The event marked the return of Beijing Polytechnic College to Unitec since the COVID lockdown in 2021 and reinforced the collaboration, mutual respect and significant achievements that the institutions have shared for the past decade.

The four-strong delegation of officials was led by the Vice President of Beijing Polytechnic College, Shi Yuantao. He was accompanied by Guo Yong, Deputy Dean of the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zheng Kuo, Deputy Dean of the School of Architecture and Surveying Engineering, and Yang Hongyu, a senior lecturer for Basic Education.

Further strengthening of the relationship between the two institutions were discussed as part of the visit, including expanding their collaboration to other disciplines, including Computing, Automotive Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Architecture.

Beijing Polytechnic College is ranked #13 in vocational colleges in China and holds an esteemed ‘double high’ in terms of academic and management standards.

The visitors from Beijing Polytechnic College were welcomed to Unitec with a pōwhiri at Te Noho Kotihitanga marae, with an address from Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Executive Director for Rohe 1.

The group later met with Martin Carroll, Deputy Chief Executive of Academic at Unitec and MIT, for further discussions.

“We value our ongoing partnership with Beijing Polytechnic College and appreciate the opportunity to deepen our collaboration further,” says Professor Carroll. “We’re committed to nurturing and strengthening our partnership, and we’re excited about future opportunities for both our institutions.

“Many students from Beijing Polytechnic College have successfully transitioned to Unitec to complete their studies, and they have greatly benefitted from our partnership, achieving academic and professional success. Their stories are a testament to the strength and value of our collaboration.”