Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley Visits Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs

From March 29 to 30, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Board Member of the Boao Forum for Asia, Jenny Shipley, paid an official visit to Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs (abbr.SVUFA). This visit marked her second engagement with the university following her previous visit in September 2024. Accompanying Ms. Shipley were Mr. Burton Shipley, Member of the FIBA Central Board, President of the Oceania Basketball Association, and Chairman of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup; Mr. Meng Liang, Chairman of the Mencius Foundation; Ms. Zhu Na, Secretary-General of the National Policy Think Tank Research Institute; and Mr. Guo Junchang, Executive Secretary-General of the same institute. The delegation was warmly received by university officials, including Secretary of the CPC Committee of Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs Mr. Xu Dongsheng, President Mr. Sun Chengwu, Vice President Mr. Wang Jian, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of the university and Vice President Mr. Li Hengqiang, and Assistant President Mr. Sun Xixuan.

Strengthening Bilateral Educational and Cultural Exchanges

On behalf of the university, Mr. Xu Dongsheng extended a warm welcome to Ms. Shipley, commending her significant contributions to international economic modernization and global trade liberalization during her tenure as Prime Minister. He acknowledged her instrumental role in fostering China-New Zealand relations by integrating Eastern philosophical wisdom with the open spirit of the South Pacific, thereby setting a benchmark for cross-cultural exchanges. Mr. Xu emphasized that Ms. Shipley’s visit not only reinforces the enduring bond between the two nations but also marks a new chapter in future collaboration. He reiterated Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs ’s commitment to internationalization as a core strategic priority and expressed the university’s eagerness to leverage this exchange as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with New Zealand in areas such as educational philosophy, scientific research, and technological innovation.

Ms. Shipley expressed her gratitude for the university’s hospitality and commended its achievements in the integration of traditional Chinese culture with vocational education innovation. She noted that while emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are reshaping the global educational landscape, the Confucian principles of teaching in accordance with individual aptitude and benevolence remain fundamental to education. Highlighting the complementary strengths of China and New Zealand in fields such as ocean economy and green technology, she underscored the immense potential for bilateral educational collaboration. She further emphasized that cultural trust and youth dialogue are critical in addressing the challenges posed by rapid technological transformation and expressed her hope that both sides would continue using education as a bridge to enhance cross-cultural understanding and contribute to the ethical and sustainable development of the artificial intelligence era.

Advancing Internationalized Vocational Education

President Sun Chengwu elaborated on Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs ’s commitment to its founding philosophy of “Integration of East and West, Combination of Knowing and Doing.” The university has developed a multidisciplinary academic framework encompassing literature, economics, engineering, and management, aligning professional programs with industry demands to cultivate globally competitive foreign affairs professionals. He emphasized the institution’s robust international partnerships with numerous overseas universities, which have yielded substantial results in areas such as joint curriculum development and faculty-student exchanges.

In response to the global wave of digitalization, President Sun stressed the importance of striking a balance between preserving traditional craftsmanship and embracing modern technology. He expressed confidence that future collaborations between Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs  and New Zealand would facilitate innovative educational paradigms and foster a more inclusive and diverse learning environment for young scholars. By deepening educational exchanges, he hopes to empower students to thrive on the international stage, contributing to cross-cultural understanding and global cooperation.

Keynote Address on Leadership and Ethical Governance

As part of her visit, Ms. Shipley delivered a keynote lecture titled Looking Through A Mencious Lens Towards Your Future at the university library auditorium, where she discussed the essential qualities required for future leaders. She underscored the importance of ethical governance, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication in addressing contemporary global challenges. She called for a renewed appreciation of Mencius’ philosophical principles, advocating for a synthesis of traditional wisdom and modern innovation to navigate globalization and technological advancements.

Ms. Shipley emphasized that future leaders must possess moral depth, cultural sensitivity, and innovative vision. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, she urged leaders to embrace the "The Doctrine of Benevolent and Balanced Rule" in balancing competing interests and fostering a global civilization built on cooperation and inclusivity. She encouraged young people to view leadership as both a personal challenge and a responsibility toward the shared future of humanity.

Cultural and Sporting Exchanges

In recognition of the strong ties between Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs  and its distinguished guests, the university hosted a cultural gala titled Where Mountains Meet the Sea, Friendship Shall Always Be in the library auditorium. President Sun Chengwu presented Ms. Shipley with a traditional Chinese ink painting, Harmony is Precious, created by Professor Sun Xiaofan, Director of the university’s Institute of Art and Calligraphy. The painting symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of Eastern and Western cultures.

The gala featured a diverse array of performances by Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs  students, including traditional folk dances, instrumental ensembles, martial arts demonstrations, and a Hanfu fashion showcase, offering a vibrant display of Chinese cultural heritage. Ms. Shipley expressed her admiration for the depth and elegance of Eastern aesthetics reflected in the performances, noting that they demonstrated the dynamism and talent of Chinese youth. She commended the students for their creativity and dedication to cultural preservation while simultaneously embracing modern influences. Encouraging them to continue serving as cultural ambassadors, she emphasized the vital role young people play in sustaining and strengthening bilateral relations between China and New Zealand.

Additionally, in a symbolic gesture of sports diplomacy, Party Secretary Mr. Xu Dongsheng presented a commemorative basketball jersey to Mr. Burton Shipley, who signed an official game ball before officiating the tip-off for a friendly match between faculty and students.

Campus Tour and Future Prospects

During the visit, Ms. Shipley and her delegation toured the university’s new campus facilities, including the Metaverse Research Institute and the university library. They engaged in discussions with faculty and students, gaining insights into Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs ’s progress in infrastructure development, academic excellence, and talent cultivation.

The visit reaffirmed the strong foundation of educational and cultural cooperation between Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs and New Zealand, paving the way for future collaborative initiatives that will enhance academic exchanges, promote cross-cultural dialogue, and contribute to the cultivation of globally competent professionals.

Written by: Yang Yilin

Photography by: Lü Haiyang

Initial Review: Liao Jie

Edited by: Yang Yilin

Final Review: Zhang Hui

English Proofreader: Wang Lingli

Chief Review: Chen Guangjun