On October 22, Mr. Darren Mitchell, executive director of Ara Institute of Canterbury, and Ms. Deborah Young, director of Ako Excellence Department, led a delegation to visit Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU). They were received by Prof. Ming Zhong, vice president of SZTU. The two sides held in-depth discussions on topics such as joint education programs, research and innovation, and international talent cultivation, exploring new opportunities for collaboration between SZTU and its partner university from New Zealand.

The delegation of Ara Institute of Canterbury visits SZTU. [Photo/Party Committee Publicity Department]

Ming introduced the establishment process and recent development of SZTU. He noted that since its founding, SZTU has adhered to an international vision in education, aligning closely with the industrial needs of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and achieving remarkable results in areas such as intelligent manufacturing, new energy, and artificial intelligence. Looking ahead, the university will stay focused on its goal of building a new type of research-oriented university driven by national strategies and regional industrial demands. It will emphasize internationalization and AI empowerment, striving to cultivate innovative talents with a global perspective.

Executive Director Darren Mitchell (left) and Vice President Ming Zhong (right) [Photo/Party Committee Publicity Department]

Mitchell stated that the development vision of Ara Institute of Canterbury aligns closely with that of SZTU, presenting great potential for future collaboration. He said that the two universities could take joint education programs as a starting point to further cooperation in teaching, research, and faculty and student exchanges, achieving resource sharing and complementary strengths.

This visit has injected new momentum into the partnership between the two universities. Moving forward, both sides will explore more diverse and pragmatic models of collaboration under the theme of “Artificial Intelligence + International Education,” contributing to regional economic development and educational exchanges between China and New Zealand.

Drafted by Emily（文佩玲）/ International Cooperation and Exchanges Department

Revised by Brian（郑斌）/ International Cooperation and Exchanges Department

Edited by Brian（郑斌）/ International Cooperation and Exchanges Department