The Serpent's Waltz: 2025 Cambridge Formal Banquet Gracefully Concludes in Vernal Splendor
- Mar 9
- 8 min read
Cambridge, 08 February 2025
As Winter's Whispers Wane, Spring's Symphony Pervades
On February 8th, as the auspicious evening of the Year of the Snake descended, the 2025 Spring Festival Formal Dinner, hosted by the Zhejiang UK Association (ZJUKA) and co-organized by the Chinese Association of Financial Executives UK (CAFE), was grandly held at Clare College, University of Cambridge - an institution steeped in nearly seven centuries of academic excellence.
The prestigious event drew an illustrious gathering of distinguished guests, including Cambridge Mayor Baiju Thittala; former Cambridge Mayor George Pippas; Mr. Binbin Wang, Deputy Director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Division, Chinese Embassy in the UK; Dr. Xinyuan Liu, Dean of the Network and Information Security Laboratory at Peking University; Dr. Hongwei Wang, Vice Dean of Zhejiang University International Campus; Mr. Mang Li, highly regarded British Chinese artist; Ms. Xinru Pan, Director of Lang Lang International Music Foundation; Ms. Huaicun Zhang, Honorary Member of the Royal Society of British Artists; Dr. Jiahua Wu, Managing Director of LongRiver Investments; Mr. Athanasios Vamvakidis, Managing Director and Global Head of Foreign Exchange Strategy at Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Mr. Ke Chen, General Manager of China Southern Airlines London Office; and Mr. Hongliu Song, Chief Representative of Shanghai Stock Exchange London Office, alongside other luminaries from political, business, and academic spheres.
The core team of ZJUKA was present in full force. President Ping Huang, Executive Vice President and Secretary-General Xiuqin Liao, Executive Vice Presidents Xuefeng Wu, Jili Wang, Liangwei Zhu, and Qin Zhao, Vice Presidents Shuying Zhou, Feng Mao, Aimei Fang, and Lin Li, along with Deputy Secretary-Generals Shuping Shi, Xuecheng Xu, and Linglong Qian, gathered with 120 outstanding representatives from finance, technology, healthcare, education, culture, and arts sectors to celebrate and discuss future developments.
As co-organizer, CAFE provided tremendous support. President Qiubo Ye, accompanied by Vice Presidents Jianchao Wu, Dr. Jiahua Wu, Dr. Yuan Gao, and Secretary-General Yanjun Zheng, along with numerous CAFE members, actively participated in this grand celebration, witnessing this annual gathering that seamlessly blended cultural and commercial exchange.
Kindred Spirits Converge, Bright Aspirations Soar
Ping Huang, President of ZJUKA, delivered a heartfelt welcome address. She expressed sincere gratitude to all guests and reflected on ZJUKA's remarkable achievements since its establishment in the UK in 2009, highlighting its pivotal role in fostering cultural, commercial, academic, and community connections between Zhejiang and the United Kingdom.
President Huang particularly emphasized ZJUKA's bridge-building role over the past year, actively promoting cultural exchange and business cooperation between China and the UK. The association not only successfully organized numerous cultural events and business forums but also participated in the Lord Mayor's Show in the City of London, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Chinese community. Additionally, ZJUKA provided strong support for the Chinese New Year celebrations at Trafalgar Square and Chinatown, organized by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, further elevating the social influence of the Chinese community in the UK and making significant contributions to multicultural exchange.
President Huang expressed ZJUKA's commitment to continuing its efforts in the new year, promoting deeper integration between Zhejiang natives and British society. She recalled the close collaboration with CAFE since its inception and looked forward to strengthening these ties. She extended special thanks to the five platinum sponsors and partners for their steadfast support of the dinner, expressing hopes for the continued prosperity of the Zhejiang community in the UK.
