Beijing, 21st October 2025 (BISTU)--- BISTU delegation headed by Vice President Wang Xingfen visited La Trobe University, Melbourne Polytechnic, and Whitireia and WelTec to explore educational ties in Oceania, improve cultivation of talents of applied learning with global competitiveness, and promote “studying at BISTU”.

The Delegation met with Vice President Sue Bennett of La Trobe University, Dean Wenny Rahayu and Vice Dean Naveen Chilamkurti of School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, and Prakash Veeraraghavan, Head of Department of Computer Science and IT. Prof. Sue Bennett offered a detailed introduction to La Trobe University, followed by Prof. Wenny Rahayu’s explanation of courses and programs and interdisciplinary research at School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Wang Xingfen commented that the two universities share similarities in artificial intelligence, big data, and robotics. There are possibilities to explore on long and short-term student exchanges and integrated undergraduate-to-postgraduate programs.

Both institutions explored joint cultivation of students, faculty exchange, and educational administration. Prof. Sue Bennett and Wang Xingfen signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of La Trobe University and BISTU.

BISTU delegation visited Cisco – La Trobe Centre for AI and IoT and Digital Innovation Hub. The Cisco – La Trobe Centre for AI and IoT at La Trobe University builds upon a decade-long partnership between Cisco and La Trobe University. The Center is capable of providing strong support with innovative studies conducted by faculty of the University. The Digital Innovation Hub was showcased with innovation incubation rooms and students’ startups display area. Wang Xingfen also met with BISTU’s doctoral students in Electronic Information, who are currently enrolled in a joint international program at La Trobe University.

In Consulate General in Melbourne, Wang Xingfen met with Ding Li, Counselor for Education and Technology, and offered an introduction to BISTU in respect of educational history and characteristics, with focus on integrated bachelor to doctoral program, summer schools for international students, and high-level academic subject competitions in robotics. Ding Li expressed full recognition of BISTU’s rapid development and a series of achievements in recent years, particularly the active exploration in international exchange and cooperation. She pointed out that various forms of talent cultivation cooperation could be explored based on the educational and scientific strengths of Victoria State. Detailed discussions were also conducted on working together with universities based in Melbourne in the field of robotics.

At Melbourne Polytechnic, Wang Xingfen met with James Stafford and discussed issues concerning future cooperation. James Stafford explained practices of Melbourne Polytechnic in AI teaching, programs related to micro-certificates, etc. Both institutions agreed to promote cooperation in the area of featured filed training for students and study in China programs.

The Delegation visited 101 Innovation Center and met with General Manager Parker Zhai, Director Emily Guan of Industry Empowerment, and Bruce Norman Atkinson, former Member of Victorian Parliament. Discussions were conducted on coordinated education and cultivation of innovative talents. Consensus has been reached on joint development of courses and field practices for students.

Whitireia and WelTec greeted BISTU delegation with Māori powhiri, expressing deep expectations on future cooperation between the two institutions. Mary-Claire Proctor, Vice-President of Whitireia and WelTec, offered an introduction to the Institution in respect of curricula, educational features, and teaching administration, followed by detailed explanation of information technology and built environment and engineering by Tony Assadi and Maria Eda Arado. Wang Xingfen pointed out that advanced experiences and strengths of New Zealand universities in information technology, especially in network and new media, are good examples to follow. Mary-Claire Proctor and Wang Xingfen signed the agreement on student exchange and joint programs.

The visit to Australian and New Zealand universities is an important step of the University in expanding international collaboration and improving educational globalization. It would make a positive contribution to introduction of global resources, building a 2.0 version global network, and strengthening global competitiveness of BISTU students.

The delegation members included directors and deans of Department of Academic Affairs, Department of International Affairs, College of Automation (College of Artificial Intelligence), and College of Information and Communication Engineering.