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Beijing Adds 21 Qualifications for Work & Residence Benefits

Beijing's 2026 catalogue expands recognized international qualifications from 163 to 184, adding 21 credentials and offering visas, work permits and residence support for eligible foreign professionals.

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Beijing Adds 21 Qualifications for Work & Residence Benefits

Source: OT-Team(G), 北京市商务局

Beijing has released the 2026 edition of its International Professional Qualification Recognition Catalogue, expanding the number of recognized international professional qualifications from 163 to 184.

The catalogue, jointly issued by the Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau and the Beijing Talent Work Bureau on September 11, is designed to broaden international talent recognition, strengthen recruitment in key industries and facilitate the movement of qualified professionals between China and overseas markets.

The updated catalogue places particular emphasis on green and low-carbon industries, financial services, artificial intelligence, information technology, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity and cloud computing.

Four Categories of Recognized Qualifications

The 2026 catalogue divides the 184 qualifications into four categories: the International Professional Qualification Recognition List, the Urgently Needed International Professional Qualification List, the Overseas-Oriented Professional Certification List and the International Professional Qualification Mutual Recognition List.

The system is intended not only to help Beijing employers identify and evaluate international professionals, but also to support the internationalization of Chinese technical standards and talent evaluation systems.

The 2026 edition adds 21 new international professional qualifications. Among them are the World Green Design Organization’s Green Design Engineer qualification, the International Capital Market Association’s Corporate Finance Consultant (CFC) qualification, and the International Information Systems Audit and Control Association’s Artificial Intelligence Audit and Assurance (AAIA) certification. The additions expand recognition in areas linked to industrial digitalization, green development and emerging technologies.

More Support for High-Demand International Talent

One notable change is the inclusion of the Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) qualification on the urgently needed list.

Beijing has a large concentration of research institutions and a substantial pool of scientific and technological achievements. The city says recognizing RTTP as an urgently needed qualification, with the credential eligible to correspond to an associate senior professional title, is intended to attract professionals who understand both technology and markets and have international experience.

The move is also aimed at helping accelerate the commercialization of research results in Beijing.

Other high-level international qualifications already included on the urgently needed list include IEEE Fellow, ACM Fellow, ACCA Fellow and CFA.

Holders of qualifications on this list can receive additional support beyond the standard recognition measures. For eligible foreign professionals, this includes access to a talent visa confirmation letter and greater entry-exit convenience, while eligible family members can also receive related high-level talent visa and permanent-residence services.

Certain qualifications on the list can also correspond to associate senior professional titles, and qualified professionals may be included in Beijing's high-level talent services and considered for relevant talent programs.

Chinese AI Certification Added for Overseas Expansion

Beijing has also placed the 360 Intelligent Agent Expert (ADEE) Certification on its overseas-oriented professional certification list.

The certification standard, developed by Chinese technology company 360, is the first such Chinese AI enterprise certification standard to be included in the city's overseas-oriented certification list, according to the Beijing government.

The policy is intended to provide Chinese AI professionals with a recognized way to demonstrate their capabilities when working in overseas markets, while also encouraging overseas professionals to learn and apply Chinese technical standards.

Beijing Adds 21 Qualifications for Work & Residence Benefits

Beijing said qualifications associated with companies including Huawei and Lingshan Intelligent have also previously been recognized under the catalogue for overseas-oriented certification.

For professionals covered by this category, Beijing provides services including multiple-entry visas or residence permits of up to five years for eligible foreign nationals, work-permit facilitation and, in qualifying cases, access to a permanent-residence facilitation channel.

Mutual Recognition Could Cut Exam Requirements

Another significant change is the addition of the International Accountant Qualification Certificate, established by the UK-based Association of International Accountants (AIA), to the international mutual recognition list.

The qualification covers four financial and accounting credentials, including the Global Digital Accountant (GDA).

Under the mutual recognition arrangement, Chinese Certified Public Accountants applying for the international accountant qualification can receive exemptions from some examination subjects. Eligible candidates may be exempted from up to nine of the 11 examination subjects.

