AUT exchanges ideas with a superpower

AUT University will be exchanging ideas and research with the world’s next superpower, thanks to a partnership with a prestigious Chinese education centre.

The China Executive Leadership Academy Pudong (CELAP) has established a significant relationship with AUT University, now in the process of being formalised into a five year working agreement.

The agreement will see the two parties work together on research, education and training, as well as joint publications.

Areas covered in the agreement include public and social policy, environmental protection and agriculture, rural and urban development, and economic co-operation including trade.

AUT was introduced to ­CELAP – a government funded national institution which trains high level leaders from government and the business community – when AUT Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Development), Prof. Ian Shirley, was invited by CELAP to speak to the Director Generals of China.

From there, AUT and CELAP went on to develop the Asia and Pacific Metropolitan Development Forum held in November 2008. The forum involved 16 research teams from across Asia and the Pacific.

Prof. Shirley says the partnership is significant for AUT as it acknowledges AUT’s ‘track record’ especially its research capability.

“It is a working relationship which has developed out of a mutual respect and understanding. They recognise that we can contribute to some really important projects with a high level of expertise as well as having the ability to work with others from different countries.

“At the same time AUT recognises how significant China is as a country and CELAP as an academy.

“In an environment where everyone wants to be working with China, AUT has a unique ongoing relationship with one of the most prestigious government organisations in China.”
Prof. Shirley has been invited by CELAP to become an Adjunct Professor of the academy and one of its international experts.