Student translators help build Sino-UK relations

International students from Coventry University have helped drive forward the economy of their adopted home.

I-Shan Chueh and Tingyi Jiang were called in to act as translators when a powerful delegation of Chinese companies and organisations looking for foreign investment opportunities visited Coventry.

The Chinese Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA), part of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, visited the city with 29 delegates from companies and government organisations.

I-Shan, who is studying event management, and Tingyi, who is studying media production and graphic design, responded to an advert sent out by Coventry University to their Chinese tutors to translate for the delegates at an event hosted at the Coventry Transport Museum.

The students acted as an integral link between the Chinese visitors and business people from across Coventry.

The delegates, who are looking to invest or work with UK partners in a range of transport engineering firms, had chosen the city as their only UK location on a tour of Europe.

I-Shan, aged 22, is from Taiwan but was raised in Singapore and said it was an honour to be part of such a prestigious event. She said:

I have been in Coventry for two years and have been teaching basic Chinese and Japanese since I moved here.

I have always had an interest in translating but this was my first integration experience. Some of the language being used was very technical so it was a challenge to translate, but both myself and Tingyi really enjoyed the experience. It was a very good opportunity to be part of such an important event for Coventry.

I-Shan is in her third year of university but plans to remain in the city after she graduates to continue studying. She said:

I really like it here in Coventry, it is a very diverse city with a lot of opportunities for students. I joined Coventry University as a second year international student and am really enjoying studying here. I’m currently in the final year of my course but plan to go on to do a post graduate degree at the university next year.

The visit was organised by UK Trade and Investment in partnership with the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, which is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Craig Humphrey, managing director of the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said:

Both I-Shan and Tingyi were a great source of support in this visit and we would like to thank them for all of their help. They were very professional and the organisers of the delegation were also very pleased with their work.

For further press information, please contact Alex Roache, external press and media relations officer, Coventry University, on +44 (0)24 7765 5050 or email alex.roache@coventry.ac.uk.