The University of Newcastle, Australia

The University of Newcastle’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations) Professor Kevin McConkey has been appointed the chair of a Chinese-Australian alliance, which aims to promote international higher education.

The University of Newcastle is the only Australian university in the Shangri-La University Alliance (SUA), formed in July 2010, which also includes four Chinese universities.

With its strong focus on sharing curricula and quality assurance, the alliance and its partners work collaboratively to give people around the world the opportunity to gain a quality international higher education.

The alliance delivers a Master of International Business, co-designed by academics from all five universities, and offers the opportunity to study in both Australia and China.

“International business is a strength of all universities involved in the alliance. The degree creates opportunities for students to gain the technical skills, expertise and knowledge in demand by national and international companies in Australia, China and throughout the world,” founder of the Alliance, Professor McConkey said.

“The degree offers the opportunity to study both in Australia and China, gain industry experience and establish a global mindset.”

Professor McConkey said the collaboration created an environment that was committed to innovation and excellence in all fields of teaching and research.

“The alliance not only benefits the students, but countries as well, by showing fresh ways of doing things. I think it sets a good example for universities inside and outside of China. I hope that people in China realise how much of the world now turns to learn from them.

“One of the things the alliance wants to achieve is to make sure we contribute to the social good. Educating people benefits society and people can take knowledge back to the country where they have come from.”

The University of Newcastle, Australia; Jilin University of Finance and Economics; Tianjin University of Commerce; and Yunnan University of Finance and Economics are foundation members of the Alliance, with East China University of Science and Technology as its first collaborative partner.

For interviews: Professor McConkey through Carmen Swadling, Media and Public Relations Officer, on 02 4985 4276 or 0428 038 477.