Wild Ducks

Wild Ducks take on China
(24/1/2006)
Ten students from Victoria will visit China next month, a trip they’ve planned to introduce themselves to a country they see as a major future business partner for New Zealand.
The students, who are studying a range of commerce and arts subjects, from theatre to Mâori business, will visit universities and businesses in Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan and Beijing, taking the opportunity to talk to fellow students and business people about the role of business between the two nations.
Known as the Wild Ducks Club, a reference to a nickname for innovative young employees at IBM, the group is being led by Chen Shi, a marketing graduate, who believes that a group approach is more useful for young graduates than trying to make it on their own to start with.
“We’ve pooled our resources and attracted some funding from the University, the Asia New Zealand Foundation and Ngâi Tauira to enable us to make this happen,” says Mr Chen.
“We see China as a huge market for New Zealand, and we’re keen to get some first hand experience of business in China, so that we can offer specialist skills to future clients or employers.”
Dr Tim Beal, Senior Lecturer in the School of Marketing & International Business, will be accompanying the students for part of the trip and is pleased to see the students approaching their futures in an innovative way.
“China is New Zealand’s fourth largest trading partner and a major source of migrants, students and tourists. We’re also the first developed country in the world to commence negotiations for a free trade agreement with China. It makes sense for our future leaders to be learning about Chinese culture and practice.”
The students will be attending a pre-departure briefing organised by the University on Friday 27 January from 4-6pm in Lecture Room 3, Rutherford House, Pipitea Campus.
Invited speakers include:
His Excellency Zhang Yuanyuan, Chinese Ambassador,
Stuart Ferguson, Chair, New Zealand China Trade Association,
Pat English, China Market Manager, NZ Trade and Enterprise, and
Eleanor Thomson, Acting Director, North Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
For more information, please contact Tim Beal, 04 463 5080 or Chen Shi at wildducksclub@gmail.com
Issued by Victoria University of Wellington Public Affairs


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