On May 27, 2026, Shenzhen University (SZU) welcomed a delegation from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. During the visit, the two universities renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and reaffirmed their shared commitment to academic exchange, research collaboration, and talent development. This visit further strengthened the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions.

Founded in 1964, the University of Waikato is one of New Zealand’s eight public universities, with more than 12,500 students, including over 2,200 international students from more than 70 countries. Its collaboration with SZU dates back to 1999, and over the past two decades, the two universities have maintained close ties in academic exchange and student development. Earlier this year, the collaboration entered a new phase with the establishment of a Joint Laboratory for Sustainable Development, opening new avenues for collaborative research.

The Waikato delegation was led by Professor Alister Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and included Professor Cathy Buntting, Director of the Science Learning Hub, among other representatives. The delegation was welcomed by Professor Naipeng Chao, Vice President of Shenzhen University. Also attending the meeting were Sa Zeng, Deputy Director of SZU’s Office of International Affairs, and representatives from SZU’s School of Media and Communication (SMC), including Professor Guang Yang, Acting Dean of the SMC, and Professor Bolin Cao, Director of the Department of Internet and New Media.

Vice President Naipeng Chao opened the meeting with an overview of SZU’s development, academic strengths, internationalization strategy, and future vision, emphasizing the university’s dedication to fostering meaningful global partnerships. Dean Guang Yang and Professor Bolin Cao then introduced the SMC, offering the delegation a comprehensive look at the school’s history, faculty, academic programs, disciplinary structure, and research platforms. Professor Jones spoke highly of SZU’s achievements and identified internet and new media as a particularly promising field for future collaboration.

The visit concluded with the formal signing of the renewed MoU by Vice President Naipeng Chao and Professor Alister Jones. The renewed agreement reflects the shared commitment of both universities to further expand the scope of their collaboration and explore new opportunities in education, research, and innovation.