SIT continues talks in China following PM's visit to Chengdu

SIT continues talks in China following Prime Minister's visit to Chengdu

Southern Institute of Technology representatives were in Chengdu, China last week in relationship talks with prominent tertiary institutions Southwest Jiaoting University and Chengdu Agricultural College. SIT’s visit to these institutes was conducted shortly after New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Honourable John Key’s visit to Chengdu on 12 November.

Mr Key declared open the Consulate-General in the Western Chinese city of Chengdu and noted that New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to open a diplomatic post in Chengdu and called it, “… a natural continuation of our expanding and increasingly close relationship with China”. (www.johnkey.co.nz/archives/1903-PM-opens-NZ-Consulate-General-in-Chengdu.html)

SIT CE, Penny Simmonds, was pleased that SIT was in Chengdu at this time and able to capitalise on the raised awareness of New Zealand from the Prime Minister’s visit.

SIT’s Senior Manager Ms Teri McClelland who was heading the visit, reinforced Prime Minister John Key’s message during the discussions with the institutes, acknowledging SIT’s already strong presence in China with successful partnerships in the Hubei Provincial Capital of Wuhan and added that the establishment of further partnerships in the Sichuan Provincial Capital of Chengdu will continue SIT’s expanding relationships in China. SIT‘s contribution to international tertiary education was recognized earlier this year when it was awarded the 2014 Southland Export Corporation Recognition Award.

Ms McClelland met with delegates from Southwest Jiaoting University to discuss the partnership delivery of programmes following meetings held between the two institutes earlier this year. As an outcome of this visit, articulation and cross credit agreements will be evaluated for Southwest Jiaoting graduates. Forming possible partnership opportunities in skills and vocational training for employment, strengthening international education and becoming a resource provider where amongst the topics discussed with Chengdu Agricultural College.

ENDS

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