The visit builds on 16 years of successful collaboration between SIT and HUE, including joint programmes spanning hospitality and applied computing disciplines.
The partnership was formed in June 2010 when the then SIT CEO Penny Simmonds signed a contract with Luo Wujin, former President of HUE. The cooperation agreement initiated an application for the Bachelor of Hotel Management and undergraduate programme in Computer Science and Technology to be collaboratively delivered at HUE.
In 2011, the programme was officially launched, and HUE received its first student intake for the Hotel Management degree. After completing all three years of studies in China, HUE students could pursue a Bachelor of Hotel Management at SIT by completing one additional year of study in New Zealand, plus access to local internships and employment opportunities. It was noted at that time, the SIT – HUE partnership served as a model for Sino-New Zealand higher vocational cooperation in central China.
The fifth year of the partnership marked another milestone between the two institutes; Ms Simmonds visited HUE in June 2015 to review the five-year outcomes of the Hotel Management programme, and while there she signed a memorandum of understanding for deeper cooperation, officially initiated the application for an undergraduate programme in Computer Science and Technology (Software Engineering), and discussions were held on postgraduate exchange opportunities.
Post-2016, the Hotel Management programme came to a natural end when enrolment quotas were no longer allocated, however the Computer Science and Technology was approved and in 2017, 58 HUE students enrolled and completed their degrees in China, with eligible graduates receiving both a graduation certificate and bachelor’s degree from HUE, as well as a Bachelor of Information Technology qualification from SIT. 43 graduates from the class of 2017 gained bachelor’s degrees from SIT, with some students choosing to complete further studies at SIT for their fourth year.
From 2018 – 2022 student numbers remained steady - 2018: 89 students; 2019: 98 students; 2020: 92 students; 2021: 90 students; 2022: 91 students.
HUE tutors follow a joint training curriculum designed by both institutes, and SIT tutors regularly visit HUE to deliver courses. The Covid-19 pandemic from 2020-2022 meant SIT tutors were unable to visit HUE for their usual teaching commitments and all studies went to online delivery, however their on-campus teaching resumed by 2022.
Last year, to mark the 15th anniversary of the partnership, SIT Head of Faculty, Hamish Small, led a delegation to visit HUE. The two institutions reviewed their collaboration (2010–2025) and reached long-term agreement on: undergraduate talent training schemes, faculty exchange, four-week summer study tours to New Zealand, student exchange programmes and joint research. HUE also designated SIT as its core strategic overseas partner.
Mr Small notes the SIT/HUE partnership has created numerous prospects and value for SIT staff and students surrounding collaborative travel exchanges, and opportunities for cooperative resource sharing including the likes of joint research projects. “From an international point of view, such global exposure allows SIT to stay contemporary across a number of fields, that flows back to our Southland community,” he says.
And further good news came in May this year with the Computer Science and Technology undergraduate programme receiving long-term renewal until after 2030 by the Ministry of Education. And, a regular four-week summer language study tour to New Zealand is available for all current students on the programme.
SIT International Marketing Manager, Michelle Zhao, points to the multiple factors behind the longevity and success of the SIT – HUE partnership.
The institutes were well-aligned with policy compliance, institutional positioning and having similar programmes. For the HUE students, there are the advantages of affordable study costs and flexible, multi-path study options. Add to this, a long-term mutual trust between the institutes. “There is value placed in the stability and length of the partnership, which has a strong foundation and robust communication channels,” she says.
“The SIT - HUE cooperation has accelerated the university’s progress in line with their internationalisation plan, while offering students a low-cost, dual-track development path for domestic careers and overseas study and employment opportunities.”
Last week’s delegation was made up of Wenxue Zhang – Secretary of the Party Committee; Hui Liu – Dean, School of Foreign Languages; Yu Chen – Secretary of the Party Committee, School of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence; Yuanfeng Liu – Secretary of the Party Committee, School of Economics and Management; and Jing Zhou – Deputy Director, Department of Alumni Affairs and Cooperative Development.
Their visit included time at SIT’s Invercargill, Telford, and Queenstown campuses, where the delegation were able to gain insights into a range of programmes at Level 5 and above.
SIT showcased its commitment to providing a supportive, welcoming environment for international learners throughout the visit. This included highlighting the institute’s applied learning approach and strong student support networks, which contribute to positive academic and lifestyle outcomes.
A key focus was on the wider opportunities available to international students in Southland. Alongside quality education pathways, the region offers pathways into employment and growing prospects for entrepreneurship within a connected and community-focused environment.
SIT CEO, Bharat Guha said the visit was informative and allowed HUE leaders to see firsthand the learning spaces that HUE students experience when they study at SIT campuses.
“We look forward to continuing building upon the valued HUE partnership, while demonstrating the unique advantages of studying, living, and building a future in Southland, New Zealand."