, driven by a commitment to reform, openness, and mutual understanding. By embracing change, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity, GCA is redefining what it means to be a global academic institution in the 21st century.

Click here to visit the GCA News & Blog section. 

Welcome to the official launch page for Board Excellence: Global Best Practice, a groundbreaking work that sets a new standard in corporate governance and board management. Edited by CHENG Yuan and LU Yuebing, and published by Global Century Press, this book is a must-read for board directors, policymakers, and business leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of today’s corporate world. It provides a comprehensive overview of effective board practices, combining research and real-world insights to foster leadership, culture, and strategic planning. Embrace the opportunity to elevate your organization’s governance with this essential guide.

This book is available in Chinese, with the Overseas Chinese edition incorporating select English elements to cater to a wider readership. This practice, a hallmark of Global Century Press, enhances the accessibility of the publication to non-native Chinese speakers or learners of the language. By blending English translations or summaries with the original Chinese text, the publisher not only broadens its market but also facilitates cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. This feature is especially useful for readers interested in Chinese studies, as it allows them to engage with the material more deeply and effectively, regardless of their proficiency in Chinese.

About the book

Board Excellence: Global Best Practice starts with the hardware elements of the board, such as board structure, key roles and responsibilities, and the board director’s skillset. The book also is composed of soft power such as board leadership and board culture, operational procedures, and board succession strategies. It articulates the key components of board excellence and how boards are run effectively. It provides insights and advice for board directors and leaders working at regulatory authorities, public companies, privately-owned companies, stateowned enterprises, joint ventures, and family-owned businesses, to elevate corporate governance and competitiveness.

The authors of Board Excellence: Global Best Practice have conducted doctoral research at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, respectively. Based on the authors’ long-time experience as consultants and senior executives, the book brings deep insights from collaboration with senior executives and board directors over the past few decades, together with Russell Reynolds Associates’ global research findings. It showcases the best practices of board directors from a global perspective for Chinese companies, regulators, and academic researchers. The book replies to the urgent demand and future trends of board leadership.

About the authors

As Non-Executive Chairman of Russell Reynolds Associates Greater China, Dr CHENG Yuan leverages her deep subject matter expertise and market insights to provide board advisory, CEO succession, and executive search services to leading multinational corporations and Chinese companies. CHENG Yuan is a member
of China Corporate Governance Expert 50 Forum, and an Advisory Board Member of Beijing Institute of Talent Development Strategy. She is also a Trustee of Global China Academy Board of Trustees. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Beijing Foreign Studies University and a D.Phil in Sociology from Oxford University.

Dr LU Yuebing is Chairman of the Board of Air Liquide (China) Holding Company and venture partner of B Capital. Previously, he has been senior executive as Vice Chairman of China Funds at Siguler Guff, Deputy President and Chief Investment Officer of China Jianyin Investment (the domestic investment arm of CIC), and managing director at Climate Change Capital. Additionally, his lead rship extends to various industries, having been Vice President at Alstom (China), Ford Motor (China), and Caterpillar (China). Dr. Lu is an honorary senior research fellow at Birmingham University. He holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Tsinghua University and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Cambridge.

Contents

Prefaces
General Preface: Introduction to the ‘Understanding China and the World book series’ by ZHENG Hangsheng and Xiangqun Chang 
Preface 1 / CHU Xuping 
Preface 2 / GAO Minghua
Acknowledgments 
Chapter 1: Improving the board’s ‘hardware’ 
1.1 Board structure and independence 
1.2 Board committees 
1.3 The key roles on board and requirements 
1.4 The new trends of board and governance 
Chapter 2: Building board’s ‘soft power’ 
2.1 What is effective leadership of the board 
2.2 Fostering a board culture of collaborative governance 
Chapter 3: Operational excellence of the board 
3.1 Easing the onboarding process of new directors
3.2 Optimal behaviors of board directors 
3.3 Board leadership in times of crisis 
Chapter 4: The evolution of board excellence 
4.1 Planning board succession in advance 
4.2 Driving continued boardroom transformation 
4.3 Dealing with shareholder activism 
Chapter 5: Building board excellence 
References 
Appendixes
1 How will ChatGPT and other generative AI impact leadership? 
2 Activities of Chinese and global directors
Dual language information from Global Century Press
1 Abstract and about the author 
2 Table of contents
3 About the book series 
4 Global Century Press and its unique features
4.1 GCP creates a unique feature for a dual-language service with global and transcultural perspectives 
4.2 GCP style rules for rendering Chinese-English dual languages 
4.3 GCP style rules for punctuation marks in Chinese and English bilingual typesetting 
4.4 GCP style rules for Chinese and related names 
5 Other book series and journals published by Global Century Press 

As we conclude our introduction to the Board Excellence: Global Best Practice, we highlight its foundational role in shaping the leadership of boards today and in the future. The overseas Chinese edition, published by Global Century Press, features a unique bilingual introduction by the publisher and is slightly updated by the editors from the 2021 Mainland Chinese edition. It offers abundant knowledge and practical strategies for achieving corporate governance excellence. We encourage you to explore its pages to discover the secrets to successful board management. Click on this page now to get your copy and embark on the journey toward effective governance and improving organizational performance.

