On September 24, the School of Economics at Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU) hosted the opening ceremony for the 2024 cohort of the Sino-Australian Financial Services and Management program. The ceremony took place at theconference room 1 ofTongde Building in the Liuxiandong Campus. Present at the event were Wang Hui, Deputy Party Secretary and Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee of SZPU; Iven Mareels, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Federation University Australia (hereinafter referred to as “Federation University”); Guojun Lu, Associate Dean of the Global Professional School at Federation University; and Gloria Li, International Program Manager of the Global Professional School. Also attending were officials from SZPU’s Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, the School of Economics, all faculty members of the Sino-Australian Financial Services and Management program, and the 2024 cohort of new students.

During the ceremony, Wang Hui warmly welcomed the representatives from Federation University and introduced SZPU’s pioneering achievements in vocational education and international collaboration. She emphasized the university’s commitment to seizing opportunities in vocational education, opening a new chapter in professional undergraduate programs, and deepening its partnership with Australia to co-create a bright future. Wang encouraged the students to uphold the school motto, strive for excellence, and become highly skilled talents with a global perspective, contributing to China’s growth and innovation.

Iven Mareels, in his welcome address to the new students, highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Federation University and SZPU, which has spanned more than 20 years and yielded outstanding results. He noted that two-thirds of the students in the joint program have had the opportunity to pursue further studies abroad. He expressed his hopes that the program would continue to offer students an international education experience and comprehensive academic resources, broadening their global perspectives while providing pathways for overseas study and employment. He encouraged students to maintain their passion for learning and their courage to explore, allowing them to shine in the field of finance.

The ceremony also recognized students who had excelled in the university’s CET-4 and CET-6 English exams over the past year. Lan Shijie, a representative of the 2024 cohort, delivered an inspiring speech in fluent English, motivating his fellow students to pursue excellence.

The ceremony concluded in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Afterward, all leaders, faculty, and students gathered for a group photo, and the Australian guests engaged in lively discussions with SZPU’s faculty and students.

  (Written by Ji Nannan, School of Economics)