The arrangement is intended to reduce duplicate qualification requirements and make it easier for accounting and financial professionals to move between domestic and international qualification systems.

What It Means for Foreign Professionals in Beijing

The catalogue is particularly relevant to foreign professionals who already work, or plan to work, for employers in Beijing.

For holders of qualifications on the general recognition list who have an employment relationship with a Beijing-based organization, the city provides a range of services covering visas and residence permits, work permits, work-related residence permits and professional-title recognition.

For eligible foreign nationals, a recognized qualification can support multiple-entry visas or residence permits valid for up to five years. Work-permit applications can also be exempt from certain education, degree and work-experience requirements, while the age limit can be extended to 65, or to 70 for certain high-end and high-tech industries. Overseas work experience may also be treated as equivalent to domestic work experience.

Some recognized qualifications can correspond to intermediate professional titles and may also be used as a condition for applying for higher-level professional titles in Beijing.

However, recognition under the catalogue does not automatically mean a person can practice in every regulated profession. Professionals holding qualifications in fields such as international finance, accounting, medicine and teaching must still comply with the relevant industry authorities' rules for practicing in Beijing.

Certificate Verification Platform

Employers and qualification holders can verify recognized international professional qualifications for free through the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei International Professional Qualification Certificate Verification Service Platform.

As of August 2026, the platform had provided certificate verification and related services to more than 3,600 companies and 11,000 people, helping employers assess international qualifications and recruit overseas talent more efficiently.

Five Years of Reform

Beijing has been advancing its international professional qualification recognition reform since 2021, gradually shifting from unilateral recognition to two-way mutual recognition between domestic and overseas qualifications.

The city says the reform has been recognized as a best-practice case by China's Ministry of Commerce. The 2026 catalogue further expands recognition in emerging industries, talent-shortage fields and cross-border professional development.

For the full Beijing International Professional Qualification Recognition Catalogue (2026 Edition) and the original policy text, please visit:

https://www.beijing.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengcefagui/202609/t20260911_4859809.html

Your Data Rights in China ： PIPL Guide for Foreigners

China's PIPL protects personal data for anyone in China, including foreigners. Learn your rights, facial recognition rules, cross-border transfer pathways, and penalties of up to RMB 50 million.

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Your Data Rights in China ： PIPL Guide for Foreigners

If you live or work in China, your personal information is protected by law. Since November 2021, China‘s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) has established a comprehensive framework for how organizations collect, use, and transfer personal data.

Who Does the Law Protect?

The PIPL applies to anyone in China, regardless of nationality. It also applies to overseas organizations that process the personal information of individuals in China for purposes such as providing products or services, or analyzing behavior.

What Is Personal Information?

Personal information means any information related to an identified or identifiable individual. This includes your name, phone number, address, email, and even location data. Special protection applies to “sensitive personal information,” such as biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition), financial accounts, medical records, religious beliefs, and information about children under 14.

Your Key Rights Under the PIPL

-Right to know and decide: You have the right to know how your information is being processed and to decide whether to allow it.

-Right to access and copy: You can request a copy of the personal information an organization holds about you.

-Right to correct and delete: If your information is inaccurate or no longer needed, you can ask for it to be corrected or deleted.

-Right to withdraw consent: You can withdraw your consent at any time, and the organization must provide an easy way to do so.

What About Facial Recognition?

The PIPL imposes strict rules on biometric information. In public places, devices that collect facial or other biometric data may only be installed when necessary for public security, and they must display clear signage. Such data cannot be used for other purposes unless you provide separate consent. Under rules effective June 2025, if an alternative non-facial recognition method exists for the same purpose, facial recognition cannot be the only verification option — and if you refuse facial verification, a reasonable alternative must be provided.

