West Cork man battles blizzards to deliver message to Tánaiste, seeking support for organisations such as Ireland-Sino Institute. When Micheál Martin sat down to take questions from an audience at China Europe International Business School, he never expected to meet a man from West Cork. “We made it through blizzards to get here today,” said Pat McCarthy, who made his way to Shanghai from Changtu county in the Liaoning province. He wasn’t joking. Heavy snow blanketed swathes of north-eastern China on Monday, shutting schools in the country’s first substantial snowstorm of the season. Pat had an important message for his fellow Corkonian. He wanted more support from the Irish Government for organisations like his in Northeast China. Pat, originally from Clonakilty, runs the Ireland-Sino Institute, where he has been committed to developmental initiatives since 2012. Pat McCarthy and his wife have dedicated their lives to fostering educational development in rural Liaoning Province, China. Their commitment is so profound that they have invested all their life savings into this noble cause, aiming to enhance learning opportunities for children in this region. He said the two cities the Tánaiste visited during his tour — Shanghai and Beijing — are developed. “There are more underdeveloped areas; growth should be equal,” Mr McCarthy said. Mr Martin agreed and said it was a topic that emerged during his visit to the university, one of Mr Martin’s final events of his four-day stint in China. “It’s great to hear a voice from West Cork,” Mr Martin said. “I’m not surprised a family from West Cork would come through blizzards because West Cork was the key location in the struggle for Irish independence some 100 years ago.” It appeared both men forgot they were in a room full of Chinese students and professors as they discussed the beauty of Ardfield. Martin told the crowd how he spent many summers in the area and said the best swim in Ireland is at Red Strand beach. Wrapping up his visit, Mr Martin said his four-day visit to China was worthwhile politically, culturally, and for building back relations with China. China has certainly given us a message this week that they’re open for business and they want to retain that open global trading framework. West Cork Man Battles Blizzards to Deliver Message Pat McCarthy’s Message and Commitment Call for Equal Growth in Underdeveloped Areas Shared Memories and Political Outcomes
Irish Philanthropy in Education: Ireland Sino Institute
Patrick McCarthy, who made his journey to China in 2012, has been dedicating his skills as an English teacher in Changtu county, Liaoning province. While the allure of a lucrative job in one of China’s bustling metropolises was strong, it was his mother-in-law’s counsel that proved pivotal. Encouraged by her, Patrick and his Chinese wife decided to relinquish promising careers in the Republic of Korea. Patrick and his wife’s journey to Changtu is a story of heartfelt dedication. They founded an English language institution with the noble aim of bridging the linguistic gap for children in Rural Northeast China. This non-profit venture, a true labor of love, was entirely self-funded, as they invested all their life savings into it. Their commitment is not just to education, but to the future of these children, creating a nurturing and enlightening space in a non-profit educational setting. Remarkably, the doors of their training school are open to all – whether they are underprivileged, mentally challenged, or physically disabled.Deeply invested in the realm of education within China, Patrick’s mission has always been clear: leverage his expertise to ensure that students in places like Changtu are not left behind in comparison to their counterparts in larger urban centers. Dedication as an English Teacher Life Decision Influenced by Family Founding an English Language Institution Inclusivity and Clear Mission
Exclusive: China Media Features Ireland Sino Institute
Recently, Shenyang has been strategically positioning itself as a key urban hub in Northeast Asia. The city has gained attention by hosting various international events, including the “Hello, Shenyang” campaign. This initiative has attracted foreign influencers and global media, enhancing Shenyang’s image as an open, vibrant, and modern destination, earning it the nickname “International Shen.” Commencing on September 14, 2023, the Shenyang Municipal Federation of Social Sciences, in collaboration with the International Online Liaoning Channel, initiated the “International Shen, Social Sciences Wisdom” series. This program aims to elevate Shenyang’s global standing and promote its growth as an international city, focusing on enhancing the city’s reputation as “International Shen.” For over a decade, Patrick and his wife have been pivotal figures at the Ireland Sino Institute, immersing themselves in the rural communities of Liaoning and serving as crucial links between China and Ireland. Patrick speaks highly of Shenyang, praising its blend of rich cultural heritage and modern advancements, its embrace of diversity, and its dedication to sustainable development. He believes that Shenyang’s diverse culture is an ideal environment for fostering international relations. After returning to Liaoning, Patrick and his wife established the Ireland Sino Institute, focusing particularly on language education. Their commitment extends to enhancing trade, boosting tourism, and encouraging foreign investment. Patrick actively supports increased interaction between Chinese and Irish communities. He assists Irish companies in expanding their operations in Shenyang, works to bring talent from Ireland and Europe to the area, and promotes Liaoning as top tourist destination. Patrick, who shares a rural background with his wife from Liaoning, has been deeply invested in rural English education for over ten years, driven by their understanding of its importance for children in these areas. He expresses great respect for the Chinese educational system, citing his child’s advanced mathematical abilities as evidence of its effectiveness. According to Patrick, the Chinese education system, particularly in Shenyang, the hub of the Northeast, produces individuals with impressive cultural literacy and educational foundations. He believes these attributes are attractive to European entities looking for skilled learners and professionals. Highlighting Shenyang’s educational ethos, Patrick notes the city’s universal commitment to education across all ages. This dedication not only imparts extensive knowledge but also equips students with practical skills, making the region an appealing destination for Irish business investments. At the Ireland Sino Institute, Patrick and his team work to bridge foreign investment in Liaoning with the educational sector, focusing on vocational skills. Their goal is to showcase these benefits to international investors and open up more investment opportunities. The endeavors of Patrick and his wife have garnered significant support from notable institutions, including the Irish Embassy in China and the EU Chamber of Commerce. Their commendable efforts have also been recognized by authoritative bodies such as the State Council and the People’s Government of Liaoning Province in China. As an Irish native, Patrick is profoundly enchanted by the historical depth and cultural tapestry of Shenyang. “Shenyang’s fusion of historical essence and contemporary vibrancy is mesmerizing. With landmarks like the Shenyang Imperial Palace and Zhaoling Mausoleum, the city offers magnificent portals into the annals of history,” Patrick remarked. He’s particularly taken with the city’s ability to seamlessly blend ancient architectural marvels with cutting-edge urban planning, juxtaposing tradition and innovation, and bestowing Shenyang with a global allure. “While the city’s diverse and delectable culinary scene is undoubtedly a draw, it’s the warmth, unity, and distinct charisma of its residents that truly make Shenyang stand out,” he added. Having been a close observer for over a decade, Patrick has seen Shenyang’s urban metamorphosis unfold. “The strides made in infrastructure, like state-of-the-art high-speed railways and airports, symbolize the city’s unwavering commitment to quality progression.The embrace of 5G technology, the surge in robotics initiatives, and the expansion in IT, AI, and service sectors underscore Shenyang’s pivot towards a diversified and sustainable trajectory, shedding its reliance on heavy industries.”What impresses Patrick the most is the undying vitality of Shenyang’s citizens. “Their zest captures the city’s optimism and tenacious spirit. Amidst its swift urban evolution, Shenyang has masterfully struck a balance between preservation and progression, making it a coveted residential haven,” he noted.Patrick is optimistic about Shenyang’s continued push to bolster its “International Shen” identity, fostering a superior business ecosystem for foreign enterprises in the metropolis. Enhancing trade opportunities between China, Ireland, and international communities Boosting tourism by promoting Liaoning as a top destination Encouraging foreign investment through education, business, and cultural ties Bridging foreign investment in Liaoning with the educational sector