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New Zealand-trained astrophysicist receives top honour in Malaysia
She was awarded the prestigious Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia, by Sultan Abdullah at his annual Honours ceremony. It carries the title of Tan Sri, one of the highest federal titles, and is only held concurrently by 250 living recipients.
Dr Othman studied physics at the University of Otago in the 1970s and returned for post-graduate study in the 1980s, becoming the first woman to graduate from the university with a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics. She then went on to forge a remarkable career in the male-dominated space industry.
Colombo Plan Scholar
Dr Othman came to New Zealand on a Colombo Plan scholarship. The Plan, a forerunner to our modern development assistance programmes, aimed to promote economic and social development in Asia through education and training.
Having fallen in love with physics as a teenager in the 1960s, Dr Othman didn’t discover astronomy or astrophysics until she arrived in Dunedin to study for her PhD in 1974.
“There were very few books available at that time and there was not much interest here in Malaysia, but it was very different in New Zealand,” she says. “Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon in 1969 was a very significant event, but I didn’t think at that time that I would have space as a career. Not in a million years.”
Studying in New Zealand opened a world of opportunity for the young, Muslim scholar. Not only did she make a career in the space industry, but she became a leading authority, being appointed the Director of the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs in 1999, and the founding director of Malaysia’s National Space Agency in 2002.
She acknowledges it has been challenging at times. “It’s been a hard road because I’ve had to start everything from scratch. There was no set path to get to where I am today.”
Working to promote science and technology
She says her role at the UN was less about science, and more about diplomacy and politics. “How to balance one country’s requirements against another’s. Bringing people to the table together, even if they don’t agree, to try and agree on how to proceed. The other aspect of the job was to see how we could use space to enhance the development of developing countries, especially in science and technology.”
It is mostly her work at home for which she has been recognised by the King. As Malaysia’s first astrophysicist, Dr Othman was instrumental in introducing astronomy and space sciences into school and university curricula, advised the Government on space matters, was the driving force behind the National Planetarium in Kuala Lumpur, initiated the country’s National Microsatellite Programme, and headed Mega Science 3.0, the ambitious project to transform Malaysia into leading global player in science and innovation by 2050.
Justice and fairness in New Zealand education
But it all started as an international student in New Zealand, a time Dr Othman remembers as being both liberating and rewarding. “I particularly loved the egalitarian environment of the university, and that reflected wider New Zealand society.”
“There will always be a role for New Zealand in supporting education internationally through its cultural perspective on science,” she says. “There is no hierarchy in New Zealand science – professors treat their students as equals and encourage them to challenge and ask questions. That approach has stayed with me through my career.
“New Zealand education also instils a deep sense of justice and fairness.” – Malaysia alumna and astrophysicist Dr Mazlan Othman.
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Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education deepens links in New Zealand
The delegation from Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education East Asia Global Education Institute (Incheon MOE) travelled to Ngatea, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago – visiting providers from the schools, university and vocational education sectors.
The visit began with a visit to Ngatea to connect with Hauraki Plains College and Ngatea Primary School.
Observing the Agriculture Academy and trades-based courses at Hauraki Plains College.
A key aspect of the delegation’s time in Ngatea was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Hauraki Plains College and four schools from Incheon: Sunin High School, Shinsong High School, Geomdan High School and Youngwha International Tourism High School.
The intent of the MoU is to strengthen educational ties between the schools, which includes a reciprocal exchange program.
The first of these exchanges will see 28 students from across the four Incheon schools visit Hauraki Plains College in October 2025, 28 students from Hauraki Plains College will then travel to Incheon in April 2026.
The delegation was formally welcomed to the Wellington with a Mihi Whakatau hosted by ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu, local staff and the Ministry of Education (MOE).
In Wellington, the delegation received a detailed briefing from the Ministry of Education and visited Scots College to observe the school in action.
Scots College Junior School Principal, Rachael Huggins, showing the Incheon delegation around a primary-level classroom.
Down to Christchurch, the Incheon delegation visited Lincoln University to fine-tune the details of an MoU signed in January this year. The partnership arrangement will support five Incheon students to study at Lincoln University each year.
