18 September 2024 at 10:30 am
NZ Education Fair in Bangkok sets record for provider attendance
The 2024 New Zealand Education Fair and agent seminars in Bangkok received record-breaking participation and positive feedback from both agents and education providers. The events further strengthened New Zealand’s position as a preferred offshore study destination for Thai students.
‘Tis the Season for international education events in Thailand and the increasing numbers of providers and agents is testament to the popularity of New Zealand as a study destination amongst Thai students. The series of events held from 30 August to 2 September included an agent seminar, the Bangkok Education Fair and then mini fairs held in Chiang Mai and Chonburi.
The agent seminar was attended by 108 education agents from 79 companies, including a significant number of new agents. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao’s (ENZ) Thailand Team delivered a presentation that covered insights into New Zealand’s brand health as a study destination and the current landscape of the Thai student market. Updates were well received, with feedback indicating that the majority of attendees were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with the content and the networking opportunities provided. This positive response underscores the value of agent engagement in Thailand.
Agent one one-on-one meetings with Avondale College.
The Bangkok Education Fair, held on 31 August, saw the largest number of education providers in attendance in ENZ’s history. ENZ’s Market Manager for Thailand, Chortip Pramoolpol said that there were 79 representatives from 60 institutions, including all eight New Zealand universities, 44 schools, vocational institutions, private training establishments, and English language providers.
“The fair attracted 1,460 visitors, offering students and parents an excellent opportunity to connect directly with education providers.
“Prospective students and their families engaged in one-on-one discussions about New Zealand’s academic programs, student life, and pathways to success. The event garnered positive feedback, with 84% of surveyed sector representatives reporting satisfaction or extreme satisfaction with the fair,” said Chortip.
Prospective students talk to Nicki Sephenson about study opportunities at Mountain View High School in Timaru.
At the opening ceremony, New Zealand Ambassador Jonathan Kings presented the Alumni Hall of Fame Awards. These annual awards honour alumni who have achieved notable professional success, gained significant social recognition, and positively contributed to promoting New Zealand as a premier study destination.
New Zealand Ambassador Jonathan King (centre) and the former Interior Minister of Thailand, Purachai Piumsomboon (centre right) with ENZ‘s Jaruwan Pongiaruwat (second from left) and Chortip Pramoolpol (second from right). They are pictured with the Alumni Hall of Fame awardees and KOLs.
ENZ also organised a special seminar featuring three distinguished guests. Purachai Piumsomboon, the former Interior Minister of Thailand, spoke about his experience sending all three of his children to study in New Zealand from primary school through university. Additionally, Peterpan and Lilly Nichapalak, two influential figures with nearly one million followers, shared their personal stories about how studying at New Zealand high schools positively transformed their lives.
In the lead-up to the Bangkok fair, ENZ organised a series of events aimed at expanding outreach to Thai students. From August 27 to 29, ENZ conducted a school roadshow across six schools in Chonburi, delivering information sessions about studying in New Zealand. A notable highlight of the roadshow was a simulated classroom experience hosted by a New Zealand school, allowing Thai students to get a taste of the New Zealand education system firsthand.
Dr. Jane Berry from Avondale College demonstrated NZ simulated classroom for Thai students to easily understand the interactive Periodic Table.
Following the main fair, a mini fair was held on 1 September in Chiang Mai and Chonburi offering another chance for prospective students and parents to interact with New Zealand education providers. The event series concluded with a final visit to two more schools on September 2, also in Chonburi and Chiang Mai. These additional events emphasised ENZ’s commitment to engaging with students beyond the main fair, fostering strong ties with schools, agents, and prospective students in the surrounding Bangkok region.
