Home» News» HEBUST Hosts Education Forum Marking the 10th Anniversary of China-New Zealand Joint Educational Program

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the joint undergraduate program in Metallurgical Engineering with New Zealand’s University of Waikato, HEBUST hosts the “A Decade of Collaboration in Materials Science Education” Forum on April 16. The event reviewed the decade-long partnership and mapped future cooperation in materials science education. Vice President Zhao Geng delivered a welcome speech. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Alister Jones of the University of Waikato and Zhao Huijuan, Secretary-General of the Hebei Association for International Educational and Cultural Exchange, and both addressed the forum online.

Zhao Geng expressed gratitude to guests and highlighted the remarkable achievements of the cooperation program.  Since its launch, the initiative has adhered to the philosophy of “integrating Eastern and Western strengths, innovating education,” aligning with global educational trends. He emphasized its contributions to disciplinary development, talent cultivation, and research collaboration, laying a solid foundation for future growth. Moving forward, both institutions will deepen cooperation and enhance educational quality to nurture globally competitive talents.

Alister Jones reflected on the partnership’s milestones, highlighting that the past decade witnessed not only academic achievements, , but also countless heartwarming moments and remarkable transformations of students. He expressed optimism for continued collaboration to help more students shine on the global stage.

Zhao Huijuan, representing 70 cooperative education institutions in Hebei, praised the program’s exemplary outcomes and urged both sides to leverage this milestone to further elevate teaching quality and build a model for international joint education.

Mu Lan, Deputy Director of the University of Waikato’s International Office, recounted the program’s evolution, emphasizing its long-term vision: “While it takes a decade to grow a tree, it takes a century to nurture a person, emphasizing the long- term nature of education”.

At the forum, Li Jianhui, Dean of the School of Materials Science, reviewed the program’s achievements. Mike Duke, Dean of the University of Waikato’s School of Engineering, gave a speech titled “The School of Engineering at The University of Waikato - Teaching, Research, HEBUST and Robotics”, summarizing collaborative outcomes in engineering education and future development opportunities. Zhang Huimin, Director of HEBUST’s Admissions and Career Office, and Professor Hu Jianwen shared insights on program management and the dedication of faculty from both universities. Foreign faculty and alumni also exchanged perspectives on Sino-New Zealand educational philosophies, joint research, and engineering training.

The event concluded with the unveiling ceremony of the commemorative plaque honoring the decade-long partnership, symbolizing a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.