From May 27 to June 1, 2024, Vice President Jin Li of our university attended the 6th China-New Zealand Higher Education Forum, the China-Australia University Presidents' Forum, and the inaugural meeting of the China-Australia High-Level University Research Collaboration Alliance, events organized by the China Education Association for International Exchange. The university delegation engaged with various government departments, organizations, and universities to explore the achievements and future prospects for higher education collaboration between China, New Zealand, and Australia.

On May 27, the delegation traveled to Auckland to participate in the 6th China-New Zealand Higher Education Forum. The event was attended by Tang Jun, Counselor for Science, Technology, and Education at the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, who delivered a speech on behalf of Ambassador Wang Xiaolong. Opening remarks were also delivered by Hon. Penny Simmonds, New Zealand's Minister of Higher Education, Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, and Fu Bo, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange. During the forum, Chinese and New Zealand representatives discussed key topics, including university international cooperation, research collaboration, and the development of young researchers.

The Education Delegation Visits the University of Auckland

On May 29, the delegation attended the China-Australia University Presidents' Forum and the inaugural meeting of the China-Australia High-Level University Research Collaboration Alliance in Adelaide. Opening remarks were given by Fu Bo, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange, and Mark Scott, Chair of the Group of Eight Australia and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney. A welcome address was provided by Peter Høj, Deputy Chair of the Group of Eight Australia and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide. During the meeting, representatives from both countries spoke on trends in higher education and explored innovation and cooperation in priority research areas.

The Education Delegation Attends the China-Australia University Presidents' Forum and the China-Australia High-Level University Research Collaboration Alliance's Inaugural Meeting

On May 31, the delegation participated in the China-Victoria State Universities Dialogue in Melbourne. Fu Bo, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange, and Paul Hamer, Deputy Secretary of Victoria's Department of Economic Growth, delivered opening speeches. Vice President Jin Li presented a keynote address titled "International Educational Cooperation: Trends and Needs," highlighting advancements in technology and innovation within the Greater Bay Area and China. He shared key achievements of SUSTech, including internationalized education, advanced management practices, collaborative labs with high-tech enterprises, and major international science initiatives. Jin emphasized the long-standing cooperative history between China and Australia, advocating for further exchanges in entrepreneurship and innovation, expanded joint education programs, and enhanced global competitiveness for graduates. He reaffirmed SUSTech's ongoing welcome to Australian students for study and exchange in China.

Additionally, the delegation visited the University of Auckland, the University of Adelaide, the University of Melbourne, and Monash University, engaging in extensive discussions on educational and research collaboration.

Organized by the China Education Association for International Exchange, this series of forums and meetings was attended by the“Chinese Higher Education Delegation to Australia and New Zealand,” comprising representatives from 22 Double First-Class universities. This delegation marked the first and largest visit of its kind to New Zealand and Australia since 2020.

By: Yang Xu, Jiarui You

Image by: CEAIE