Incheon delegate members with Lincoln University staff from the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce, Academic Preparation and Pathways and International Operations.
Waitākiri Primary School Principal Mr. Andrew Barker introduces a Year 6 long-term international student from Korea to the delegates. She shared how much she has enjoyed her time at Waitākiri Primary School and expressed her sadness that her year at the school is coming to an end.
The group visited Shirley Boy’s High School and Avonside Girls High School in Christchurch, with a side-visit organised with Waitākiri Primary School.
Further South, a visit was arranged with Otago Polytechnic in Cromwell to understand the pathways to vocational education in New Zealand.
Director of Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education East Asia Global Education Institute, Jooyong Kim, said visiting New Zealand schools was a truly meaningful and deepened delegates understanding of the education system.
“We hope this visit will help strengthen the relationship between schools in New Zealand and Incheon”.
“We look forward to future collaborative projects with New Zealand institutions,” he added.
Several of the schools visited have expressed interest in deepening these new relationships, with planning underway to keep up the momentum and connect again at ENZ-led fairs and agent seminars in Korea later this year.
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New Zealand strengthens its position as a study abroad destination for Brazilians
Figures from the 10th annual Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association (Belta) Seal Survey 2025 show that New Zealand has climbed to the sixth most chosen destination by Brazilians studying abroad – compared to seventh place in 2024.
The survey ran from February to April this year and brought together insights from 586 education agencies and 1,780 students from across Brazil to understand trends, behaviours, and preferences in the international education sector.
At the survey launch in May, ENZ Market Development Manager, Bruna de Natale, discussed the country’s growing relevance as a study destination for Brazilian students.
Speaking at the survey launch event in May, ENZ Market Development Manager, Bruna de Natale said "The data shows that New Zealand has not only maintained its appeal but has also strengthened its position on the radar of Brazilian students, especially amid uncertainties in other markets."
Dive into the data
Language courses remain the most sought-after programs, accounting for 91% of preferences among the agencies surveyed.
Why Brazilian students are choosing New Zealand
According to the data, the main factors driving the choice of New Zealand as a destination are:
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High quality of life and safety
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Academic excellence with a focus on innovation
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Ease of obtaining a student visa
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Permission to work while studying
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Economically and socially stable environment
In addition, the growing demand for enriching cultural experiences, closer contact with nature, and the opportunity to develop socio-emotional skills has placed New Zealand in the spotlight — particularly among students who value a comprehensive education.
Additional insights from New Zealand-focused questions
A complementary survey, also conducted between February and April 2025 with 586 education agencies and 1,780 students across Brazil, highlighted specific factors influencing the decision to study in New Zealand.
The survey revealed that 75% of respondents who showed interest in New Zealand also considered it one of their top study destinations — ahead of countries like the United Kingdom and Canada. Students associate New Zealand with high-quality education, a good international reputation for its institutions, and globally recognised qualifications.
Additionally, New Zealand stands out for offering work opportunities during and after studies, socio-emotional skill development, and access to nature and outdoor activities — these factors align with current student preferences for holistic and life-enriching study abroad experiences.
If Brazil and/or any other Latin American country is part of your business plan for the 2025/26 financial year, please contact the in-market team via Latinamerica@enz.govt.nz.
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From the CE: New Zealand higher education in the spotlight
Kia ora koutou,
Over the past few weeks, I have been abroad in both China and the United States promoting New Zealand education.
In late May I was delighted to attend my first NAFSA conference in San Diego, California. NAFSA is the world’s largest international education conference and this year it attracted over 8,000 attendees. ENZ supported the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, University of Waikato, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, University of Otago and Whitecliffe College at the New Zealand Pavilion. Our collective involvement with such a significant event provided us with a strong platform to showcase New Zealand’s unique education offering to a global audience.
Following NAFSA, I travelled to Connecticut to meet representatives of the Mashantucket Pequot nation, during which I had a useful exchange on indigenous-to-indigenous education and engagement. It was a genuine privilege to be hosted by this small, resilient tribe, into which my whānau has whakapapa links.
