On the morning of March 19, 2024, the International School of Guangzhou Huali College held the second online Team Meeting with Otago Polytechnic to discuss the specifics of the joint education cooperation project between Guangzhou Huali College and Otago Polytechnic. Professor Mark Cartwright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Otago Polytechnic, Mr. Hui Zhang, Dunedin's China Representative, Professor Shuze Tang Shuze, Dean of the International School of Guangzhou Huali College, Dr. Qingqing Zhou, Vice Dean, and other faculties, attended the meeting, which was chaired by Dr. Qingqing Zhou.

On-line meeting of representatives from Guangzhou Huali College & Otago Polytechnic

        Professor Mark Cartwright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Otago Polytechnic, mentioned that he had communicated with the relevant departments and faculties, expressing hope that the joint college between Guangzhou Huali College and Otago Polytechnic could offer the following four majors:

        Bachelor of Information Technology

        Bachelor of Applied Management

        Bachelor of Engineering Technology

        Bachelor of Applied Science

        The student cultivation model could follow a "4+0" format, where students study for four years at Guangzhou Huali College but are encouraged to spend 1-2 semesters at Otago Polytechnic. Professor Cartwright also proposed a "3+1" model, where students would complete the first three years at Guangzhou Huali College and spend their final year at Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand. Otago Polytechnic will send expert teachers to Huali to teach a range of core professional courses. Students will receive dual bachelor’s degrees, one from each institution (dual diplomas).

        Professor Shuze Tang, the Dean of International School, stated that he would present the proposed majors to the leadership team of Guangzhou Huali College. He affirmed that the board of directors and leaders would fully support this collaboration, and the International School would leverage its strengths in English-taught international education to provide the necessary support services.

        Vice Dean Dr. Qingqing Zhou suggested that both partner institutions could discuss and explore the naming of the joint college between Guangzhou Huali College and Otago Polytechnic. Dean Tang proposed "Hua-Ao College," combining the first letters of both schools' names. The final name of the joint college will continue to be opened for further suggestions.

Introduction of the Partner University Otago Polytechnic (OP)

        Otago Polytechnic (OP) was established in 1889 and is located in Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island. It is one of New Zealand's oldest polytechnics with the authority to award doctoral degrees. The school has three campuses with over 16,000 students. It offers courses in languages, business, information technology, arts and design, film and media, engineering and construction, nursing and health, culinary arts, agriculture, forestry, and animal care, among which engineering and construction, fashion design, and animal care are the most prestigious courses. The OP ranks 301 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

        University official website: http://www.op.ac.nz.

Written & photo by Wei Xu

English version by Lin Li

Revised by SM Hashmi

Approved by Shuze Tang