Exploring New Models of Talent Cultivation: SCUT Visits Universities in New Zealand and Australia
From May 26th to June 1st, Li Weiqing, Vice President of South China University of Technology (SCUT), was invited to lead a delegation to visit New Zealand and Australia, participating in multiple bilateral exchange activities including the Sixth New Zealand-China Higher Education Forum, the Australia-China University Presidents Forum, and the China-Victoria Universities’ Dialogue.
Duringthe Australia-China University Presidents Forum, Li Weiqing delivered a keynote speech titled Two Way Approach to Internationalization Promotes Joint Cultivation of Emerging Engineering Talents. Drawing on the innovative experiences of SCUT’s “Internationalization at Home,” she discussed new models of talent cultivation between China and foreign countries, advocating for a focus on key areas to expand new exchanges and cooperation between universities in both countries in the new era, receiving a warm welcome and positive response from attendees.
As one of the 22 members of China's Double First-Class Initiative universities attending the event, Li Weiqing engaged in dialogues with the presidents of leading universities in New Zealand and Australia. This included discussions on establishing joint laboratories and offshore sci-tech innovation centers with the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and conducting university-level exchanges and faculty and student exchanges with the University of Auckland and the University of Waikato. Additionally, university-level meetings were held with Lincoln University, the University of Otago, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the University of Queensland, the University of New South Wales, the University of Western Australia, and La Trobe University to fully explore new avenues for educational cooperation between China and New Zealand, as well as China and Australia.
The Australia-China University Presidents Forum
The delegation visited several local universities and the Maurice Wilkins Centre, the Wine Research Laboratory in Adelaide, the Science and Technology Research Center in Melbourne, and the Engineering Innovation Laboratory in Monash. Both parties conducted on-site investigations and in-depth exchanges on topics such as higher education development, collaborative research, and joint talent cultivation. Discussions were held with Monash University on the 2+2+X joined scholarship program of Bachelor’s and Doctoral degree in engineering, to review faculty training programs and explore expanded cooperation in winemaking technology; and with the University of Melbourne to deepen joint talent training in architecture and expand student exchanges at the university level.
During the visit, Li Weiqing met with alumni in Auckland and Melbournerespectively. She introduced the recent developments of SCUT, expressed heartfelt regards to the alumni, and emphasized the importance of alumni’s support and involvement in SCUT's development. She warmly invited alumni to visit the alma mater often, offer advice and suggestions, and promote mutual prosperity. SCUT will continue to unite the strength of global alumni to support the building SCUT as a world-class university with Chinese characteristics.
Visiting Alumni in Australia
It is reported that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as between China and New Zealand. The three major forums were co-organized bythe China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), which received strong support from the Ministry of Education of New Zealand, the Universities New Zealand, the Group of Eight, and the Victorian Trade and Global Development Office and Council for International Education in Victoria.
Translator: Yaxin Zhang
Initial Proofreader: Sheng Gao
Final Proofreader: Zhaosheng Wu