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Canterbury offers new training course for Chinese government officials
Published by the Communications and Development Department
19 September 2003
In a first for New Zealand, Canterbury University has launched a new programme to train Chinese government officials in public sector management.
The first group of 23 officials from Wuhan arrived last week to begin a five month course at the University’s Centre for Continuing Education. Their attendance is paid for by the Chinese Government.
Canterbury is the only university in New Zealand to be approved as an overseas training base by the Chinese Government, a move which allows the University to offer courses lasting more than three months.
The Director of the Centre for Continuing Education, Mr Geoff Pearman, said the programme will have huge spin-offs for New Zealand and enhance the University’s international reputation.
“New Zealand has concentrated on the international student market but it is 15 to 20 years before the graduates are in leadership positions back in their home countries. You are therefore looking at a long lead-time in terms of New Zealand having connections into the seat of power,” Mr Pearman explained.
“What we have done here is leap-frogged over that. Through this programme we will be linking directly with people who are in positions of influence and are the next generation of leaders.”
The programme was set up thanks largely to Christchurch businessman Dr Kaiwan Gan. Dr Gan came to Canterbury University from Wuhan 13 years ago to complete a PhD in chemistry. He has since settled in Christchurch and is managing director of International Education and Technology Corp Ltd.
Dr Gan approached the University in 2001 and suggested it apply to run specialised training courses for the Chinese government. Each year the Chinese government sends thousands of officials on training courses in North America, Europe and Australia.
“We could never have gone into China on our own, let alone get this far in just 18 months,” said Mr Pearman. “Doing business in Asia is very much about who you know. We could not have broken into the market without the help and support of Dr Gan, Trade and Enterprise NZ and embassy staff in Beijing.”
Dr Gan said Christchurch and the University of Canterbury were not well known in Wuhan but the programme would help change that.
“As a graduate of Canterbury University I understand this place and know it is a wonderful place to study and it has a solid background in academic studies. It is also very peaceful and safe.
“I love this place so I encourage my hometown people to come here and study. When they return back to China they will all be ambassadors for New Zealand.”
Dr Gan is overseeing the welfare of the group while they are in New Zealand. He has converted the old officers’ mess at Wigram into a hostel capable of housing 44 students.
The University is initially focussing on public sector management, in co-operation with Victoria University, but hopes in the future to offer courses in forestry and environmental management in conjunction with Lincoln University, Forest Research and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.
In the area of public sector management Canterbury is competing internationally against universities in Canada and the UK.
“In terms of public sector administration New Zealand is viewed as being at the leading edge of state reforms and ongoing evolution of state management. New Zealand is considered a leader in the field and is light years ahead of China in reform,” said Mr Pearman.
The public management course is aimed at middle-level managers or deputy directors. It is “customised education” with the content designed to deliver outcomes specified by the Chinese government. The course covers public sector management, governance, international relations and trade, economics and fiscal management, business English and communication skills. During the course the group will travel to Wellington to visit Parliament and learn more about the New Zealand political system.
As part of the course, the students will spend several weeks on work placements with local companies and organisations. They will also have a number of field trips to learn about New Zealand business, industry, local government and education.
“The work placements will assist the relationship-building that is so crucial to success in Asian markets,” said Mr Pearman. “Ultimately I’d like to see consultancy and technology transfers spinning off from this.”
Mr Pearman said the students, aged between 26 and 40, were highly motivated and very keen to learn more about their speciality area.
The group’s leader, Gan Xiaoming is a deputy director for one of Wuhan’s 14 districts and is responsible for cultural affairs. He hopes to learn more about cultural management during his work placement.
Li Hongjin, chairwoman of a youth union in Wuhan, is interested in working with young New Zealanders. “I want to learn about the social environment for young people in Christchurch and how New Zealand protects young people’s rights.”
Li Pu, who works in the Wuhan municipal government’s foreign affairs department, would like to learn more about New Zealand’s handling of international affairs. Like others in the group, he is excited about learning more about the Kiwi way of life. He admits to experiencing some culture shock since arriving in the country but is impressed with how friendly and casual New Zealanders are.
Mr Pearman said he expects to see a growth in “customised education” opportunities. In addition to working with the local government in Wuhan, the University is also in discussion with the National School of Administration in Beijing and hopes to offer four-week courses for director-generals.
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