The delegation visits New Zealand and Australia

From October 7 to 14, Gao Chi, Secretary of the CPC Committee of HZAU, led a delegation to visit several universities upon invitation: Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), Lincoln University (LU), Massey University (MU) in New Zealand, and Deakin University (DKU) in Australia. By comparing notes in detail on talent training, research collaboration, faculty-to-faculty exchanges, and platform construction, both sides reached consensus and finally signed bilateral cooperative agreements. The delegation also made an official visit to the China’s Embassy in New Zealand, Consulate-General in Christchurch, and Christchurch Town Council, and extended their regards to alumni and students currently working and studying in the two countries. Here is the detailed itinerary of the delegation.

The delegation visits VUW.

From October 8 to 9, the delegation visited VUW, where they met with Prof. Rauinia Higgins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Engagement, Prof. Margaret Hyland, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, and others from the university. Prof. Higgins warmly greeted the delegation, highlighted the significance of cooperation between both sides and expressed her hopes for an enhanced partnership that would lay a solid foundation for high-quality academic and educational collaboration. In response, Gao emphasized that both universities are steeped in history and culture, and boast impressive research excellence. Given that, he discussed the potential for expanding joint training programs, all-English courses, and research collaboration in various fields such as economics, law, environment, and engineering. Moreover, the two universities signed an agreement on joint doctoral training during the meeting. 

The talk at LU.

Members of the delegation visit vineyard and winery in LU. [Photo/ Gao Chi]
 

The delegation visits landscape architecture lab in LU. [Photo/ Chen wan]

On October 10, the delegation visited LU. They were warmly welcomed by Prof. Grant Edwards, Vice-Chancellor of LU, Prof. Chad Hewitt, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Damian Lodge, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Life, and others in LU. Prof. Edwards expressed the utmost importance of collaborating with HZAU in various fields and expectations for further exchanges and partnerships. Gao similarly stated HZAU’s commitment to deepening cooperation with LU at all levels in an effort to create exceptional platforms for international cooperation and talent training, and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in landscape architecture, animal science, and other fields. During the visit, the delegation had extensive exchanges with three faculties of LU regarding joint training program and student management. Both sides planned to jointly set up “Seed Fund” to further foster research cooperation. Additionally, the delegation conducted research visits to the university’s virtual landscape lab, circular grazing farm, and research vineyard. 

HZAU renews a cooperative agreement with MU.

The delegation visits animal science laboratories in MU. [Photo/ Chen wan]

On October 12, the delegation visited MU, where they were received with the Maori welcome ceremony. Prof. Jan Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of MU, expressed his gratitude for the very efforts made by HZAU in the bilateral cooperation. The two universities would renew their cooperation agreement and embarked on a new phase of partnership. Gao underscored that MU is a major partner of HZAU, and both sides have already enjoyed successful collaborations. He also affirmed his desire to continue supporting one another to promote cooperative education, further exchanges and development in more fields through concerted efforts. Following the meeting, the delegation paid a visit to the farm and animal science laboratories in MU.

The delegation visits DKU.

On October 13, the delegation visited DKU in Australia. Wei Shen, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor (International Relations), warmly welcomed the delegation, providing a detailed introduction to DKU and highlighting its facts. He pointed out that HZAU is a crucial partner for DKU in China, and both universities are expected to strengthen exchanges and cooperation even further. Gao expressed his gratitude for DKU’s support during challenging times, particularly their generous donation of 1,200 N95 masks to HZAU earlier in 2020. He acknowledged the outstanding quality of DKU’s graduates and its pioneering efforts in the development of open online courses, known as MOOCs, which have gained global recognition. He also expressed his desire to continue enhancing cooperation with DKU in various fields such as economics, environmental ecology, computer science and technology, and engineering. 

Minister Counsellor Wang Genhua and Counselor Dong Zhixue of the Embassy of the PRC in New Zealand meet with the delegation.

Madame He Ying, Consul-General of Consulate-General of the PRC in Christchurch, meets with the delegation.

Pauline Cotter, Deputy Mayor of Christchurch City Council, meets with the delegation.

Gao’s delegation also met with Wang Genhua and Dong Zhixue, Minister Counsellor and Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand respectively, Madame He Ying, Consul-General of Consulate-General in Christchurch and Pauline Cotter, Deputy Mayor of Christchurch City Council. Moreover, the delegation organized the Wellington Sub-Forum of the 8th South Lake Innovation Forum for International Young Talents, where they had extensive conversations with local faculties, students, and representatives of student unions.

The delegation also includes Dean Zhao Shuhong from the College of Animal Science and Technology and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Dean Tan Wenfeng from the College of Resources & Environment, Dean Li Gucheng from the College of Economics & Management, and Deputy Director Li Dapeng from the Undergraduate School of HZAU.

Source: http://news.hzau.edu.cn/2023/1016/68012.shtml
Translated by Zuo Yuexiang
Proofread by Yan Xin
Supervised by Guo Haiyan