AUT strengthens alumni ties in China
AUT has strengthened its international alumni connections in southern China, with graduates from across the region recently gathering in Guangzhou for a special alumni event hosted at the Official Residence of the New Zealand Consul-General.
The 2026 Guangzhou AUT Alumni Event brought together 85 guests, including 74 alumni from Guangdong Province and other parts of China, alongside AUT staff, recruitment partners and representatives from the New Zealand Consulate-General and Education New Zealand.
Co-hosted by AUT Assistant Vice-Chancellor - Engagement, Amy Malcolmn, Consul-General of the New Zealand Consulate-General, Guangzhou, Michael Zhang, and Master of Ceremonies, Director - International, William Ho, the evening celebrated the achievements of AUT graduates and the role they play in strengthening the relationship between New Zealand and China.
In welcoming the guests, Amy highlighted the importance of AUT’s global alumni community in building lasting international partnerships.
“We are here to celebrate your success as alumni, to hear about your journeys and to provide an opportunity for you to reconnect with AUT and with each other,” Amy said
Consul-General Zhang said the evening demonstrated the depth of the people-to-people connections between China and New Zealand.
“We had a very wonderful AUT alumni event at the Official Residence," he said. “It was inspiring to hear the many fascinating stories of AUT alumni from diverse sectors, backgrounds, and professions. They shared with everyone their deep affection for New Zealand and the roles they play in building bridges between China and New Zealand. It was a true pleasure to spend such a wonderful evening with AUT alumni."
In addressing the gathering, AUT alumnus Tony Shida Yu reflected on how his time studying marketing and advertising at AUT helped shape his career and life journey.
Now based in Shanghai and working as an official AUT recruitment partner, Tony spoke about the University’s strong reputation for industry-connected education and student support.
“AUT has witnessed my youth, my family and my career,” Tony said, noting the AUT's emphasis on practical learning, internships and global opportunities for students.
“My time at AUT not only gave me knowledge but also allowed me to settle in New Zealand and build my family with a son and a daughter. With its practical, industry-focused education, AUT is an excellent choice for international students, (and) with over 150,000 global alumni, our network is stronger than ever.”
The event also showcased the strong engagement of AUT alumni in the region, with several graduates supporting the evening as sponsors and helping to organise the gathering.
AUT China Partnerships Manager, Marlene Lu, said the event highlighted the strength of the University’s growing global alumni network
“These alumni clearly cherish the wonderful memories of their time at AUT and in New Zealand, and they are eager to maintain their connection with AUT, Marlene said”