Cross-Border Data Transfers

If a company wants to send your personal information outside China, it must follow one of three legal pathways: security assessment, standard contract filing, or certification. The certification mechanism, effective January 2026, applies to non-critical infrastructure operators that transfer fewer than 1 million individuals’ general personal information or fewer than 10,000 individuals’ sensitive personal information annually.

Penalties for Violations

Violations of the PIPL can result in serious consequences. Fines can reach up to RMB 50 million or 5% of the previous year‘s revenue. Separately, the amended Cybersecurity Law, effective January 2026, raised the maximum fine for failing to fulfill network security obligations to RMB 10 million — a tenfold increase.

What Should You Do?

- Read privacy policies before clicking “agree.”

- Be cautious when granting permissions to apps, especially for camera, microphone, and location.

- If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the cyberspace administration authorities or seek legal assistance.

The PIPL is designed to give individuals control over their personal information. Understanding your rights is the first step to protecting them.

HYROX Beijing Pro Women Race ： Athlete Finishes Despite Incident

An Australian athlete won the HYROX Beijing Pro Women race on September 12 at the National Speed Skating Oval despite an apparent bowel-control accident. Officials disinfected affected areas but let her finish in about 1 hour and 1 minute. HYROX China did not explain why she was allowed to continue or whether she would face a penalty.

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HYROX Beijing Pro Women Race ： Athlete Finishes Despite Incident

Australian Athlete Kept Racing After Apparent Incontinence at HYROX Beijing—Another Competitor Slipped

An Australian athlete reportedly won the HYROX Beijing Pro Women race after completing the competition despite an apparent bowel-control accident.

The incident has sparked debate over public hygiene, sporting determination and why officials did not stop her.

What happened during the race?

The race took place on September 12 at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval.

According to a spectator quoted by Chinese media, the athlete appeared unaffected during the sled pull. By the next station—the burpee broad jumps—visible contamination could be seen on her clothing.

The spectator said material left on the course later caused another competitor to step on it and slip. Participants also worried that shared carpets and equipment may have been contaminated.

Officials reportedly moved an affected mat and warned other competitors to avoid the area, but the athlete was allowed to continue. She eventually finished first in around 1 hour and 1 minute.

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HYROX responds

HYROX China said it immediately sealed off and disinfected the affected areas.

Related equipment was removed, waste was disposed of, and organizers promised to replace the carpet and carry out a full deep clean after the races ended.

However, the statement did not explain why the athlete was allowed to finish or whether she would receive a penalty.

Determination or a health risk?

Some commenters admired the athlete’s determination:

“She still kept going. Her perseverance is incredible.”

Others argued that continuing affected everyone using the same course:

“If it only affected her, that would be her choice. But it affected the venue, the equipment and the competitors behind her.”

Another commenter questioned the organizers:

“Public health is more important than a race result. Why wasn’t she stopped immediately?”

HYROX combines eight one-kilometer runs with eight workout stations and has become increasingly popular in China. Its next Shanghai event is scheduled for October 31 and November 1.

What do you think—should officials have allowed her to finish?

Source: 新闻坊

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Harrow Shanghai 10th Anniversary ： 10 Years, 10 Voices Celebration

Harrow Shanghai marks its 10th anniversary with 10 Years, 10 Voices, featuring pupil stories, alumni, founding families, campus art, a carnival, and a 2026/27 Discovery Day on 19 September.

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Harrow Shanghai 10th Anniversary ： 10 Years, 10 Voices Celebration

The Big Moment：

The Cheer That Echoed

Across The Campus

“5，4，3，2，1 ——

Happy 10th Anniversary🎂!”

The cannons rang out, confetti filled the air, and a spectacular tenth-anniversary birthday cake was wheeled onto the centre of the stage. Everyone in the auditorium rose to their feet, as cheers and sustained applause seemed to reverberate all the way to the ceiling.

