What is your role and what does it involve?
In my role, I provide strategic and practical advisory and support services to faculties, professional services and senior leadership in global partnership development and management. This includes geo-political analysis, global communications, strategic planning and operations, and facilitating internal and external networks related to the regions of mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea.How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?
I joined UCL in July 2023. Prior to UCL, I was the Strategic Engagement Manager at the University of East Anglia. I started my career in higher education in 2011, and was first involved in the field of admission, recruitment and marketing, and then moved onto the field with a focus on global engagement, transnational education (TNE) and partnership management.What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
I’m really proud to be part of GE. It’s a great team made up of people from all’over the world, each bringing something unique to the table. We help turn UCL’s ideas into real-world impact - supporting faculties and building global partnerships that drive meaningful change.East Asia is a dynamic and rapidly-evolving region for HE partnerships and engagement. The scale, economic importance, and growing political, scientific and cultural reach of China in particular, mean that UCL’s connections there are of vital importance. Similarly, our collaborative research with Japan is substantial, with strong partnerships already in place and South Korea as a new fast-emerging region for UCL. When I first joined UCL in 2023, these regions, particularly China, faced significant disconnection and a lack of face-to-face interaction during the pandemic, I am proud that working with the inspired UCL colleagues, the overall trajectory of our partnerships in East Asia has not only returned to pre-pandemic levels but has also thrived, with many now achieving new milestones in education, research and innovation.
Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list
There are no two days the same at GE, which means the top of your to-do-list often needs to be adjusted, and you need to be flexible and open to embracing whatever comes your way!However, we do have some regular priority programmes at GE. For instance, we run a series of annual calls for partner funds supporting collaborative research and education activity between UCL and some of our key partners globally. The latest spring round of the East Asia Partner Fund opened recently, with 7 funding opportunities available for joint research projects with Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, Osaka University, and Korea University, and for the first time this year, new joint funding streams with Yonsei University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. My colleagues Zhou Kuang and Keiko Tsunekawa have done an amazing job on this project, from the early planning stages all the way through to launch. They’ve made sure the whole application process runs smoothly and that applicants feel fully supported every step of the way. GE offers many other funding streams to collaborate with partners all’over the world. Full details can be found on the Global Engagement Funding webpage.
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Countless albums, films, and novels have left a lasting impact on me, but a few hold a special place:- Favourite album: Fantasy by Jay Chou
- Favourite film: La La Land
- Favourite novel: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?
At university, I studied film and TV so in honour of that:What does it mean when a lion starts roaring?
That the movie is about to start!
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
My family, whom I’ve rarely seen all together since I came to the UK to study in 2005. I really miss the Chinese food, especially the best and most authentic meals cooked by my grandma!What advice would you give your younger self?
It is ok not to be OK, don’t rush, good things take time. "Keep calm and carry on" is what I’ve learned from the British!What would it surprise people to know about you?
I have a dog, a Bichon Frisé, and my daughter named him POPCORN, because he is white, bouncy, fluffy and sweet.What is your favourite place?
There are so many cities I love, each for different reasons, but if I had to choose just one right now, it would be Beijing. It’s a captivating blend of ancient heritage and modern energy, where you can wander through centuries-old hutongs, explore the Forbidden City, and then dive into the excitement of Universal Studios Beijing or the whimsical world of Pop Mart City Park. A city where history and fun collide!Global Engagement funding
You can find more information about UCL Global Engagement funding opportunities on the Global Engagement webpages.- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT (0) 20 7679 2000