Qiubo Ye, President of CAFE, reflected on the association's fifteen-year journey since its establishment in the City of London in 2009. Today, the association has become a crucial platform for Chinese financial professionals in hedge funds, investment banking, venture capital, and private equity. As CAFE celebrates its fifteenth anniversary in 2024, the new executive committee brings innovative perspectives, uniting a new generation of Chinese financial talent through a series of insightful and high-value events. From personal wealth management to global macro trends, from fintech to global investment ecosystems and cross-border strategic opportunities, the association remains committed to building a comprehensive exchange platform for its members. In 2025, with the wisdom of the Snake year, CAFE looks forward to collaborating with professional institutions, organizations, and elite professionals in the UK-China financial and economic sectors to create new chapters of excellence!
Sagacious Thoughts Illuminate, Prophetic Visions Unfold
Mr Binbin Wang from the Chinese Embassy in the UK delivered a strategic address, highly commending ZJUKA's crucial role in promoting UK-China economic and cultural exchange. He emphasized that ZJUKA has not only built a solid bridge connecting Zhejiang and the UK but also created extensive development opportunities for Chinese communities in Britain.
Mr Wang emphasized that the Chinese Embassy in the UK will continue to listen to the voices of overseas Chinese and provide strong support for their development in the UK. He looks forward to overseas Chinese continuing to leverage their unique advantages in promoting Chinese culture and deepening UK-China friendship, contributing their wisdom and strength while ensuring that overseas Chinese feel the warmth and care of their homeland.
Cambridge Mayor Baiju Thittala, as the host, extended warm New Year wishes to all guests. He applauded ZJUKA's foresight in choosing this globally renowned academic sanctuary for the Year of the Snake celebration. He emphasized that Cambridge is not only a world-leading research hub but also a vital platform for multicultural integration and intellectual exchange. This convergence of Eastern and Western cultures, he noted, would open new chapters in education, technology, and commerce cooperation.
George Pippas, Cambridge University researcher and former mayor with deep affection for China, shared his profound understanding of various Chinese regions. As a frequent visitor to China and a 'China hand,' he delighted in celebrating the Spring Festival with the Chinese community, immersing himself in the rich traditions of Chinese New Year.
Dr. Jiahua Wu, Managing Director of LongRiver Investments, drew from his research experience at Cambridge to analyze the university's unique academic atmosphere that fosters innovation and breakthroughs. From his professional perspective, he provided insights into developmental trends in finance, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary integration in driving technological innovation. As a witness to Cambridge's thriving technology innovation ecosystem, he expressed confidence in this fertile ground for innovation and looked forward to creating brilliance with like-minded individuals.
Athanasios Vamvakidis, Global Head of Foreign Exchange Strategy at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, delivered an insightful keynote speech, presenting a forward-looking analysis of global macroeconomics and foreign exchange markets. Drawing on his profound expertise in international finance, monetary policy, and global capital flows, he provided an in-depth analysis of opportunities and challenges in the current economic landscape, offering professional judgments on future market trends. Against the backdrop of increasing global economic uncertainty, he particularly emphasized the crucial role of precise foreign exchange strategies and risk management in cross-border investment and international trade.
Grandeur We Orchestrate, Noble Ventures We Embrace
The gala venue buzzed with elegant conversation and fellowship. Elite professionals from Edinburgh, Birmingham, London, Oxford, and Brighton gathered in this historic institution to strengthen connections and discuss development opportunities. Several cooperation projects reportedly reached preliminary agreements in this culturally rich and pleasant atmosphere, injecting new vitality into UK-China economic and trade cooperation. Ran Wei from the UK-China Culture and Arts Centre delivered an elegant solo dance performance, adding a splash of Oriental artistic beauty to the Spring Festival celebration, earning thunderous applause.
The celebration received strong support from platinum sponsors including Blue Education, UK Pathway Consultancy, Imega Culture and Education Company, The Hill Group, and EIK Business, demonstrating the business community's enthusiasm for UK-China cultural exchange.
