From May 24 to 30, a delegation led by Qiao Xuebin, Party Secretary of NJUCM, visited Australia and New Zealand. The delegation visited Griffith University and the University of Otago, paid an official visit to the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne, and held discussions with the Australia Institute of Future Education (AIFE). The visits aimed to deepen international cooperation in education, expand joint research programs, enhance talent cultivation, and achieve multiple cooperation outcomes.
In Brisbane, the delegation visited Griffith University, one of NJUCM's closest strategic partners in the Australia–New Zealand region. The delegation was warmly received by Prof. Shaun Ewen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Griffith University.
During the meeting, Secretary Qiao emphasized that collaboration between China and Australia in the health sector plays a vital role in promoting the concept of a shared community of health for mankind. He highlighted the deep friendship and mutual trust developed between the two universities over years of cooperation and expressed hope to further enhance joint postgraduate training, faculty exchange, and collaborative research in biopharmaceutical innovation to achieve higher-level cooperation.
Prof. Ewen fully agreed with the proposed directions and expressed Griffith University's commitment to consolidating the existing partnership and deepening collaboration in broader fields. During the meeting, both universities signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen strategic cooperation.
While at Griffith University, Secretary Qiao also hosted the 19th "Secretary Face-to-Face" forum, holding discussions with outstanding students studying at Griffith University.
Signing the MoU with Griffith University
In Dunedin, the delegation visited the University of Otago. The year 2025 marks a significant moment for enhanced China–New Zealand education cooperation, during which NJUCM successfully gained approval to jointly establish the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Otago Smart Health College. Grant Robertson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago, warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Otago's strong commitment to the partnership. He expressed great confidence and expectations toward the future development of the joint institute.
In his address, Secretary Qiao introduced NJUCM's history, recent development achievements, and expressed appreciation for Otago's academic reputation and research excellence. He noted that the establishment of the Smart Health College is a milestone achievement reflecting the dedication and joint efforts of both universities. Looking forward, he proposed focusing on the core mission of talent training, building an integrated system covering admission, cultivation, and employment, and developing the institute into a benchmark for China–New Zealand education cooperation.
He also suggested expanding collaboration in joint postgraduate programs, faculty exchange, research in biopharmaceutical science, and traditional medicine.
During the visit, NJUCM, the University of Otago, and AIFE signed a tripartite MoU, integrating their respective strengths in Chinese medicine education, health science research, and cross-border education services to explore innovative multi-party cooperation models among China, New Zealand, and Australia.
The delegation also held working meetings with Otago's relevant schools and departments to discuss implementation details for the joint institute and conducted on-site visits to teaching and research facilities.
Signing the MoU with the University of Otago and the Australia Institute of Future Education
Visiting the Teaching and Research Facilities at the University of Otago
In Melbourne, the delegation visited the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne and met with Mr. Pei Guichun, Deputy Consul General. Secretary Qiao briefed the Consulate on NJUCM's development and achievements in educational cooperation with Australian institutions. Both sides exchanged views on promoting collaborative ties between NJUCM and leading universities in Melbourne and the surrounding regions. The Consulate-General expressed its willingness to provide active support in facilitating partnerships and expanding NJUCM's cooperation network in Australia.
Visiting the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne
During the trip, the delegation also visited the AIFE for in-depth discussions on innovative cross-border education models, China–Australia cultural exchange, and international talent cultivation in traditional Chinese medicine. Both sides reached a broad consensus on future collaborative pathways.
Accompanying Secretary Qiao on the visit were responsible officials from the University's Party Committee Office, Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges, Otago Smart Health College, School of Pharmacy, and the First School of Clinical Medicine.