[RECAP] Story of Success: Benelux Alumni Mixer Event!
Last night, over 170 Benelux University Alumni gathered at the Belgium Consulate in Shanghai for the kick-off event of 2023, organized by the Benelux Chamber of Commerce East China | Shanghai. This event was a long-awaited reunion for the Benelux alumni community after three years of lockdown. Alumni from over twenty universities, including KU Leuven, TU Delft, Ghent University, and Leiden University, were in attendance. The event was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to catch up with old friends and make new connections while enjoying a selection of Belgian beers.
Mr. Ian Bennink, the General Manager of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce East China | Shanghai, began the event by welcoming attendees and thanking the Consulate General of Belgium in Shanghai, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai, and the Luxembourg Consulate General in Shanghai for their support. Mr. Bruno Jans, the Belgium Consul General in Shanghai, delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the importance of academic exchanges in building bridges between China and the Benelux countries. He also reminded the audience that the Benelux union was a precursor and inspiration to the European Union, which has set a direction of collaboration for all of us to follow.
The event was attended by representatives from the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai, including Deputy Consul General Mrs. Sachi Claringbould. The Benelux Chamber of Commerce East China | Shanghai and the Consulates General of Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg are committed to keeping the alumni community engaged and connected with an array of activities throughout this year, as seen in last night's event.
For those interested in joining the Benelux alumni community, they can reach out to the Benelux Chamber for more information. The Benelux alumni community is a great way to stay connected with fellow alumni and to access networking opportunities.
The event was held at the Belgium Consulate in Shanghai, and special thanks were given to the Consulate General of Belgium for providing the space for the event. Frédéric VAN KERREBROECK, Sjoerd Dikkerboom, Shiru Li, and David S. were also acknowledged for providing hands-on support from the three governments to the Benelux university alumni organization.
The Benelux alumni community includes alumni from several universities, including Vlerick, Erasmus University Rotterdam/RSM, University of Amsterdam UvA, VU Brussel, University of Antwerp, Wageningen, Nyenrode, VU Amsterdam, Wageningen University, Berlage Institute, Stenden, TIAS, Twente University, ICHEC Brussels, University of Groningen, Utrecht University, Hanze University of Groningen, and IMEC.
The Benelux alumni event was a great success, bringing together alumni from across the Benelux community to reconnect, reminisce, and make new connections. The event was an excellent opportunity for attendees to network and stay connected with the Benelux community in China.