The power and emotion of this moment came from the many voices gathered in the spotlight — voices from AISL Group, our Head Master, current families, alumni who had travelled across the world to return, founding families, and the many friends and partners who have witnessed Harrow Shanghai’s journey. Together, these voices have shaped the story of Harrow Shanghai’s first ten years:

⭐️AISL Group and Distinguished Guests:

Looking back on Harrow Shanghai’s remarkable ten-year journey, they reflected on how Harrow has put down roots in Shanghai, bringing together British heritage and the richness of its local context, while supporting every pupil’s individual journey and growth.

⭐️Head Master, Mr Christopher McAllister:

Bringing the focus back to the very heart of education — not grand ambitions, but the simple promise that, through ten years of unwavering commitment, Harrow Shanghai has remained dedicated to giving 100% of its attention to the growth of every individual pupil.

⭐️Haoran, a current pupil who has been part of Harrow Shanghai for nine years:

Standing in the spotlight, he spoke with calm confidence and quiet conviction, naturally embodying the Courage and Humility that lie at the heart of what it means to be a Harrovian.

⭐️Cambridge alumna Kitty Y.:

Like an old friend sharing cherished memories, she reflected on how Harrow Shanghai opened her eyes to a wider world, giving her the global perspective to look beyond the boundaries in front of her. Along the way, Fellowship and Honour gradually became two of the strongest and most treasured qualities she carries with her.

⭐️Founding parent Eva:

She shared how her two very different children found their passions and their own ways to shine within Harrow’s diverse and inclusive environment — from an artistic journey at the Rhode Island School of Design to the opportunities of the University of Washington. This is the enduring companionship and lasting impact of Harrow’s Leadership education for every family.

Yes — 10 Years, 10 Voices.

Ten years, countless voices, all coming together to tell the same story——

At Harrow, hear the story of the world.

The Story of Growth：

Hearing Every Child’s Voice

In The Moments That Matter

The most moving stories of this celebration had, in fact, been quietly unfolding in every corner of the campus long before this special occasion. At Harrow, the most powerful voices have always been those of our pupils. They are not simply participants in the celebration, but the very people who shape the story of this school. As the anniversary film brought glimpses of Harrow Shanghai’s very first school uniform and its first medal back into view, voices from the stage and memories from the audience converged in one deeply moving moment — bringing tears to the eyes of many of our founding families.

Harrow Shanghai’s ten-year story has never been written solely in outstanding results or beneath the spotlight. It lives just as vividly in the small, everyday moments — in the warmth of growth, community, and the feeling of being truly seen.

Looking back on his ten years at Harrow Shanghai, Eason remembers one moment above all: a once-quiet and introverted boy sitting alone in a corner of the garden, until his friend Xavier walked over and reached out to him, opening up a world of friendship and belonging. It was perhaps Harrow’s first lesson in Fellowship.

Haoran remembers that, nine years ago, Harrow was willing to open a door for him — giving him the opportunity to find his place here and, in doing so, to find his own place in the world: “Harrow was the only one that was willing to give me that opportunity.”

Sabrinna has been playing the cello for seven years, yet she once found it daunting to perform alone in front of others. When she finally took to the stage for her first solo performance, she discovered not only the courage to step forward, but also a new sense of pride in herself: “I just felt really proud of myself.”

In Evelyn and Amelia’s eyes, Harrow is more like a garden, where every child is a different plant, growing in their own way and at their own pace — “Everyone is included and nobody grows alone.”

And Isaac, in one simple sentence, offered a gentle footnote to these ten years :“It’s like a movie and I hope it never ends.”

From the first invitation to join a game, to the first feeling of truly belonging; from being given an opportunity, to finding the courage to step onto a stage of their own — these small, authentic moments together form the most precious story of growth across Harrow Shanghai’s first ten years.

10 Years：

To Be Seen, To Be Felt,

To Be Heard, To Be Celebrated

“10 Years, 10 Voices” is more than a slogan; it lives in every detail across the campus — in the moments that can be seen, felt, and experienced.

✨The Creative Expression of “10”

From a distance, a giant balloon catches the eye, floating high above the Harrow Shanghai campus. Printed across it is the theme of the day: 10 Years, 10 Voices.

