Dear Members and Friends,
I hope you are reading this week’s newsletter with the benefit of a few days’ break over the Easter holiday weekend.
The holiday did not though bring with it much of a break from a confusing and disturbing news agenda. That said, from our own work with members operating around the world, what I see is that there are many excellent opportunities across a range of emerging – in many cases increasingly established - markets, where “British expertise” is very much in demand and very competitive. As our members show with flair, an enterprising readiness to approach the markets of the future can bring great results. This week’s newsletter focusses on some concrete examples brought by our world-travelling team.
Last month Luisa led our Higher Education Trade Mission to Kazakhstan with a cast of world-class BEI members: Advance HE, Arup, QAA, Rosetta Stone, UCL Consultants, Pearson, and NOCN Group. The delegation visited Astana and Almaty, was hosted by the Minister of Science and Higher Education and had the opportunity to see at first hand a wide range of public and private institutions. They discussed partnership opportunities in every area from higher education and medical education to quality assurance, teacher training and national testing, in a country in which public-private partnerships are increasingly seen as the way ahead. From AI and TVET to infrastructure projects, the opportunities are immense and supported by an increasingly favourable regulatory environment. For all the details, please see Luisa's blog on our website. We are of course planning further follow up with the Ministry and other Kazakh institutions, and are particularly looking forward to the signing of a MOU between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and QAA in the margins of the Education World Forum.
Moving on from Central Asia to South East Asia, Sasha has recently returned from a whistle-stop tour covering the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Her first port of call was Manila, with several interesting meetings and some new opportunities for members. The PPP Center presented key opportunities in transport, renewable energy and other sectors - which are all now more accessible to UK companies as a result of the new PPP code facilitating foreign ownership and consultant roles. We will host a webinar with the Center on 10 June (please save the date, more detail to follow).
At the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Sasha had excellent meetings with several sector leads and is now in the process of making introductions to members: do let her know if you are interested. We have now started work on the ADB’s UK Roadshow in July: more details soon. Also in the Philippines, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) publish a wide range of consultancy opportunities on their procurement portal and encourage UK organisations to apply. Finally, a meeting with the British Chamber of Commerce reinforced opportunities across renewables, agribusiness, and digital governance. The Chamber will be bringing a delegation to the UK in June, including the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, which should provide some valuable networking opportunities for UK organisations.
A highlight from Singapore was a particularly productive meeting with the British High Commission, who are keen to work with us and our members. Discussions highlighted key events including Singapore International Energy Week in October, as well as an upcoming UK visit from JTC Corporation with interest in coastal resilience and flood protection. Sasha’s personal highlight was seeing so much British design in the skyline, not least, the architectural and engineering marvel that is the Marina Bay Sands, designed by our members Arup, and of course the world-famous Gardens by the Bay, with the masterplan designed by our members WilkinsonEyre. Members can read about the rest of the scoping trip in Sasha’s report, which we’ll circulate to member Heads of Business this week.
Our events programme is back at full speed next week. First, on Tuesday 29 April we are hosting an in-person panel on “The Importance of Disability Inclusion in Climate Action”. We will be joined by representatives from FCDO, Mott MacDonald, International Disability Development Consortium (IDDC), the Africa Albinism Network and CBM Global, who will present insights into the impact of climate change on people with disabilities and case studies on successfully strengthening disability inclusion in climate action. Speakers include: Gerard Howe, Head of Department for Adaptation, Nature and Resilience, FCDO; John Carstensen, Technical Director for Climate Resilience, ISMA at Mott MacDonald; Mary Keogh, Chair of the IDDC; Bonface Massah, Executive Director at the Africa Albinism Network; Mark Barrell, Head of Advocacy at CBM UK; and Nick Corby, Director of Impel Consultancy.
On Wednesday 30 April join us for our latest virtual Market Opportunity Overview focussing on Mauritius, with the British High Commissioner HE Charlotte Pierre, DBT experts and senior Mauritian government officials and industry leaders. We will discuss the UK-Mauritius Strategic Trade Partnership (STP), with an emphasis on key opportunities in education and skills development, healthcare and digital health, green economy and sustainability, and the blue economy. Speakers include: H.E. Charlotte Pierre, British HC to Mauritius; Deeptee Bungaree-Gooheeram, Country Director, Mauritius, Department for Business and Trade (DBT); Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General, Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI); and Mr. Sachin Mohabeer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Board (EDB).
On Thursday 1 May we will host an in-person panel on “Place-Based Skills for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation” in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). We will explore how localised skills training can address the challenges of climate change by creating sustainable adaptable and resilient communities, with case studies from the UK and globally. We are delighted to be joined by speakers, Ruth Shilston, Global Practice Lead - Engineering Sciences at Mott MacDonald; Jane Rexworthy, Lead Associate Consultant at People 1st International; and Lydia Amarquaye, Education & Skills Policy Lead at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Finally, for those seeking help with professional challenges at a difficult moment, you might be interested in the services of TopHat Discovery, a social enterprise specialising in coaching for those who aim to make a positive social and environmental impact in their work. More information about their affordable group coaching sessions, appropriately entitled “Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Uncertainty”, can be had by emailing hello@tophatdiscovery.com.