• Click here to view the Chinese page
• Click here to enter the book webpage at Global Century Press website to view details, download 80% of the chapters for free, or purchase the electronic, paperback, or hardcover edition of this book.

欢迎访问《卓越董事会：全球最佳实践》的官方发布页面，这是一部在公司治理和董事会管理方面树立新标准的开创性作品。该书由程原和路跃兵主编，并由环球世纪出版社于2023年12月31日出版。此书对于寻求在当今企业世界中导航复杂性的董事会董事、政策制定者和商业领袖来说，是必读之作。它提供了有效董事会实践的全面概述，结合研究和现实世界的洞见，以培养领导力、文化和战略规划。把握机会，用这本必备指南提升组织的治理。

本书是中文著作，海外中文版融入了一些英文元素，以满足更广泛的读者群。这是全球世纪出版社的一项特色服务，旨在提高出版物的可及性，使非母语中文读者或正在学习中文的读者也能够接触和理解。通过将英文翻译或摘要与原始中文文本相结合，出版社不仅扩大了其市场，还促进了跨文化理解和欣赏。这一特点对于对中国研究感兴趣的读者尤其有用，因为它允许他们更深入、更有效地与材料互动，无论他们的中文水平如何。

本书提要

本书从董事会“硬件”要素（如，董事会架构设置、角色定义和职权划分、成员和能力构成等）、“软件”要素（如，董事会主席领导力、董事会文化等）、运营程序及董事会继任等事项入手，全方位深入剖析高效董事会的构成要素和运作方式，为在中国市场的监管部门、各行业上市企业、私营企业、国有企业、合资企业、家族企业的高管和董事会完善公司治理、提升企业竞争力提供可据参考。

《卓越董事会》一书的两位作者分别于牛津大学和剑桥大学从事过博士研究。本书基于他们长期在全球顶尖领导力咨询机构或企业担任顾问及高管的实践经验，结合罗盛咨询在过去几十年与全球领先企业的高管层、董事会合作过程中积累的洞悉和经验，结合罗盛咨询独有的全球董事会调研结果的发现，为中国企业、市场监管机构和研究学者展现全球董事会的最佳实践，洞察当前时代背景下企业对董事会领导力的迫切需求和未来发展趋势。

编者简介

程原  博士，罗盛咨询大中华区非执行主席，凭借深厚的行业积累与市场洞见，为全球领先的跨国公司和中国企业提供董事会咨询、CEO继任、高管寻聘服务。程原是中国公司治理50人论坛专家和北京人才发展战略研究院（由北京市政府和北京大学联合组建）理事会成员。她也是全球中国学术院信托会成员。她拥有北京外国语大学文学士学位和牛津大学社会学博士学位。

路跃兵  博士，液化空气（中国）投资有限公司董事会主席，波士顿投资集团资深合伙人，伯明翰大学商学院荣誉资深研究员。曾任职于国务院发展研究中心，卡特彼勒，福特汽车，阿尔斯通，气候变化资本，中国建银投资和尚高资本。他拥有清华大学工学学士学位和剑桥大学经济学博士学位。 

目　录

序言
总序言：“读懂中国与世界系列丛书” 总序言 / 郑杭生 常向群 
序言一 / 楚序平 
序言二 / 高明华 
致 谢 
第一章　完善董事会“硬件”设置 
第一节    董事会结构及其独立性 
第二节    董事会专项委员会的设置 
第三节　董事会关键领导角色的要求和特质 
第四节    董事会最新发展趋势 
第二章    打造董事会“软实力” 
第一节    卓越领导力 
第二节　构建共治型高效董事会文化 
第三章    卓越运营 
第一节　快速融合新董事成员 
第二节　董事行为最优解 
第三节　危机下的董事会领导力 
第四章    卓越董事会的演化 
第一节　前瞻规划董事接班人 
第二节    推动董事会持续转型 
第三节    应对股东激进主义 
第五章    铸就卓越董事会 

参考文献 
附 录 
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Condolence

Professor Li Qiang’s Funeral Group of the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University,

We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of Professor LI Qiang due to illness. On behalf of all colleagues at the Global China Academy, we express our profound condolences for the passing of Professor LI Qiang and extend our sincere sympathies to his family.

Professor Li Qiang was not only a renowned Chinese sociologist, but he also provided significant support to the work of the Global China Academy (GCA) during his lifetime. As a founding fellow and the Chinese Chair of the GCA Council, he made important contributions to the establishment and development of the Academy. His passing is a great loss not only to the Chinese sociological community, School of Social Sciences of Tsinghua University, and his family, but also to us for losing a good friend and colleague who once supported us. We will always cherish the memory of Professor LI Qiang.

May Professor Li Qiang’s spirit rest in peace in heaven!

Xiangqun Chang FRSA FGCA
President of the Global China Academy
Distinguished Professor of Nankai University

XIE Lizhong FGCA
Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Peking University
Chinese President of the Global China Academy

12 December, 2023， London