From December 1 to December 8, Vice President Wang Dizhao led a delegation to visit Auckland University of Technology and Massey University in New Zealand, as well as Macquarie University and the University of Queensland in Australia. The visit focused on discussions regarding Sino-foreign joint education programs, student exchanges, research collaboration, and joint training of master’s and doctoral students. The delegation signed inter-university cooperation agreements, studied campus safety management practices, expanded opportunities for international research collaboration among faculty, and opened new pathways for students to pursue overseas studies. The delegation also hosted an alumni meeting for graduates in Australia and New Zealand.
On the morning of December 2, the delegation visited Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to discuss enhancing the teaching quality of the joint bachelor’s degree program in Computer Science and Technology and the master’s degree program in Data Analytics. The discussions also explored potential collaborative research in mutually interested fields and the establishment of a non-independent Sino-foreign joint education institution. Participants from AUT included Dr. Yvonne Chan Cashmore, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies; Dr. Rhiannon McKenize-Smit, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Office; Marlene Lu, China Affairs Manager of the International Affairs Office; Dr. Victor Miranda, Program Director for Data Analytics; and Winnie Zhu, Academic Director of the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies. During the meeting, Dr. Rhiannon McKenize-Smit warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of AUT, reviewed the fruitful outcomes of the 14-year partnership, and commended the regular communication mechanism established between the two universities. Vice President Wang Dizhao expressed his appreciation for the trusted partnership and looked forward to expanding the collaboration beyond student training to include scientific research, advancing comprehensive and in-depth cooperation between the two universities. Dr. Yvonne Chan Cashmore highlighted the success of students from the joint Computer Science program who attended summer camps at AUT over the past two years, noting their excellent performance in activities organized by local businesses in Auckland. Dr. Victor Miranda shared an overview of the Data Analytics program's progress over the past two years, analyzed its teaching quality, and highly praised the students' achievements. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on promoting high-quality development, student exchanges, and research collaboration. They also proposed organizing a celebration next year to mark the 15th anniversary of the joint Computer Science and Technology program.
On the afternoon of December 2, Dr. Victor Miranda accompanied the delegation on a tour of the teaching facilities for the Data Analytics program and the Mechanical Automation Laboratory. He introduced the delegation to Auckland University of Technology's research advancements in areas such as computer vision, intelligent monitoring, and deep learning. Marlene Lu also guided the delegation through AUT’s campus facilities, including the cultural and creative store, student dormitories, and the Student Public Service Center. During the visit, the delegation gained an in-depth understanding of AUT’s architectural design concepts and engaged in discussions with dormitory administrators about the daily management of student housing. Topics included fire safety, emergency response protocols, one-touch alarm systems, and the operations of the Student Public Service Center.
On the morning of December 3, the delegation visited Massey University in New Zealand. Established in 1927, Massey University is the only university in New Zealand with campuses in three cities, making it the largest comprehensive research university in the country and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Ranked 239th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, Massey University enrolls over 4,000 international students annually from more than 100 countries, including over 2,300 students from China. The university is known for its high level of internationalization and its diverse, inclusive campus culture. It excels in disciplines such as agriculture, food science, communications, business, and the arts. Dr. Tere McGonagle-Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Internationalization, warmly welcomed the delegation alongside Prof. Chris Scogings, Head of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department; Prof. Kerry Taylor, Associate Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Dr. Niluka Domingo of the School of Built Environment; and Ms. Ann Wu-Ross from the International Office. Dr. McGonagle-Daly highlighted Massey University’s 60 years of collaboration with China and expressed a strong interest in partnering with China Jiliang University. Notably, he mentioned that Prof. Kerry Taylor had traveled over 500 kilometers from the Palmerston North campus to attend the meeting, underscoring the importance Massey University placed on the delegation’s visit. Both sides explored the feasibility of collaborations in energy and environmental science, agricultural science, food engineering, and big data science, as well as 2+2 undergraduate joint degree programs, 1+1 master’s joint programs, and initiatives in innovative education. Following the discussions, Dr. McGonagle-Daly and Vice President Wang Dizhao signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of their respective institutions.
On the afternoon of December 3, the delegation visited Massey University's campus, student dormitories, and the student exchange center. They held a meeting with Ms. Kelly Manning, the Student Affairs Administrator. Ms. Manning provided a detailed introduction to the management system of Massey University’s student dormitories. Both parties exchanged insights on the construction of student safety management systems and discussed collaborative mechanisms for emergency response and student health management.
On the evening of December 3, the delegation held a meeting with members of the Australia-New Zealand Alumni Association. Participants included Alumni Association President Fan Qing (a 1992 graduate of the Electromagnetic Engineering program), Vice President Bao Qiming (a 2018 graduate of the Computer Science cooperative program), Dong Ningbo (a 1992 graduate of the Geometric Measurement and Testing program), Ye Zhehao (a 2024 graduate of the Computer Science cooperative program), and Fang Jian (a current student in the Analytics program, Class of 2023). During the meeting, Vice President Wang Dizhao warmly inquired about the work and life of alumni in New Zealand. On behalf of the university, he expressed his heartfelt care and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the alumni association platform for increased communication and stronger connections with the university. He encouraged alumni to actively support their alma mater's development and to visit the university whenever possible. Vice President Wang then presented appointment letters to the members of the Australia-New Zealand Alumni Association and gifted them with commemorative items.
