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- Manaaki Scholarships signing ceremony
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Celebrating excellence: ENZ hosts inaugural New Zealand Universities Awards in Viet Nam
The event highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Vietnamese students and reaffirmed the strong education partnership between the two countries during the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The NZUA programme was officially announced by Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon during a visit to Viet Nam earlier this year. It is the first New Zealand Government-backed undergraduate scholarship exclusively for Vietnamese students.
Following a competitive selection process, eight outstanding high school students were awarded the inaugural NZUA scholarships. Each recipient distinguished themselves not only through academic excellence but also through their personal aspirations, resilience, and commitment to engaging with the world.
At the ceremony, the students were formally presented with their scholarship certificates by Trade Commissioner Scott James and ENZ Regional Director – Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes. The celebration was witnessed by families, representatives from New Zealand universities and education agencies.
In his address, Scott highlighted the significance of this milestone.
“The inaugural NZUA cohort are not only exceptional students, but also cultural and intellectual bridges between our two nations. They stand as a vivid testament to the strong and enduring educational partnership between Viet Nam and New Zealand,” he said.
Ben also emphasised the value of the programme.
“The NZUA scholarship reflects the spirit of valuing both knowledge and people – a core principle of New Zealand’s education system.
“We are proud to welcome the first generation of NZUA Vietnamese students to New Zealand’s leading universities, where they will grow, integrate, and contribute to the shared progress of our world,” he said.
A particularly symbolic moment of the ceremony was the connection ritual between university representatives and the scholarship recipients. Students received congratulatory gifts and placed stars on a map of New Zealand to mark the cities and universities where they will soon study – a visual representation of the “first steps” of the NZUA generation.
Among the recipients, Do Tran Phuong Uyen said that she feels the scholarship is much more than financial support.
“It represents belief – belief in our potential, our dreams, and our ability to contribute to our communities and to the ongoing relationship between Viet Nam and New Zealand,” she said.
“It shows that young Vietnamese students can become leaders, innovators, and responsible global citizens,” Do added.
Parents also expressed their trust and confidence in New Zealand’s education system.
Ho Tuyen Truyen, father of recipient Ho Nhu Quynh Chi, said he places his full trust in New Zealand’s safe, high-quality education system.
“I believe that in this environment, my child will be nurtured with knowledge, resilience, and compassion,” he said.
As the first NZUA cohort prepares to begin their journeys, the scholarship stands as a powerful symbol of New Zealand’s commitment to Viet Nam’s young talent.
These students are poised to become influential ambassadors, helping to strengthen educational collaboration and foster deeper people-to-people connections between New Zealand and Viet Nam.
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International education matters
These values are at the core of international education and they are more important now than ever.
Over the past five days, these values have been clearly demonstrated by our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who describes New Zealand as a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities and 160 languages.
“We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism… (or) are an enclave for extremism. We were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things; because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a home for those that share our values, a refuge for those who need it.”
These values are embedded in our education system.
The New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030 also reflects these principles. A key goal is to grow global citizens – to ensure both domestic and international students have the skills and capabilities to live, learn and work globally.
While our country grieves, we have been heartened by the outpouring of love and support within New Zealand and from around the world. It has been encouraging to see student-led compassion at work – Campus Watch initiatives, social media engagement and practical help with transport and food.
Last year, the University of Canterbury’s Student Volunteer Army (SVA) welcomed student leaders from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the US, scene of a deadly school shooting, to discuss student-led mobilisation in the face of extreme challenge. When Friday’s attack happened, the US students were quick to reach out to their Christchurch peers. This is a testament to international education’s ability to foster meaningful and life-long connections.
ENZ will continue to promote New Zealand internationally as an inclusive and welcoming study destination – why? Because international education changes hearts and minds.
Kia kaha, Kia maia, Kia manawanui – be strong, be steadfast, be willing.
Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand
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SIEBA’s 2018 hui is close to sell-out
With 320 registered delegates, the second annual SIEBA hui on 17-18 May at Te Papa in Wellington is fully booked on day one, with places still available for the dinner and day two.
The hui will feature 40 presenters from across the New Zealand school sector as well as a range of external experts.
Author and television host Nigel Latta is this year’s keynote speaker.
The hui is open to principals, international directors and managers, international deans, administrators and homestay co-ordinators of SIEBA member schools.
Jennifer Kirkham, SIEBA Professional Learning & Development Operations Manager, who is managing the hui, said it was “very pleasing” to see the hui generate such strong interest across the sector.
“It shows how SIEBA is continuing to grow in value to its member schools, government agencies and to wider industry.
“The hui offers a wide range of seminars focused on building cultural competency, the student experience and running an international student business, which will appeal to the variety of delegates attending the hui.”
The hui includes sessions on meaningful cross-cultural interaction that enrich the experience of all students, mental health and wellbeing needs of international students, and helping schools grow their international student programmes through effective strategic planning, marketing and budgeting, she said.
“It's also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the sector’s success, with five International Education Leadership Awards being presented during the conference dinner,” Kirkham said.
Richard Kyle, ENZ’s Business Development Manager, said ENZ’s relationship with SIEBA, as the school sector peak body for international education, has proven to be a very important government-industry partnership that continues to drive capability, quality and efficiency to the sector.