Last week, I joined the Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to China alongside education delegates from UP Education, Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, and Victoria University of Wellington.
The Trade Mission was an opportunity to support the tertiary education sector’s engagement with China which is our largest source market of international students. The visit also reinforced at the Government and sector level our strong bilateral education relationship.
One of our key deliverables was an education event to promote New Zealand’s reputation for world-leading research and high-quality education at Fudan University in Shanghai. Fudan is one of China’s most prestigious universities and while there we took the opportunity to celebrate 20 years of the New Zealand-China Tripartite Partnership Programme. A wonderful outcome from the event was the signing of an MoU between Victoria University of Wellington and Fudan University that will see the universities resume student exchanges and pursue research cooperation in public health, biotechnology and climate science.
In Beijing, we hosted New Zealand Education Connect and showcased New Zealand as a study destination to our key partners, and alongside Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, we officially launched New Zealand’s Country of Honour campaign for the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE) which will be taking place later this year.
Finally, this month the results of the latest QS World University Rankings 2026 were published. New Zealand ranked first in the English-speaking world and fifth globally for the overall quality of its higher education.
The 2026 results see New Zealand universities improve across academic reputation, citation per faculty, and international student indicators. New Zealand also ranks the highest globally in terms of employment outcomes among key English-speaking study destinations.
This is a fantastic result for our universities and reinforces New Zealand’s position as a high-quality and welcoming international education destination.
Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou
Seek after learning for the sake of your wellbeing
Ngā mihi nui,
Amanda Malu
Chief Executive -
Prime Minister unveils 2025 Tripartite Fund recipients at Fudan University
During his remarks at Fudan University, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the 2025 New Zealand–China Tripartite Partnership Fund recipients, as well as plans for a second high-level Education Forum to be held during China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE) 2025.
2025 marks 20 years of the New Zealand – China Tripartite Partnership Programme. Photo credit: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.
ENZ congratulates the following researchers whose projects exemplify the high-quality research collaboration between our two countries:
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Dr Fiona Ell (University of Auckland): Working with Hangzhou Normal University and Capital Normal University to enhance mathematics and science teacher education through comparative studies and exchanges.
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Dr Sihong Wu (University of Auckland): Partnering with Tongji and Nankai Universities on sustainable production and carbon neutrality in manufacturing joint ventures.
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Dr Yiming Ma (Auckland University of Technology): Collaborating with Chang’an and Yangtze Universities to explore mechanisms behind silent earthquakes.
Dr Fiona Ell said she is looking forward to working with her Chinese research partners to enhance mathematics and science teacher preparation, an important focus for education systems in both New Zealand and China.
“Our study brings together teacher educators from two Chinese universities, and teacher educators at the University of Auckland to exchange ideas and techniques for mathematics and science teacher preparation. The Tripartite grant allows us to visit each other, see teacher education practices in each country and compare policy directions in teacher education,” she said.
This will enhance the understanding and skills of all participants and help us find ways to improve mathematics and science teacher education in both countries,” Dr Ell added.
The Tripartite Fund, managed by ENZ in collaboration with several government agencies, supports strategic research partnerships between one New Zealand and two Chinese universities. The programme celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.
Learn more about the Tripartite Partnership Fund here.
Professor Nic Smith, Vice-Chancellor Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington exchanges a Memorandum of Understanding with Fudan University President, Li JIN. Photo credit: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.
Another key part of the event was Victoria University of Wellington renewed an agreement with Fudan University to revitalise the relationship, achieve resumption of student flows, and pursue research cooperation in the areas of public health, bio-tech and climate science.
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PM mission advances New Zealand and China education relationship
The New Zealand Education Connect event on 20 June at the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing brought together leading Chinese government representatives, institutional partners, education agents, and alumni to strengthen people-to-people links and celebrate collaboration.
The event programme was packed, with nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between New Zealand and Chinese counterparts, and another MoU signed between Victoria University of Wellington and Fudan University on 19 June.
Providers from across the tertiary education sector signed the MoUs – with Victoria University of Wellington, Unitec, NMIT and UP Education’s University of Auckland International College and New Zealand Tertiary College formalising partnerships.