The event featured a meaningful charity auction and lucky draw, with proceeds supporting ZJUKA's participation in the 2025 Lord Mayor's Show in the City of London. The auction atmosphere was electric with several highlight moments: renowned UK-based artist Mr. Mang Li's watercolor painting 'Eternal Moment: Fugue of Flame and Glory', China Southern Airlines' generous offer of round-trip business class tickets between the UK and China, and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation's exclusive VIP tickets to Lang Lang's London concert with backstage meet-and-greet opportunities sparked intense bidding among guests. The Year of the Snake limited edition whiskey, generously donated by Whisky Point as the grand prize for the lucky draw, captured everyone's attention. Additionally, MEDii Health, London Chinatown Chinese Association, Yanghe Brewery, Buymee Go, UK-China International Technology Transfer Center Zhuji Cooperation Center, Louis XIII, ZJUKA and its council members contributed exquisite gifts, ensuring every lucky draw participant left with a prize. Thoughtfully prepared Spring Festival gift bags for each attendee added festive joy to this grand occasion.
New Horizons We Charter, Timeless Verses We Compose
The 2025 ZJUKA & CAFE Spring Festival Dinner concluded successfully amid laughter and celebration. Standing at a new historical starting point, CAFE will continue to uphold its mission, dedicated to building platforms for UK-China financial, commercial, and academic exchange, helping Chinese professionals achieve new heights in their UK development. Let us embrace the wisdom, acumen, and resilience of the Snake year, advancing together to ride the waves of financial innovation and sow seeds of hope in the fertile soil of UK-China exchange, jointly writing a new chapter in UK-China cooperation!
Acknowledgments
The Chinese Association of Financial Executives UK extends special thanks to the following platinum sponsors:
Blue Education - World-Class University Application Expert
Founded by Cambridge and Oxford graduates, Blue Education specializes in premium global education consulting. We bring together 500+ top tutors from Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League, and other world-renowned universities, offering diverse professional backgrounds. We provide one-on-one personalized planning, tailoring scientific solutions based on students' academic interests, personality traits, and strengths, precisely matching them with tutors from Oxbridge, G5, and Ivy League institutions. Our mission is to help talented and ambitious next-generation students realize their dreams of attending world-leading universities.
100% Oxbridge/G5/Ivy League faculty, 95%+ UK G5 university acceptance rate, 40%+ Oxbridge acceptance rate!
Company website: https://www.blueeducation.org
Wechat Account：
The Hill Group - One of the UK's Largest Property Developers
The Hill Group is Britain's second-largest family developer. In its 25-year history, we have won over 500 awards in categories including 'Best Development,' 'Best Housing,' and 'Best House Builder.' Currently, we have 207 development projects across the UK, primarily in Greater Cambridge, Greater London, Oxford, Bristol, and Coventry areas. Hill's development portfolio is diverse: including landmark mixed-use projects, large urban apartment developments, and English village community housing. The company employs over 850 staff across six regional offices, with headquarters in Waltham Abbey, Essex.
EIK Business Limited - Tax and Cross-Border Service Consultancy
EIK Business is a professional consultancy focusing on tax compliance and cross-border services, providing comprehensive solutions for businesses and individuals, helping clients achieve tax compliance, financial optimization, and business growth in the global business environment. With professionalism, precision, and efficiency at our core, we strive to be our clients' trusted long-term partners.
Core Service Areas
Financial and Tax Compliance Management: Covering tax returns, financial statement preparation, tax health checks, and digital financial support, ensuring clients meet UK and international regulatory requirements.
International Tax Planning and Trust Services: Focusing on Non-Dom tax planning, cross-border tax compliance, family trust management, and asset protection, achieving tax optimization and wealth inheritance for clients.
Tax Authority Investigation and Defense: Providing professional support to help clients quickly respond to HMRC investigations and disputes, minimizing economic losses.
Full Process Services for Business Expansion: From company registration and tax planning to supply chain optimization and brand promotion, helping businesses successfully enter overseas markets and achieve localized operations.
Writing: Lin Li (ZJUKA), Shuping Shi (ZJUKA), Jingwen (CAFE)
Photography: Xuecheng Xu (ZJUKA), Klaus (CAFE)
Review: Xiuqin Liao (ZJUKA), Nick (CAFE), Christina (CAFE)
About CAFE UK
Founded in 2009, the Chinese Association of Financial Executives in the UK (CAFE UK) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering professional growth, networking, and collaboration between the financial sectors of the UK and China. The association serves as a platform for financial executives to share knowledge, drive innovation, and build strategic partnerships.
For more information, please visit www.cafeuk.org
