On 28 March, 2015, a delegation from Tasmania visited Minjiang University. Among them was FMP alumnus Xu Zhe, and the Premier of Tasmania, Will Hodgman. Xu was returning to his alma mater, through which he had been able to study at the University of Tasmania where he obtained a master’s degree.

In Australia, Xu Zhe has been active in the China-Australia relationship, serving as the Vice-Chairman of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Hobart, Tasmania and co-writing a book with a well-known Australian historian entitled Showcasing Tasmania and the connection to Fujian China. In 2014, Xu Zhe was recognised for his contributions to the China-Australia relationship when President Xi Jinping visited Australia and Xu was invited to a state banquet, which he described as ‘close contact with our former Principal.’ After this event, Xu contacted FMP and stated the following:

‘I am sincerely grateful for the Sino-foreign cooperative platform. … Its internationalised teaching mode helped me adapt to overseas life, complete my studies, successfully gain a decent job, and achieve my value in life. The honour of meeting [President Xi] belongs to my alma mater and the influence it had on me.’

In 2015, a ceremony was held to appoint Xu as chairman of the Australian Alumni association. Xu quoted a Chinese expression: ‘Those who drink water cherish its source, and those who complete study feel grateful to their teacher.’ and stated that he would spare no effort to welcome his fellow graduates and contribute to the advancement of FMP.

Much of our learnings pertaining to our concept of engagement were specific to the Chinese context, but we should emphasise the importance of open-mindedness, diligence and flexibility when pursuing a program of international engagement. An institution must be prepared to accommodate and understand different perspectives, and to prepare students and educators accordingly.

FMP is committed to continuing its association and collaboration with Melbourne Polytechnic, and staying true to the original aim of cultivating qualified talent to meet the needs of society. We hope to deepen our ties with institutions abroad, and ensure that many more students enjoy the opportunity to travel and study overseas. It is our goal to continue introducing advanced vocational teaching resources and concepts, and to develop the vocational educational system more broadly with the characteristics that we have helped to define.

In October, the 20th China Annual Conference for International Education & Expo was held in Beijing. At this event, FMP’s President, Zhuo Meiying gave a keynote address with the title: ‘Based on the FMP is committed to continuing its association and collaboration with Melbourne Polytechnic, and staying true to the original aim of cultivating qualified talent to meet the needs of society. We hope to deepen our ties with institutions abroad, and ensure that many more students enjoy the opportunity to travel and study overseas. It is our goal to continue introducing advanced vocational teaching resources and concepts, and to develop the vocational educational system more broadly with the characteristics that we have helped to define.

In October, the 20th China Annual Conference for International Education & Expo was held in Beijing. At this event, FMP’s President, Zhuo Meiying gave a keynote address with the title: ‘Based on the New Era, Building a Brand of Sino-Foreign Cooperative Vocational Education.’ This address mirrors our ambitions – to burnish the concept of international engagement, to establish it clearly in the minds of stakeholders as an effective means of guaranteeing positive outcomes for society and the world.