At the end of October, the UMS China team joined the 2025 China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education (CACIE) in Beijing, which is one of the largest and most influential international education gatherings in the Asia–Pacific region. Since its launch in 2000, CACIE has brought together education leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to exchange ideas and collaborate on the future of international education.
This year’s theme, “Bridging Education and Beyond,” highlighted how global education ecosystems are shaping a more connected and forward-looking world. The opening plenary featured remarks from Mr. Huai Jinpeng, China’s Minister of Education, and Dr. Shane Reti, New Zealand’s Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology. Both highlighted collaboration, innovation, and fairness as foundations for a more connected global education landscape.
With New Zealand recognised as the Country of Honour this year, more than 25 New Zealand tertiary education institutions, including universities, wānanga, polytechnics, and private training establishments, showcased a strong, diverse, and unified New Zealand education brand in China.
The first day featured the New Zealand Education Friends & Partners Reception and the New Zealand–China B2B Education Networking Session, where H.E. Dr. Jonathan Austin, New Zealand’s Ambassador to China, and Hon. Dr. Shane Reti shared remarks reaffirming New Zealand’s long-term commitment to international education cooperation and the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship.
The conference provided a platform for policymakers, universities, and education partners to discuss new trends shaping global education collaboration.
Some of the key takeaways include:
Transnational Education and Cooperation
- Mr. Huai Jinpeng reaffirmed China’s focus on “collaboration and mutual growth,” recognising education as a key bridge connecting nations.
- The Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, Ministry of Education (China) shared that graduates from Sino–foreign cooperative programs now achieve a 90% employment rate.
- Notably, 50% of the world’s top 100 and 40% of the top 200 QS-ranked universities have established joint education programs in China.
- Representatives from Nottingham University Ningbo China and the British Council also highlighted that China–UK transnational education (TNE) institutions have grown from 19 in 2016 to 58 by 2025, with a clear shift toward postgraduate-level collaborations, a strong indicator of the maturing partnership between global institutions and China.
Innovation, Employability, and Future Skills
- The growing emphasis on employability and skills-based learning reflects the evolving needs of a globalised workforce. Discussions focused on how universities can better equip students with cross-disciplinary skills, adaptability, and a global mindset.
- Minister Huai also stressed the importance of “innovation-driven education”, cultivating creativity, scientific curiosity, and critical thinking to prepare students for the challenges of the digital age.
AI and Digital Transformation in Education
- A notable highlight was the launch of the Visualisation System of the Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Resource Atlas, showcasing how data and digital tools can enhance transparency and collaboration.
- Several sessions explored how AI is transforming campus experiences, improving inclusivity, and creating new opportunities for global learning reform. Discussions underscored the growing convergence of digital innovation and traditional education, signalling a new era of personalised, technology-enabled learning.
- At the CACIE plenary, Dr. Shane Reti MP inspired the audience with his forward-looking perspective on how science, innovation, and education can work together to build a better, more connected future.
As a long-term digital strategy and growth partner for the international education sector, UMS works with leading institutions and organisations from New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other regions to strengthen market presence, enhance student engagement, and build future-ready talent pipelines.
During CACIE 2025, the UMS team joined a series of networking sessions and strategic discussions with government agencies, universities, and ecosystem partners to exchange insights on international education and explore future collaboration opportunities. “We’re proud to play an active role in advancing international education,” said Becty Yan, Senior Partner at UMS. “From helping institutions build global brands to supporting students throughout their study lifecycle, we’re committed to creating meaningful impact and unlocking new opportunities for cross-border cooperation.”
Event Moments
From left to right:
- Tanya Cai, Senior Partner, UMS
- Becty Yan, Senior Partner, UMS
- Hon. Dr. Shane Reti, Minister of Universities & Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, New Zealand
- Dr. Ron Xavier, Education Counsellor, New Zealand Embassy Beijing & Greater China Regional Director, Education New Zealand
- Ms. Sandy He, Market Development Manager, Tourism New Zealand
