Daniel Jacoel is a prominent figure in the development of Sino-British relations and it is hard to believe that this charismatic young man who received Premier Wen Jiabao in London, January 2009, is still a young leader. Daniel’s interest in his Chinese heritage inspired him to study Modern and Classical Chinese at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Since graduating, he has worked in Beijing and gone on to become the UK Chairman of the 48 Group Club Young Icebreakers.

48 Group Club – The Icebreakers

The 48 Group Club is an independent business network whose origins stem from the 1950s when the original pioneers established mutually beneficial trade relations with the newly formed People’s Republic of China.

Since then, the 48 Group Club has been synonymously known as ‘The Icebreakers’. For the past 56 years the Icebreakers have been promoting positive Sino-British relations both throughout the prosperous and tumultuous times in China’s recent history. Today the 48 Group Club has over 300 members including multinational companies.

The Young Icebreakers

The Young Icebreakers were launched one year ago following a meeting between Premier Wen Jiabao and 48 Group Club Chairman, Stephen Perry. It was agreed that to ensure positive relations, the future lay with the continuation of interest from the younger generation. Hence, the Young Icebreakers have been established as the next cohort of pioneers.

Daniel Jacoel leads the Young Icebreakers in the UK. The Young Icebreakers are a collective of younger 48 Group Club members – young professionals and university students including those of Chinese and non-Chinese decent.

Daniel, along with Jack Perry, China Chairman of Young Icebreakers, together head a committee of like-minded young people. They organise social and cultural events promoting awareness and better understanding of China’s rich history and progressive society.

Daniel feels that given China’s potential and influence in the world economy, there is a deficit in exposure to Chinese current affairs here in the UK. He gives an example, how many young people know the name of the current President of China? (President Hu Jintao). Notable past events have included a discussion in the House of Commons regarding UK/China Parliamentary relations in the development of British Chinese relations and a lecture in Edinburgh given by David Reid, Chairman of Tesco. Daniel adds, "Not only does Young Icebreakers involve young adults, but the 48 Group Club are also actively promoting Chinese education within the core school curriculum".

Upcoming future events in May 2009 include the one-year anniversary of Young Icebreakers. There will also be a lecture given by David Reid explaining the importance of China to Tesco and why he regards China as an important country to be understood by young people in the UK.

Future Icebreakers

Daniel revealed that Young Icebreakers, together with the Chinese Embassy, have recently launched a scholarship to support selected members to live and study in China for one year.

The Young Icebreakers focus on education and learning Chinese as an integral part of understanding Chinese culture and history. They aim to equip young people with the experience of living in China through one year’s full sponsorship. The scholarship will allow the Young Icebreaker to further their own understanding with a hope to contribute to future Sino-British relations.

Daniel’s acheivements are true inspiration to young professionals and students with an interest in Chinese relations. He is an aspiring leader whose profile will no doubt increase as the work of the Young Icebreakers continues to grow. In recognition of his contribution, he has been short listed as a recipient of the Big Ben Award for Top Ten Outstanding Young Chinese Persons 2009.

For further information please visit the 48 Group Club or Young Icebreakers.

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