A new IChemE office in Shanghai is open for business following the successful application to local government for a wholly owned foreign enterprise (WOFE) business licence.
The office will primarily be used to serve the growing IChemE member base in China and forge stronger links with Chinese universities and industry.
IChemE ceo David Brown says that the opening of a Shanghai base is an important development for the Institution: “Establishing the WOFE, our China arm, is a really significant milestone for IChemE and for the chemical engineering community. It’s a key step in bringing about fuller interaction between engineers in China and their colleagues elsewhere in the profession.”
IChemE already has over 150 members in China but that number is expected to grow quickly in the coming months. The granting of the WOFE business licence follows a period of increased IChemE activity in China.
In December 2008, Tianjin University’s Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree programme was accredited by IChemE, marking the first time the Institution has accredited a degree course in China. And in August 2009, Chinese Academy of Science VP, Professor Jinghai Li was awarded IChemE Honorary Fellowship for his contributions to chemical engineering science and to international exchange among the chemical engineering community.
Speaking at his presentation reception in Montreal, Canada at the 8th World Congress of Chemical Engineering, Li described IChemE as “one of the most important chemical engineering organisations in the world.”
The formal opening of IChemE’s Shanghai office is expected to take place later this year.
1. For further media information, interviews or supporting photography, please contact:
Matt Stalker, Communications Manager, IChemE tel: +44 (0)1788 534455 / +44 (0)7802 834459 email: mstalker@icheme.org
2. About chemical engineers
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
3. About IChemE
IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) is the hub for chemical, biochemical and process engineering professionals worldwide. With a growing global membership of over 30,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society, encouraging young people in science and engineering and supporting the professional development of its members. For more information, visit www.icheme.org
