Education links recognised during Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to Malaysia and Republic of Korea

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent Trade Mission to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea involved a wide range of education-related events. They proved the perfect opportunity to recognise New Zealand’s education cooperation with both host countries while also raising New Zealand’s education brand awareness. The events also highlighted the strong people-to-people connections that were started through international education and continue through links to alumni and the industries they have gone on to work in.

Representing our sector during the Mission was Professor Grant Edwards, Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University, and John van der Zwan, Executive Director of Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA). Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and NZ Inc agencies worked closely with the sector delegates on the education components of the Mission which included two education-related arrangement signings, education representatives at the two Gala Dinners, the Green Room with Influential Alumni event in Kuala Lumpur, and the New Zealand – Korea Education Partnership Ceremony in Seoul. 

Joining the Mission for the education elements of the programme was ENZ’s Acting General Manager – International, Mr Ben Burrowes. Mr Burrowes said that having education representatives and dedicated education components feature strongly on the Prime Minister’s agenda supports the education sector with our brand awareness and elevates New Zealand’s reputation in these two important source countries for international students.

"During the series of events, Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the strong connections between our people that have been nurtured through education. 

“At one of the alumni events in Malaysia which featured Malaysian alumni who are now influential leaders in politics, business, science, and education, Prime Minister Luxon spoke of the importance of such alumni networks in fostering these connections,” said Mr Burrowes.  

Professor Edwards said that he found the discussions on trade and education with Malaysia and the Republic of Korea highly valuable. 

“Lincoln University signed two significant agreements during the trip: firstly, we signed an MoU with Universiti Putra Malaysia to advance research collaboration in agriculture and food security, and then a second MOU with the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) to support student training in specialised agricultural education programmes. 
 
“The new agreements will broaden Lincoln University’s collaborations with international institutions and further expand Aotearoa New Zealand’s global education partnerships,” said Professor Edwards. 

Representing the school sector for the Republic of Korea leg of the Mission, John van der Zwan of SIEBA provided remarks at the education event on fostering school cooperation and participated in local education site visits after the Trade Mission programme concluded. Mr van der Zwan also visited a local education agency and a school in Seoul where he taught twenty years ago. 

Mr van der Zwan said that the Trade Mission was a special opportunity to join with the Prime Minister to promote the New Zealand school sector for international education. 
 
“Our schools are seen as world-leading, providing excellent education to students from the Republic of Korea. The education event organised by ENZ and attended by the Prime Minister was a highlight for SIEBA with important connections made with education officials looking to strengthen people-to-people links with schools in New Zealand,” said Mr van der Zwan