On September 23, Evan Mareels, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Innovation at Federation University Australia, led a delegation to visit Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU). Federation University, renowned for its excellence in vocational education, scientific research, and innovation, has a rich history and international reputation, particularly in the integration of academia, industry, and vocational training. In the morning, the delegation toured the training labs of SZPU’s School of Telecommunications, School of Automotive Engineering, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and School of Future Technology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the teaching facilities and resources. Mareels expressed high praise for the university’s advanced equipment and innovative educational philosophy, noting that they provide an excellent platform for students’ practical training and skills development.

In the afternoon, a meeting was held between the delegation and SZPU faculty, including Liang Zhaofeng, Dean of the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Wang Bingfeng, Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, Zhu Xiaochun, Deputy Dean of the School of Automotive Engineering, Zhang Dongjun, Deputy Dean of the School of Future Technology, and Chen Yana, project specialist at the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation. Discussions centered on key topics such as the Shenzhen Digital Workshop, industry-education integration, and university-enterprise cooperation. Liang introduced the school’s educational background, while Mareels discussed the alignment of vocational education with societal development, course design to meet market demands, enhancing faculty training, and deepening the model of industry-education integration. They also focused on the empowerment of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Mareels expressed a strong desire to strengthen exchanges with SZPU and learn from its successful educational model. He noted that SZPU has set an example for Federation University in many areas, and he looks forward to deeper collaboration in vocational education, research, standard-setting, and innovation. Wang Bingfeng commended the outcomes of the visit and discussions, expressing hope that the joint development of the Shenzhen Digital Workshop would yield constructive results. This exchange deepened mutual understanding and laid a solid foundation for future international cooperation in vocational education.

On September 24, the opening ceremony for the 2024 freshman class of the Finance Services and Management (China-Australia) program at the School of Economics was held at Conference Room 1, Tongde Building, Liuxian Cave Campus. Wang Hui, Deputy Party Secretary and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of SZPU, Evan Mareels, and other members of the Federation University delegation attended the event.

At the ceremony, Wang Hui warmly welcomed the guests from Federation University and highlighted SZPU’s achievements in vocational education and internationalization. She emphasized that SZPU will continue to deepen its cooperation with Australia to create a brighter future and encouraged the students to uphold the school motto and strive to become high-quality skilled talent with an international perspective, contributing to the development of the nation.

In his address, Mareels underscored that the partnership between Federation University and SZPU has spanned over 20 years, with two-thirds of the students having opportunities for further education. He highlighted how the cooperation provides students with an international educational experience and access to rich academic resources. Mareels encouraged the students to maintain their enthusiasm for learning, to be bold in exploring the field of finance, and to shine in their endeavors.

The ceremony also recognized students who had performed exceptionally well in the university's CET-4 and CET-6 English exams over the past year. 2024 freshman representative Lan Shijie delivered a speech in fluent English, motivating his fellow students and showcasing a positive, ambitious spirit. The event concluded in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with students and faculty taking group photos and engaging in pleasant exchanges with the Australian guests.

This series of activities not only strengthened ties between the two institutions but also laid the groundwork for future international collaboration, advancing cooperation between the two universities in vocational education and related fields.

(Contributors: Chen Yana, Office of International Exchange and Cooperation; Ji Nannan, School of Economics)