Massey University celebrates global connections at the 2024 China Alumni Conference

The conference began with a warm welcome from Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement, Massey University, and speeches from Ms Rachel Crump, New Zealand’s Consul General in Guangzhou, and Education Counsellor Michael Zhang from Education New Zealand at the New Zealand Embassy to China.

The event celebrated the expansion and accomplishments of the Massey University China Alumni Chapter, initially created by the MBA graduates in 2018 from the Massey Business School (MBS). By 2019, it included all MBS alumni and by 2023, the developments were expanded again to include all Massey University China alumni.

A highlight of the conference was the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Massey University and the China Alumni Governance Committee, connecting their work more closely with the University. It also saw the renewal of an MOU with Hebei University of Technology, which was timely, as they will soon have new graduates who will complete their programmes fully in China – and who will also become members of the China Alumni Chapter. These agreements emphasise Massey’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties and fostering collaborative initiatives with its partners in China.

The agenda covered a broad spectrum of topics focused on development prospects between Massey and Chinese universities, aiming to fortify New Zealand-China relations and increase networking opportunities. President of the China Alumni Governance Committee, Kevin Gang Wang, delivered an impactful report, which was followed by Vice-President Ping Peng’s introduction of the Committee. The attendees also benefited from a keynote address by Dr McGonagle-Daly, who spoke on the strategic cooperation and development prospects between Massey and Chinese universities.

Attendees enjoyed a series of presentations by alumni who have made remarkable contributions to their fields, ranging from business to education. Notable speakers included Ye Tian, Managing Director of Esquel Specialty Spinning Division; Lili Wang, Owner and CEO of the NZ Chinese Herald; Alex Zhang, Owner and Director, Principal Immigration Adviser of Chance Immigration and Education; and Karen Song, Investment Manager at Mulpha Funds Management.

Discussions also focused on ways the alumni community can support current and future Massey students. Ideas were exchanged regarding establishing scholarships to assist students studying in China and New Zealand, demonstrating the alumni’s commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation of scholars.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says, “We value our China alumni networks worldwide who provide the opportunity to continue the relationship beyond academia. This also allows us to partner with industries and business to enable work-readiness and clear pathways from education to employment or entrepreneurship for our graduates, and enable greater productivity or other positive outcomes through research innovation.

“We would like to acknowledge the contribution of the China Alumni Chapter to Massey University and their recent activities including fundraising, mentoring students, promoting the university’s reputation, participating in alumni events, and advocating for the university’s priorities within their communities and professional networks.”