But the most ingenious expressions of “10” could be found in the classrooms themselves. In Art, pupils used “10” as the foundation for their compositions; in Physics, “10” became a variable in an experiment; and in Music, “10” was transformed into a melody. The celebration was never something separate from the classroom. It was, in essence, part of the learning journey itself.

✨Celebrating 10 Across Campus

On this special day, none of the decorations around campus were simply “bought in” — they had “grown here.” From the giant HARROW letters at the entrance to the wooden benches in the courtyard, from the displays of treasured artefacts to the “Voices for the Future” wishing wall, every corner bears the imprint of our pupils, the guidance of our teachers, and the collective contribution of the whole school community.

Because at Harrow, we have always believed that the ten years most worth celebrating are not defined by the few dozen minutes under the spotlight, but by the countless creations scattered across the campus — brought to life, together, by everyone who calls Harrow home.

•Painting Harrow in Colour: Guided by Art teacher Ms Rush, our younger pupils mixed colours, worked together, and carefully repainted the giant HARROW letters across campus, stroke by stroke. Paint found its way onto their uniforms, and smiles lit up their faces.

•Leaving Something Behind for Future Generations: The new wooden benches in the courtyard were created by our A-Level Art students together with Ms Williams. From the initial sketches and cutting to sanding and painting, the students took ownership of every stage of the process. These benches will become part of campus life, accompanying generation after generation of pupils as they grow.

•A Glimpse into the Past: The very first Harrow uniform worn by our pupils in the founding year, the school’s first medal, and a photograph from the very first Sports Day — faded with time, yet still filled with a quiet sense of history and pride.

•“Voices for the Future” Wishing Wall: From the founding of Harrow in Britain in 1572 to Shanghai in 2026, countless colourful paper aeroplanes carried messages and wishes into the golden Harrow hat installation. Preserved as a lasting display, these paper aeroplanes will remain here for future generations to discover, and to listen to the voices of those who came before them.

✨Carnival Fun & Celebration Highlights

Another side of the day was a spectacular school carnival.

A magnificent dragon and lion dance performance opened the festivities, while alongside it, our school orchestra filled the air with a melody specially rearranged for the tenth anniversary.

Food stalls offered specially created drinks and desserts featuring the 10th anniversary logo, while in the interactive activity areas, children moved from one creative game and hands-on craft stall to another, filling the gardens with laughter and joy.

It was a wonderfully full and joyful celebration — a birthday party worthy of a school turning ten.

Swipe left or right to view more

Thank You,

Here’s to the Next Ten Years

Behind every detail of this special day were countless warm hands working together. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and exhibitors. Standing alongside Harrow Shanghai, you helped transform this celebration from an idea on paper into an experience that could be seen, felt, experienced and remembered.

Listed in no particular order

A special thank you to AISL Group for the tremendous support made possible through its extensive global network — from the rich array of competitions and exchange opportunities with our Harrow sister schools, to the sharing of resources and connections across the world.

Thank you to all our alumni and teachers who travelled back from around the world. Your return gave our ten years a face, a voice, and a tangible sense of history.

And thank you to every current family, founding family, and long-standing member of our community.

You are the reason “10 Years, One Community” became more than a slogan — you made it real, bringing it to life here, together, on this very special day.

In 2016, we set out with a vision.

In 2026, we stand here today as one warm, united and exceptional Harrow Shanghai community.

And as we look towards the next ten years, what we strive to do remains unchanged: to keep giving the microphone to our pupils.

To continue giving every child our 100% attention.

To continue believing that every child deserves to be seen.

And to nurture every truly Made in Harrow individual.

We look forward to continuing this journey with you into the next ten years.

💡 A Moment to Share: At Harrow’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, which moment or voice moved you the most? We’d love to hear your own Harrow memory in the comments.

📌Open Day Registration: Want to discover Harrow Shanghai up close? Our 2026/27 Academic Year Discovery Day will take place on 19 September. Scan the QR code below to reserve your place and visit our campus.

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