These agreements cover a mix of in-market delivery, joint programmes, and initiatives to grow student mobility between New Zealand and China.
This builds on the now over 60 approved joint education programmes and institutes recognised by the China Ministry of Education between New Zealand and Chinese institutions, and other education partnerships across early childhood education, vocational training, higher education, and research areas.
The New Zealand Education Connect event had senior leaders officially launching New Zealand’s Country of Honour campaign for the upcoming China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE), China's largest platform for international education, due to take place in October this year.
ENZ’s Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, launches the Country of Honour campaign for New Zealand at CACIE alongside Prime Minister Luxon and CEAIE’s Secretary General Jun Yang.
ENZ Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, said it’s exciting to see advancement of the partnerships New Zealand providers have built with their Chinese counterparts.
“We’re eager to see the outcomes of the new agreements formalised at New Zealand Education Connect and look forward to deepening our bilateral ties by leading a delegation to CACIE later this year,” she said.
Information on the registration process for New Zealand education providers to join the New Zealand Country of Honour events in October will be shared next month on ENZ’s event page.
The Country of Honour promotional video is available with Chinese subtitles on The Brand Lab.
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Driving student interest in Indonesia through strategic co-funded initiatives
ENZ and SUN Education delivered a jam-packed programme of student recruitment events in Surabaya and Jakarta in late May to drive student interest and connect New Zealand providers with potential partners for academic collaboration.
Surabaya
The activity began with an introductory meeting between Universitas Airlangga’s International Office and visiting New Zealand providers to explore opportunities for academic collaboration between our two countries.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, the New Zealand Honorary Consulate in Surabaya and SUN Education.
Discussions centred on potential areas of partnership, including articulation pathways, staff exchanges, guest lectures, and joint research initiatives.
The following day, providers met with prospective students at the Study in New Zealand Exhibition in Surabaya.
The exhibition featured the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, University of Waikato, UP Education, University of Otago, Le Cordon Bleu, the Southern Institute of Technology and Lincoln University.
The event attracted around 200 students and their parents.
Study in New Zealand exhibition attendees learning about tertiary education options in New Zealand.
Jakarta
Over to Jakarta, ENZ organised an exhibition featuring a strong line-up of New Zealand institutions, comprised of all eight of New Zealand’s universities alongside the Southern Institute of Technology, Le Cordon Bleu, University of Canterbury International College and UP Education.
The fair attracted approximately 250 students and parents, all eager to explore the diverse study options and world-class education opportunities that New Zealand has to offer.
To close off a busy student recruitment period, a mini exhibition was hosted at Universitas Indonesia, the top-ranked university in Indonesia.
The exhibition was specifically for LPDP Affirmative Scholars and students interested in postgraduate-level study.
As part of the event, ENZ Market Manager, Naluri Bella, delivered a ‘Study in New Zealand’ session, which attracted around 100 enthusiastic attendees.
The session provided insights into New Zealand’s high-quality education system and scholarship opportunities, helping to raise awareness and inspire future postgraduate study pathways.
ENZ’s Regional Director (Asia) Ben Burrowes said the activities were designed enhance agents’ and students' awareness of New Zealand’s world-class education offering.
“These collaborations help position New Zealand as a competitive and credible choice for Indonesian students,” he added.
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Around the world in five
Canada
Canada considers study permit cap tweaks as job losses mount
Despite possible adjustments to come, experts are warning of deepening financial and educational fallout from Canada's study permit caps.
Global
University impact rankings expand but remain volatile
Designed to showcase how institutions are working towards addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, this year’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings edition is the biggest yet.
Asia
"Asian tigers" ramp up internationalisation amid big four woes
Territories and countries like South Korea and Hong Kong, part of the so-called “Asian Tigers” alongside Singapore and Taiwan, now view international students and intra-East Asian mobility as critical to sustaining economic growth in the region.
United Kingdom
Over 50 UK universities have dropped in the latest QS World University Rankings, with funding concerns emerging as a key factor behind the decline.