With warm wishes for the weekend,
David Landsman
Executive Chairman
British Expertise International
Recordings of recent past events:
Key events coming up include the following:
- 30th April 2025 10:00 – 11:30 BST: Mauritius – Market Opportunity Overview - Join our virtual Market Opportunity Overview on Mauritius, featuring speakers from DBT and senior Mauritian government officials and industry leaders. We will discuss the UK-Mauritius Strategic Trade Partnership (STP), and focus on key opportunities in Education & Skills Development, Healthcare & Digital Health, Green Economy & Sustainability, and the Blue Economy.
- 29th April 2025 10:30 – 13:30 BST: The Importance of Disability Inclusion in Climate Action - Join us for a panel on disability inclusion in climate mitigation and adaptation. Speakers include representatives from FCDO, IDDC and CBM Global, as well as local partner organisations, who will present insights into the impact of climate change on people with disabilities, case studies on successfully strengthening disability inclusion, and how climate and disability inclusion is central to FCDO's ongoing strategy.
- 1st May 2025 16:00 – 19:00 BST: Place-based Skills for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation - Join us for a panel discussion on Place-based Skills for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation, in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). This in-person panel will explore how localised engineering practices can address the challenges of climate change by creating sustainable, adaptable, and resilient communities. Our panellists will showcase successful examples of place-based skilling for climate mitigation and adaptation, including case studies from the UK and globally.
- 14th May 2025 12:00 – 14:30 BST: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - Join us for an in-person panel event on Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with speakers from the British Council, City & Guilds Institute and the University of Sunderland. The in-person panel will explore different approaches to CPD frameworks and training educators in an international context.
- 22nd May 2025 16:00 – 19:00 BST: Climate Change Networking Evening - Join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation, potential new partnerships and the chance to meet with members of our Climate Change Working Group. Our keynote speaker this time is Mark Harvey, Founder and CEO of Resurgence – a global social enterprise that supports urban climate risk reduction and resilience. Mark is currently leading DARAJA, an award-winning weather, climate and early warning services initiative.
- 11th June 2025 16:00 – 19:00 BST: Climate Change Networking Evening - Join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation, potential new partnerships and the chance to meet with members of our Climate Change Working Group. Our keynote speaker this time is Virginie Fayolle, Head of Climate at Mott MacDonald International Development Services.
- 26th June 2025 10:00 – 11:30 BST: Achieving Systems Change for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Adaptation - This roundtable will explore the complexities of Disaster Risk Management, with a particular focus on Early Warning Systems and locally-led solutions to resilience, and discuss strategies for overcoming these challenges.
External Events and Reports:
- SUMS Consulting: “Understanding the benefits and costs of what universities do” - SUMS Consulting and EAUC are celebrating two years of sustainability support. Over the last two years, SUMS have helped institutions across the sector to embed sustainability into their mission, strategy and the way they do business. SUMS sustainability services are expressly designed for the higher education and further education sectors, and are delivered in partnership with EAUC, the sustainability champion for universities and colleges in the UK. Read more here.
- 7th & 8th May 2025: Global Leakage Summit - The premier event for the international leakage community to listen, learn, and build relationships, tackling the toughest challenges together. Join presenters and panelists from leading UK and international water companies, and explore the latest technologies, data innovations, and software solutions from our exhibitors. In the face of climate change and record-high global investment in leakage management, this two-day conference promises a world-class knowledge-sharing program and invaluable networking opportunities.
- 2nd - 6th June 2025: Asia Clean Energy Forum 2025 at ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines. This is one of ADB’s signature events where clean energy practitioners from across the world convene to share insights and experience in the design and implementation of concrete actions that accelerate the financing of clean and efficient energy solutions. Registration will be open soon. For more details on how the 2024 ACEF transpired, you may refer to this link: Home ACEF 2024 - Asia Clean Energy Forum.
- 3rd - 5th September 2025, KazBuild 2025, Kazakhstan: Stand booking is now open for international exhibitors at KazBuild exhibition in Kazakhstan - the largest international building and interiors exhibition in Kazakhstan, annually welcoming over 7,000 specialist trade visitors to the show. KazBuild will be held 3-5 September 2025 in Almaty, the biggest city of Kazakhstan. Held since 1994, the exhibition showcases the latest products, services, technologies, and projects available on the market, and provides a key platform for governmental and building industry professionals to exchange experiences, establish cooperation and share the latest industry developments. Please contact Mrs. Tatyana Borodikhina by email: tatyana.borodikhina@exhibitions-conferences.com to learn more about how KazBuild can help to establish your business in Kazakhstan.
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