The University’s visit to China: A chance for alumni to connect

During the recent alumni receptions held in Beijing and Guangzhou, alumni embraced the opportunity to make new friends through shared experiences and fond memories.

“It felt like we were back on campus again, everyone was walking around with a friendly smile and nodding to each other, even though we have never met before,” said Beijing-based arts alum Dorothy Huang.

“It was easy to start a conversation with almost anyone, which is quite a unique experience for us living in Beijing.”

_{Alumni mingling at the Beijing reception.}

A delegation of staff including Associate Deans and Senior Lecturers from across the University travelled to Beijing and Guangzhou in late October for the receptions.

The events provided an opportunity for the University to strengthen ties with the Chinese alumni community, and for alumni to connect with each other and expand their networks – with 250 alumni attending in Beijing and 350 in Guangzhou.

Attendees started their evenings with drinks and canapés while reuniting with old friends and forming new connections, and many took photos in front of backdrops featuring iconic University of Melbourne campus locations.

The formalities of the evening included speeches from University staff and local alumni association leaders – and alumni even had a chance to win a prize from a lucky draw.

Connections in the capital

At the Beijing event on Monday 21 October, Dorothy appreciated the opportunity to form new connections that have already gone on to benefit her personally and professionally.

“The best highlight for me was getting to know an alum who studied positive psychology,” shared Dorothy.

“I booked a psychology consultation with her after the event and received lots of useful advice.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Global, Culture and Engagement Professor Michael Wesley was present at the Beijing event to address alumni on behalf of the University.

_{Professor Michael Wesley addressing attendees at the Beijing reception.}

He started with a message of appreciation for the community’s ongoing engagement.

“The University of Melbourne is committed to our relationship with institutions in China, built upon a longstanding history of collaboration, mutual benefit, and research that addresses the key issues of our shared region in Asia and the Pacific,” said Professor Wesley.

He also remarked on the University’s recent rankings among its competitors around the world.

“We were very proud to see the University of Melbourne ranked number 13 in the world by QS World University Rankings and recognised with a QS Sustainability Champions Award,” he shared.

“Our efforts to enhance sustainability in teaching, research and operations contributed towards our rise in rank.”

Professor Wesley went on to acknowledge the challenges presented by the Australian Government in its decision to cap the number of international students studying in Australia from 2025.

He shared his thoughts on why international students remain integral to the University community.

“International students who choose to study with us enrich our University community, culture and our classrooms,” said Professor Wesley.

“International students provide all students with access to a breadth of perspectives and experiences, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking learning environment.”

Despite the challenges imposed on international students through the proposed legislation, Professor Wesley expressed his eagerness to welcome new international students to the University of Melbourne in 2025.

A visit to the south

At the Ghangzhou reception on Saturday 26 October, arts alum Yuanqing Wang was excited to rekindle connections from the University – a place close to her heart.

“For many alumni, The University is like a second home, and after we graduated and returned to our home country, we lost contact with our University family,” said Yuanqing.

_{Alumni mingling and taking photos in front of the photo wall at the Ghangzhou reception.}

“We are grateful to the alumni association for giving us the opportunity to meet new University family members who have moved to the same city.”

The highlight of the evening for Yuanqing was reuniting with a friend from university days.

“I met my classmate Eva at the event, and we took lots of photos together. It reminded me of our graduation ceremony.”

The formalities of the evening featured a panel discussion on the topic China Speed: Gains, Challenges, and Future Directions of Our Cities – exploring the impacts of China's rapid urban expansion and how it shapes cities like Guangzhou.

_{A panel of staff and alumni experts formed a panel to discuss the topic China Speed: Gains, Challenges, and Future Directions of Our Cities.}

The expert panel members were: Associate Dean (Academic Resources) from the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning Associate Professor Julie Miao; arts alum and Account Manager at  Digital Guangdong Network Construction Mr Chunfeng Liao; and landscape architecture alum and Project Manager at the Urban Planning and Design Institute of Shenzhen Mr Cheng Xing.

The panel discussed the housing affordability crisis in China, approaches to balance rapid expansion with environmental sustainability, and learnings that other countries can take from China as a leader in city-building.

During the audience Q&A portion of the discussion, several alumni asked the experts about their opinions on the challenges and opportunities involved in China’s aging society.

Seizing opportunities

For those considering attending their next local University of Melbourne networking opportunity, Dorothy has some words of encouragement, strengthened by her own warm and inviting experience at the Beijing event.

“I would highly recommend to every graduate reconnecting with their local alumni community, and meeting as many new friends as you can,” she said.

“The shared experiences and educational background builds a solid foundation for friendship, trust and understanding.”