From June 13th to 20th, President Song Wenlong led a delegation to visit New Zealand and Australia. The delegation was invited to visit the University of Auckland, the Australian Institute for Future Education, AEMG Academy, the University of Tasmania, and the University of Western Australia.

During his visit to New Zealand, President Song met with Dawn Freshwater, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Auckland, and Vice-Chancellor Eric. Their discussions on talent development and research cooperation between the two universities were paramount. President Song and Dawn Freshwater signed a memorandum of inter-university cooperation, marking a pivotal moment in their collaboration. Additionally, President Song visited NEFU students pursuing their master’s degrees at the University of Auckland. Currently, over 230 students from NEFU are studying there.

President Song Wenlong with Dawn Freshwater at the University of Auckland

President Song Wenlong with NEFU students studying at the University of Auckland 

At the Australian Institute for Future Education and AEMG Academy, President Song and his delegation held work meetings with Ian Young, Chairman of the Board of the Australian Institute for Future Education, and Professor Andrew Roberts, Academic Vice-President of AEMG Academy and a fellow of the New Zealand Academy of Sciences. They extensively discussed international faculty training and establishing an International Credit Center. After the meetings, President Song and Ian Young signed a cooperation agreement to develop the International Credit Center.

President Song Wenlong and Ian Young signed the cooperation agreement. 

At the University of Tasmania, President Song held a work meeting with Rob Wilson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Tasmania, and other university officials. President Song highlighted the University of Tasmania’s strong research capabilities and international influence in marine science, polar research, agriculture, and forestry. He noted the high level of alignment between the two institutions in these fields and wanted to strengthen research collaboration in climate change, forestry, and wood science. He proposed the establishment of a joint research institute at the NEFU Hainan International College to deepen industry-academia-research cooperation in related fields. Rob Wilson emphasized the importance of the partnership with NEFU and expressed eagerness for deeper cooperation in faculty exchanges and research collaborations.

President Song Wenlong with Rob Wilson and others at the University of Tasmania 

President Song met with Vice-Chancellor Amit Chakma and Executive Deputy Vice-Chancellor Jennifer Howell at the University of Western Australia. President Song congratulated Amit Chakma on his continued role and provided updates on establishing the Hainan International College and efforts to enhance international education. He emphasized that the University of Western Australia is a crucial partner for NEFU in Australia, sharing a common vision of academic excellence and global collaboration. The primary purpose of this visit was to deepen and expand cooperation in high-level talent cultivation, Sino-foreign cooperative education, and research collaboration, building on the existing dual-degree student training program. Amit Chakma warmly welcomed President Song’s delegation, shared basic information about the University of Western Australia, and reviewed the history of cooperation between the two institutions. He expressed eagerness for further in-depth exchanges and collaborations.

After the meeting, President Song and Amit Chakma signed a curriculum articulation program agreement on behalf of their respective universities. 

President Song Wenlong and Vice-Chancellor Amit Chakma signed the cooperation agreement. 

President Song’s visit to New Zealand and Australia has significantly strengthened the practical cooperation between NEFU and the universities that were visited. The visit advanced projects in Sino-foreign cooperative education, international faculty training, and joint PhD programs, playing a crucial role in accelerating the internationalization of NEFU and enhancing its international cooperation level.