Our objectives
Enhance the ability of Scotland’s next generation of globally-minded business leaders to continually create, develop and make use of opportunities that will benefit the economic, social and environmental prosperity of Scotland.
Create a pool of exceptionally well connected Icebreakers with high level China-focused international networks that have the ability to reach decision makers and get things done.
Educate the network to provide a genuine understanding of China, its cultures, people and the language using both Scotland’s existing China focused education establishments/networks (Confucius institute, SCEN, etc) as well as high level international sources made available through the network/founders.
Continually develop a steady stream of confident, determined young Icebreakers
Stimulate and support the growth of our China body and their alignment and appreciation of our values and culture.
Develop an innovative resourceful system so that the network that does not rely on extensive funding to thrive.
Forward
Scotland already has a wide range of organisations focused on providing information and links with China, so what makes the Young Icebreakers different?
The Young Icebreakers were founded by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and the 48 Group Club early this year. Because our network is supported at such a high level our ability to follow through with our objectives is considerable. The Young Icebreakers have formed a strong and fast growing membership in London and Beijing. Now Scotland is piloting a growth strategy for the group headed up by the 48 Group Club and supported by Lord Robert Smith and Jack McConnell. Adding to this the Young Icebreakers will seek to work alongside the UK’s existing organisations such as SCEN, the Confucius institute and with schemes such as the Foreign Secretary’s UK-China 400 in which we already involved.
Our strategy
We aim to launch our programme by pulling together a team of highly driven, innovative, young professionals initially selected from 30 of Scotland’s best organisations. On top of this, close links with Scottish Enterprise’s Saltire Foundation will create a constant feed of Saltire Alumni into our network.
This process will equip us with the best people from the top organisations already with their own influential networks and resources. This mix of talent will be brought together into a commanding, productive and efficient network. Building on a programme of groundbreaking events and exchanges, the Young Icebreakers will prepare our next generation of leaders and the Scottish community for the century of China.
“The Saltire Foundation Alumni Association is happy to support Young Ice Breakers in their quest to enhance the ability of Scotland’s next generation of globally-minded business leaders to continually create, develop and make use of opportunities that will benefit the economic, social and environmental prosperity of Scotland. YIB’s mission runs parallel with the Saltire Foundation’s ultimate aim of helping Scotland grow and develop into a significant player on the international business stage by promoting a culture of enterprise amongst its interns. By working together we are confident that these aims can become a reality.”
-Euan Fraser, Alumni Integration team.