“SIEBA also provides advice and advocacy for its members and the wider sector along with other sector peak bodies on themes such as school-to-tertiary education pathways, which help ensure a thriving sector and sustainable growth for industry,” Kyle said.
Registrations for day two (18 May) of the 2018 SIEBA Hui can be completed on this link.
- Job 2078 ENZ Scholarships D02 Istana 0057 Final HR
- Student Awards 4
- PMSLA recipients 2017 18 Round 2
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Huge education potential with Viet Nam
“It was a great privilege to be part of this visit. We were warmly welcomed everywhere, and there was a lot of interest in New Zealand education,” says Grant McPherson, Chief Executive at Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ).
“An education forum in Ha Noi was a late addition to the programme, in response to a request from Viet Nam’s Ministry of Education and Training - this shows the high level of enthusiasm and energy for this relationship.”
Eleven representatives formed the New Zealand delegation for the education forum. Key officials and education sector representatives from Viet Nam joined the event, which was hosted by Vice Minister Nguyen Van Phuc. Institutional autonomy, scholarships, and foreign investment in education were the three main topics on the agenda, generating animated questions and discussion.
Three education arrangements were signed during the Prime Minister’s visit. The Education Cooperation Arrangement between the Ministries of Education in both countries was renewed, with the signing witnessed by the two Prime Ministers.
University of Auckland Vice Chancellor Dawn Freshwater also signed two arrangements with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCM-UT), relating to qualifications in computer and data science.
The visit also included an opportunity for the Prime Minister and the delegation to meet with around 70 Vietnamese alumni.
“Over the years, many Vietnamese students have studied in New Zealand, and they have become part of a network of influential alumni. These relationships span every sector of Viet Nam business and government,” Mr McPherson said.
“Five alumni showcased their businesses and social projects at the event and had the opportunity to discuss their work with Prime Minister Ardern Dave Quach, Hoa Pham, Nhien Le, Van Nguyen, and Ngan Le. Their work spanned sustainable textile manufacturing; a kindergarten that applies values of New Zealand’s early childhood education curriculum, Te Whāriki; mindfulness photography for social development; a tech-enabled platform that supports young people to pursue their study abroad dream; and an innovative agribusiness model for women of ethnic minorities in northern Vietnam.”
In recognition of the achievements of alumni and to support them as a community, Prime Minister Ardern launched a digital badge for Vietnamese alumni, I AM NEW, at the event.
Education was on the agenda at a business dialogue on 15 November and a business breakfast on 17 November provided a valuable opportunity to catch up with local institutional partners and agents.
The Prime Minister’s visit generated significant media and social media coverage in Viet Nam, and built on an earlier series of targeted events to promote New Zealand education in Viet Nam:
- Viet Nam Agent Seminars that enabled numerous New Zealand institutions to connect with education agents in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City on 28 and 31 October, and where agents heard directly from Immigration New Zealand about student visa requirements
- ENZ’s Viet Nam Education Fairs on 29 and 30 October in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, enabling New Zealand providers to connect directly with prospective students and their families. These fairs generated similar levels of interest to events pre-Covid, and again included an opportunity for students to hear directly from Immigration New Zealand about student visa requirements
- Viet Nam School Leaders and Counsellors Meet-ups on 28 and 31 October in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, which enabled New Zealand tertiary providers to connect with representatives from international and private schools
- Launch of Te Pūkenga at an event that was well attended by education agents in Ho Chi Minh City on 31 October
- Education Workshop on Micro-Credentials in Future-focused Education on 1 November, in association with The MindLab and NZQA.
The sector has recognised the opportunities in education with Vietnam. Sector and government agencies’ work so far is helping to raise the profile of New Zealand and the quality of an education delivered by New Zealand.
- Viet Nam Agent Seminars that enabled numerous New Zealand institutions to connect with education agents in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City on 28 and 31 October, and where agents heard directly from Immigration New Zealand about student visa requirements
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Around the world in five
FINLAND
University World News: What makes international students want to stay on or go?
Three-quarters of bachelor degree graduates and two-thirds of masters and doctoral graduates live on in Finland for three or more years after their degree, according to new research.
NEW ZEALAND
Checkpoint: Education NZ chair details exemptions for foreign PhD students
Interview with Education New Zealand Chair Steve Maharey. "They can come from any country as long as they are involved in PhD study, or they are Masters students."
GLOBAL
University World News: Combating discrimination against international students
Our findings outline disturbing trends in discrimination and racism that must be dealt with urgently by universities in the immediate aftermath of COVID and in the longer term. While this list is certainly not exhaustive, we provide the following suggestions for ongoing social support for and inclusion of international students
UNITED STATES
The PIE News: “Perceived barriers” driving prospective students away from US
While the US higher education community has overcome many of the political and Covid-19 related challenges facing the international education sector, a great deal of “perceived” barriers remain for prospective students considering the US, which could be detrimental for recruitment efforts in the future.
JAPAN
Japan eases restrictions for international travellers, including students
Japan is opening its borders again to international students with visas for longer-term studies. The number of daily arrivals is limited for the time being with greater emphasis given to key sending markets in Asia.
- Grant McPherson photo edit3
