A high-level delegation from Hebei University of Engineering was welcomed to Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae last Friday to progress talks on a joint computing programme.
The parties also signed a supplementary statement to the existing Computing articulation agreement which was signed last November.
Discussions between the two institutions explored new collaborations such as articulation pathways in other disciplines, joint research, study tours, and other mutually beneficial initiatives.
Unitec and HUE have worked closely on a joint programme and a dual degree programme, and both have made progress recently.
Interim Co-Director, Marketing & International, Don Sirimanne says this is the third visit by Hebei University after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Unitec in 2022. The aim of this most recent visit is to progress discussions on the joint programme and the Computing articulation agreement.
“For the past few years, we have started to grow a strong and relationship from signing the MOU to establishing the joint programme and welcoming a cohort of students from HUE to partake in a Māori cultural exchange course last year,” Mr Sirimanne says.
“Our relationship is not only about academic exchange, but building ties through shared vision, cultural understanding and mutual perspective. We look forward to exploring more areas of cooperation as we grow together.”
Executive Director, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says he is pleased at the progress with the joint programme and looks forward to deeper collaboration with HUE.
“Our relationship is based on culture, education and our relationship as people. We look forward to getting to know you better and strengthening our relationship as two institutions – it’s called mahi kotahitanga, working together across the oceans,” says Peseta Sam.
Head of School for Computing – Electrical and Applied Technology, Susan Bennett is appreciative of the benefits this collaboration will bring. “We’re excited about the future and looking forward to working with HUE over the next ten years.”
Deputy Party Secretary, Wang Huping is also pleased at the progress and looking forward to working more closely with Unitec.
“Now that the joint programme is on the verge of approval, we’re coming to the starting point of a new journey. So looking ahead we hope our institutions can work closely together and develop an even closer and deeper cooperation,” he says.
Following pōwhiri and the signing, the delegation touring Unitec’s Mt Albert campus including Building 108, Te Pūtahi.
HUE is in Handan, one of the oldest cities in China with a history of 3,100 years. It is a key university in Hebei Province with a student population of approximately 27,000 and a teaching faculty of about 1,700 members. The university encompasses nineteen schools offering 87 degree programmes in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, science, management, agriculture, medicine, literature, economics, law, and arts.
HUE Delegation:
• Wang Huping, Deputy Party Secretary
• Mr Li Simin – Dean, Institute of Science and Technology Research
• Ms Zhang Yanhong – Director of International
• Mr Gao Yonge – Director, Office of Academic Affairs
• Mr Luo Feng – Dean, School of Mining and Geomatics Engineering
• Dennis Liu – Education Agent