Chancellor boosts links in Asia

Sir Brian Leveson leads his first global mission for Liverpool John Moores University, boosting links with China and Malaysia

Sir Brian Leveson, Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), has embarked on his first overseas mission to further the university’s global partnerships in China and Malaysia, bringing benefits to students at home and abroad.

Visiting Liverpool’s twin city in China, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, where LJMU has its regional office, the Chancellor will take part in events celebrating a decade of partnerships in both cities. Sir Brian will take part in a range of activities, including:

• Marking the ten year anniversary of the Sino British College (SBC) in Liverpool’s twin city, Shanghai. LJMU is a key partner of SBC - one of only three British higher education providers in China
• Marking the ten year anniversary of LJMU's partnership with YPC International College in Kuala Lumpur. YPC have an exclusive license from LJMU to deliver degrees in Malaysia. During his visit the Chancellor will award special scholarships to students from YPC International College to enable them to continue their studies at Masters level in Liverpool
• Confirming a new international collaboration with the Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM) to deliver LJMU Diplomas in Marine Engineering and Nautical Science to students in Kuala Lumpur and enable a gateway to studying in Liverpool for Malaysian undergraduates

LJMU Chancellor, Sir Brian Leveson said: 

“As a modern civic university, Liverpool John Moores University has built positive relationships across the globe during the past decade, which are reflective of the city of Liverpool’s historic and current international outlook.

“As my first overseas visit as LJMU Chancellor, I am keen to further our international collaborations to deliver more opportunities for our students and staff at home and abroad, to connect, innovate and interact with the rest of the world.”

During the visit, the delegation will visit Shanghai, twinned with Liverpool since 1999, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Sino British College. LJMU is one of nine northern universities who are partners in delivering UK-accredited degrees to students based in China. The SBC is one of only three in-country UK university campuses in China.  

In Malaysia, the delegation will visit its partner institution YPC International College, where the Vice Chancellor will award two YPC-Liverpool John Moores Scholarships. These special awards are for high-achieving Malaysian students who want to further their studies at masters level in Liverpool.  

Talks will also take place in both countries with international business leaders, to explore new opportunities for collaboration on research and education ventures including in automotive and maritime engineering.

The visit aims to increase LJMU’s international reputation as a global hub for education and research, bringing even more overseas students to the city to benefit from the world class education on offer. The visit will also explore opportunities for students in Liverpool to study abroad as part of their degrees.

LJMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Nigel Weatherill said:

"In an increasingly competitive international marketplace, it is vital Liverpool John Moores University continues be a global hub and spoke for research and teaching. With 96% of our research rated as international quality or above, we are determined to build on this reputation and become a world-renowned institution of choice for collaboration and education.

“There has never been a more important time to work with our partners in China and Malaysia to bolster our shared strengths in maritime and engineering to ensure our students can benefit from a truly international and diverse experience whether they study in the UK or overseas.”

The visit comes at a time when Liverpool is preparing to host the European Association for International Education (EIEA) conference on 13th and 14th September, attracting university representatives from across Europe and the world to the city, to create new exchange and study abroad opportunities for UK students. Sir Brian Leveson will conclude his first international mission for LJMU by delivering the welcome speech to 6,000 delegates on 14th September at the Liverpool Echo Arena.