The three visits to Otago Polytechnic's Dunedin campus by Chinese educational institutions follows our recent engagement opportunities at the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education, as part of a New Zealand tertiary delegation.

Strengthening Creative Ties: OP Hosts Shandong University of Art and Design

The visit by a delegation from Shandong University of Art and Design (SUAD) marked an exciting step towards building international partnerships that foster creativity, innovation, and global collaboration.

Located in Jinan, capital of the Shandong Province, it’s the only independent state-owned university in China specialising in art and design education, and boasts four campuses and 15 academic schools.

The institution actively collaborates with universities in Australia, Europe, USA, and Japan, and has contributed to major projects including designing the Shandong Pavilion for the Shanghai Expo and branding for the National Games of China.

The Shandong University of Art and Design delegation expressed strong interest in our Architectural Studies, Visual Arts, and Design programmes, which align with their own strengths.

Topics of key discussion:

• Learning pathways for students
• Teacher training and professional development
• Staff and student exchange programmes
• Joint research collaborations in design and applied arts

This partnership opens the door for Otago Polytechnic students and staff to engage in international projects, share expertise, and explore innovative approaches to design education, while strengthening our global profile as a leader in applied learning and creative industries.

Both institutions agreed to explore formal agreements that will enable mobility and collaborative research.

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Exploring Innovation Partnerships with Qingdao Huanghai University

We also hosted representatives from Qingdao Huanghai University, a dynamic institution from Shandong Province.

The university is renowned for its strong industry connections and practical approach to education.

It has specialised schools in Intelligent Manufacturing (innovation in robotics, automation, and “Industry 4.0” technologies, Smart City Engineering (developing sustainable urban solutions), Information Science and Technology (focusing on AI, big data, and cybersecurity), and Business (preparing graduates for global trade, finance, and entrepreneurship).

Our discussions highlighted exciting possibilities for partnership, including:

• Joint Research in intelligent manufacturing, smart city development, and emerging technologies
• Academic Exchange through faculty and student mobility programs, internships, and short-term study tours
• Articulation Pathways such as 2+2 (two years in China + two years in New Zealand), offering students international exposure and dual qualifications
• Entrepreneurship Initiatives through joint incubation projects and industry-linked innovation challenges.

This engagement marks a significant step toward building stronger educational and research links with China, fostering global opportunities for both students and staff.

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Driving the Future: Building global partnerships to power NZ’s EV workforce

We recently hosted a delegation from Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU) in China, home to the BYD Institute of Applied Technology and exclusive partner for training BYD vehicle engineers and technicians.

New Zealand’s EV market is evolving rapidly, and Otago Polytechnic is positioning itself at the forefront of this country’s electric vehicle revolution.

Despite recent policy changes that slowed uptake, EVs still represent over 10% of new vehicle sales. Demand for plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles is bouncing back and analysts are forecasting strong growth, driven by competitive Chinese brands like BYD and MG.

More EVs on the road means after-sales service quality is critical, but New Zealand faces a shortage of qualified EV technicians.

While Otago Polytechnic’s automotive programmes already integrate EV training, the scale of demand means industry-aligned, advanced training pathways are essential.

We are aiming to:

• Collaborate with SZPU and BYD specialists to design practical, future-focused training programmes
• Bridge the gap between manufacturers, training institutions, and dealerships to upskill technicians for EV servicing, battery diagnostics, and smart systems
• Explore staff and student exchanges, research partnerships, and joint curriculum development with Chinese institutions

BYD Dunedin has offered Otago Polytechnic’s EV training team the opportunity to test-drive one of their electric vehicles in the new year.