The United States of America
Can the US afford to lose its 1.1 million international students?
International students contributed $43.8bn to the US economy last year and created 378,175 jobs nationwide.
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Support for Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America recipients to continue to June 2026
The Prime Minister’s Scholarships programme was discontinued, and its funding reprioritised in the latest Government Budget 2025.
The decision to discontinue the programme is in line with the Government’s priority to deliver effective and fiscally sustainable public services and the need to focus on core activities in the current constrained fiscal environment.
The change takes effect from 1 July 2025. The decision will not impact any of the scholarships’ current recipients or recipients of the final group round, who were confirmed in June.
ENZ will continue to support current recipients, including those who are yet to travel overseas to 30 June 2026.
Since their inception in 2013 and 2016, respectively, the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America have been among ENZ’s significant, transformative and impactful programmes of work. To date, the programme has awarded 3,991 scholarships that have helped New Zealanders not only deepen their understanding of different cultures and languages but also enrich appreciation for their own culture and place in the world.
ENZ’s Group General Manager, International Marketing, Brand and Scholarships, Anna Gestro, said the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America have had a truly positive impact for building New Zealand’s connections in two key global regions.
“To date, the programme has awarded 3,991 scholarships that have helped New Zealanders deepen their understanding of new cultures and languages and enriched appreciation for their own culture and place in the world.
“The programme leaves a rich legacy through its rich and diverse alumni, who will continue to be global citizens in the way they nourish the connections and learnings picked up from their life-changing experiences from the scholarships,” Anna said.
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New Zealand’s EdTech at centre-stage of International Education
Export digital products and services have long been an important element of New Zealand’s international education sector, but they have largely flown under the public radar. Overnight, the needs of learners changed, and education providers found themselves in uncharted territory.
New Zealand companies with an established reputation delivering digital educational programmes quickly stepped up both the range and reach of their products. This, combined with Aotearoa’s reputation for creativity and innovation, and more than a little manaakitanga, has resulted in the phenomenal growth of some of our best-known EdTech brands over the past year.
Kami is helping Schools Globally
At digital online learning platform Kami, the goal is success for every student, regardless of ability, by providing inclusive and intuitive tools that support any learning style. They include text-to-speech, voice-typing, freehand drawing, and audio and video commenting.
Many of the schools which closed globally adopted Kami’s digital classroom technology. The company has grown from 8 million to 27 million users in 180 countries over the past year, adding one million new users in one week alone.
Code Avengers taps into the popularity of Gaming
Code Avengers takes a left-field approach to engaging learners by tapping into the popularity of gaming and uses those concepts to captivate students and build their digital capability. The platform was only founded in 2012 and is now being used in 15,000 schools in 14 countries.
“Our goal is to prepare teachers and students, from all backgrounds, for the current reality of the job market, and the jobs of tomorrow,” says Code Avengers CEO Hamish Day.
“We want to help give people confidence and an opportunity to learn the skills that industry tells us it needs.”Education Perfect are inspiring the next Generation of Changemakers
EdTech providers also have the power to engage students on social issues and challenge them to think critically. Key market player Education Perfect, which reaches more than one million students in 1800 schools globally, is finding new ways to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
It is building curriculum content to include issues such as social justice, sustainability, student health and wellbeing, and indigenous issues. It recently partnered with Australian animal rights organisation Voiceless to deliver modules focused on animal welfare, including the issues of dolphins living in captivity and the export of live animals.
EP Partnerships Director Anna Redmile says that joining forces with Voiceless allows teachers and students to have conversations which promote critical thinking and better understanding of the world they live in.
Education consultant and Voiceless adviser Dr Christina Jarvis agrees. "As we help children embrace an increasingly complicated future, such skills are paramount for developing engaged citizens.”
EdTech will continue to play a key role in New Zealand’s International Education Offering
The EdTech sector was estimated to contribute $300 million to the New Zealand economy in 2017, and those figures will have ballooned with the impact of Covid.
Looking to the future, educational technology will play an increasingly key role in the diversification of New Zealand’s international education offerings. And there is no shortage of amazing and pioneering companies ready to play their part.
