'The growing class of professionals over the last 20 years in China'
CEM hosted a celebration event in Shanghai on 20 July 2010 to mark the 20th anniversary of the first students from mainland China to undertake CEM courses by distance learning starting in 1990. Many of these former CEM students now hold senior positions in the real estate and construction industry in China.
The event was a truly joyful occasion with 65 CEM alumni, current students and guests listening to key addresses from the distinguished guest speakers Mr Robert Peto, RICS President, Mr Henri Li, RICS China Chairman, Jack Sun Jin Ke, CIOB China Chairman and Ben Elder Director at CEM.
Following the speeches an informal event allowed old friendships to be re-kindled and new friendships to be made. The overwhelming message from the delegates was that of thanks to the CEM Tutors who started the courses back in 1990, and in particular to Roger Waterhouse who pioneered the introduction of the programme with the help of Mr Xu Shengmo who was present at the event and received great praise for his foresight.
The event in Shanghai culminated a CEM year of honour for China in 2009/10. This symbolic year started with the appointment of Professor Li Shirong, President of the CIOB, as CEM Property Award winner. Professor Li is the first international female to receive this prestigious award.
Dr Ann Heywood, Principal of CEM, presented the award at the MIPIM Asia Awards ceremony in Hong Kong in November which resulted in a full-page article in the South China Morning Post. More recently, CEM has been approved as a member of the Green Buildings and Eco-Cities China-UK Working Group – a British Embassy of China initiative.
CEM intends to continue close links with its alumni in China building a strong and meaningful cohort of new students to help and support the growing real estate and construction industry in China.