Professor Mike Wingfield , Founding Director of FABI and Prof. Brenda Wingfield (NRF SARCHi Chair in Fungal Genetics) had the honour of being invited by His Excellency Mr Lin Songtian , the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, to attend a celebration of the 2020 Lunar New Year. The gala event was held on Saturday 18 January at the magnificent Chinese Embassy in Pretoria, where guests were entertained to a wide variety of cultural events. During the day, Mike and Brenda had the opportunity to engage with many Chinese friends including having a chance to meet the new Chinese Minister/Counselor for Science and Technology. This provided time to also briefly discuss the growing China Eucalypt Research Center (CERC-an Institute of the Chinese Academy of Forestry)/FABI Tree Protection Programme (CFTPP) , which has already facilitated the completion and publication of a substantial volume of collaborative research and student education. Overall, a wonderful start to the Chinese Year of the Rat and an opportunity to wish our Chinese collaborators and friends a HAPPY NEW YEAR.