The International School of Guangzhou Huali College held a significant online meeting via Microsoft Teams to further develop their Sino-Foreign Joint Education Institution program with Otago Polytechnic. Key representatives from both institutions were present. The Otago Polytechnic delegation included Mark Cartwright, the Deputy Executive Director of Otago Polytechnic, Vanessa Naidoo, International Director, Emma Hogg, Head of Business Programmes, Michael Holtz, Principal Lecturer and Team Leader of the School of Engineering, Adrian Tetlowand, Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering, and Hui Zhang, Manager of China Affairs at the Dunedin City Council. The International School of Guangzhou Huali College was represented by the Dean, Professor Shuze Tang, Vice Dean, Dr. Qingqing Zhou, along with Miss Yingyue Dai and Miss Huixin Deng.

 Online meeting participants from Otago Polytechnic and the International School

During the meeting, both parties engaged in productive discussions on potential future collaborations. Dr. Zhou from Guangzhou Huali College supported the revised cooperation proposal, providing a detailed overview of the cooperation framework, the involved academic programs, and the necessary documents for applying to the Sino-Foreign Joint Education Institution.

Dr. Qingqing Zhou presented the updated cooperation proposal

Dr. Zhou first highlighted the current challenges in establishing Sino-foreign joint education institutions between Chinese and international universities, proposing that collaborations under the category of higher vocational education would be more efficient and practical. As a result, Dr. Zhou introduced Guangzhou Huali Science and Technology Vocational College as a new partner in the collaboration.

Dr. Zhou suggested a “3+1” program model, where students would spend three years studying in China and the final year in New Zealand, leading to dual qualifications: a diploma from both Guangzhou Huali Science and Technology Vocational College and Otago Polytechnic, as well as a Bachelor’s degree from Otago Polytechnic. The program will continue to be managed by the International School of Guangzhou Huali College.

Regarding the establishment of joint programs, Dr. Zhou identified four majors at Guangzhou Huali Science and Technology Vocational College: Computer Application Technology, Electrical Automation Technology, Big Data and Accounting, and Network News and Communication. These correspond to the following bachelor’s degrees offered by Otago Polytechnic: Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Accounting, and Bachelor of Arts.

Proposed potential joint majors

Dr. Zhou also outlined a detailed timeline for applying for the joint program and provided all the essential documents required by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education.

Mark Cartwright, the Deputy Executive Director of Otago Polytechnic,Otago Polytechnic acknowledged the challenges faced by both institutions and commended the thorough explanation and preparation by the team from the International School of Huali. He welcomed the addition of Guangzhou Huali Science and Technology Vocational College as a new partner. Key concerns were addressed, including potential limitations on issuing diploma certificates from Otago Polytechnic and the recognition of the Bachelor’s degree after one year of study in New Zealand. He also mentioned the challenges of meeting English language proficiency requirements.

Mark Cartwright expressed his interest in the proposed joint program

At the close of the meeting, Professor Tang and Dr. Zhou emphasized that the program's strength lays in offering students not only the opportunity to study abroad but also a faster route to obtaining a Bachelor's degree.

Both sides agreed to further explore the marketing aspect, focusing on assessing the potential number of students interested in the program and their willingness to study in New Zealand. The meeting concluded with a commitment to collaborate in the following week to ensure the successful establishment of the Sino-Foreign Joint Education Program. 

Overview of Otago Polytechnic

Otago Polytechnic is a public New Zealand tertiary education institute, centred in Dunedin with additional campuses in Cromwell and Auckland. Otago Polytechnic provides career-focused education and training, offering a range of New Zealand accredited postgraduate qualifications, degrees, diplomas and certificates at levels 2–10. In November 2022, it became a business unit of the national mega polytechnic Te Pūkenga (the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology).

Written by Yingyue Dai

Revised by Qingqing Zhou & SM Hashmia

Approved by Shuze Tang