On the morning of December 5, the delegation visited Macquarie University in Australia. Founded in 1964, Macquarie University is a public research university located in Sydney, New South Wales, and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Ranked 133rd in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, it is renowned for being the first university in Australia to offer actuarial science courses. The university provides a range of cutting-edge interdisciplinary programs aimed at nurturing creative, globally minded talents who drive progress and development worldwide.
The delegation held a meeting with Aman Oo, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Macquarie University, along with Dr. Rouzbeh Abbassi, Director of Research, and Dr. Nazmul Huda, Director of Teaching. During the meeting, Aman Oo provided a detailed overview of the faculty’s disciplines and programs, emphasizing the university’s talent cultivation philosophy, which integrates project-based learning, internships, and industry collaborations from the very beginning of engineering education. He highlighted Macquarie University's technological strengths in areas such as energy and carbon reduction, advanced materials and manufacturing, health technology, construction and infrastructure, future communications and IoT, and microelectronics and optics. Vice President Wang Dizhao expressed a strong desire to establish an inter-university partnership with Macquarie University, fostering collaboration and exchanges in areas such as short-term student exchange programs, joint training at the master's and doctoral levels, and research in low-carbon energy and safety risk management. Both parties agreed to expedite the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two universities and finalize agreements on joint doctoral training programs. Following the meeting, the delegation toured the Macquarie University campus and specialized laboratories.
On the morning of December 6, the delegation visited the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia. Founded in 1909, UQ is one of Australia's oldest and largest universities, ranking 40th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It is one of the six "Sandstone Universities", as well as a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, the Group of Eight, Universitas 21, the International Union of Railways, and the Global Alliance of New Engineering Education. The delegation was warmly received by Brett Lovegrove, Associate Vice-Chancellor for International Engagement, Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil from the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, Gracie Jin, Regional Manager of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology, and Jessica Sun, Director of the International Office. Both parties introduced their universities’ histories, distinctive disciplines, and development plans. They expressed a mutual desire to collaborate on 2+2 undergraduate joint programs, 3+2 combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, and, in particular, student innovation and entrepreneurship education. Both sides agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation in these areas. Following the meeting, the delegation, accompanied by Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, toured the Engineering Innovation Centre and the Mechanical Engineering Building. They gained a detailed understanding of the operational model of the Engineering Innovation Centre and studied the green and energy-efficient design concepts of the Mechanical Engineering Building. They also experienced the virtual simulation teaching tools and the solar-powered seating designed by UQ’s Faculty of Engineering. Later, the delegation visited the Rock Mechanics Laboratory, accompanied by Dr. Jimmy Li, where they engaged in in-depth discussions on experimental techniques and platforms for core sampling and mechanical property testing. They also exchanged ideas on laboratory safety management and the construction of campus emergency response platforms.
On the afternoon of December 6, the delegation held a discussion with Professor Bhesh Bhandari from the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences at the University of Queensland. The two sides exchanged views on topics related to food processing and sustainable development. Professor Bhesh Bhandari is an internationally renowned expert in the field of food science. He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology, a Fellow of the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology, and an Honorary Fellow of the Nepal Association of Food Scientists and Technologists. Additionally, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Future Foods and an editor of the Journal of Food Engineering. Accompanied by Professor Bhesh Bhandari, the delegation visited professional laboratories for food processing and chemical analysis. They also conducted a detailed study on the daily management, emergency response, and safety protocols of hazardous chemical laboratories.
On December 7, the delegation held a discussion with alumni Tian Xinpeng (a 2024 graduate in Food Science) and Feng Kailin (a 2024 graduate in Law with a specialization in Science and Technology), who are currently pursuing master’s degrees at the University of Queensland. The delegation gained detailed insights into the alumni’s academic and daily life experiences in Brisbane. Together, they fondly reminisced about the joyful moments spent at CJLU. At the end of the meeting, the two alumni recorded video messages expressing their heartfelt nostalgia for their alma mater and extending their best wishes for its future.
This visit successfully fulfilled all planned tasks and achieved the expected objectives. It further enhanced our university's reputation, significantly contributing to advancing international exchanges and collaborations with universities in New Zealand and Australia. The visit also played an active role in promoting the development of the university's disciplines, expanding international cooperation, and improving the quality of talent cultivation and the level of internationalized education. Additionally, the delegation conducted an in-depth study of the operational mechanisms and safety management systems of professional laboratories at universities in New Zealand and Australia. This included measures and experiences in laboratory admission exams, fire safety, student safety management, and emergency response. The delegation also systematically explored concepts and practices related to the configuration and management of student public facilities, campus and building design, campus culture development, and cultural and creative products. These insights will help enhance our university's international student management, laboratory construction, and campus safety management standards.
