Connecting alumni and fostering growth: USYD Ningbo Alumni Association hosts 2026 Lunar New Year gathering
The University of Sydney Centre in China co-hosted the 2026 Lunar New Year Alumni Networking Event in Ningbo, highlighting global career support initiatives, institutional relocation plans to Shanghai, and research partnerships.
The University of Sydney Centre in China, in collaboration with the Ningbo Alumni Association, hosted the 2026 Lunar New Year Alumni Gathering at the Crowne Plaza Ningbo Kaizhou. The event brought together alumni across diverse professional sectors to celebrate the Lunar New Year, strengthen institutional connections, and explore cross-industry collaboration. To mark the occasion, the university also launched a limited-edition Lunar New Year virtual red packet cover for its global alumni community.
Global greetings and strategic University of Sydney Centre in China relocation to Shanghai
The proceedings opened with a video message from Professor Hans Hendrischke of the University of Sydney Business School, serving in his capacity as Senior Adviser to the University of Sydney Centre in China. Professor Hans Hendrischke outlined the University of Sydney Centre in China's future strategy focused on graduate employment and career development, announcing that the University of Sydney Centre in China will relocate its operations to Shanghai this year under the leadership of Jenni Zhao, the newly appointed Executive Director and General Manager of the University of Sydney Centre in China.
Dr. Jun Zhao, a Ningbo-native lecturer at the Business School, also delivered virtual New Year greetings to attending alumni.
Regional alumni engagement and port city industry ties
Yang Xi, President of the Ningbo Alumni Association, presented an overview of the chapter's history, development, and strategic partnerships with local private enterprises. Leveraging Ningbo’s position as a major port city, the association regularly organises maritime activities alongside joint initiatives with local private businesses, including international school educational visits hosted by the University Admissions Office.
The association’s historical engagement includes annual holiday galas, city walks, civic tours, and joint networking events with peer university alumni associations from Columbia University, New York University, and the University of Edinburgh. President Yang highlighted the participation of alumni-led enterprises such as Lihua Port Machinery, emphasising collaborative models between academia and industry. The segment concluded with a recognition of volunteer contributions.
Advanced research collaboration and global recruitment
Dr. Xuedong Wu, Deputy Director of the Yongjiang Laboratory, presented an overview of the research institution established by the Zhejiang Provincial Government in 2021. The laboratory focuses on advanced materials research, pioneering innovation paradigms, and overcoming barriers in technology transfer for sustainable manufacturing.
Building on preliminary discussions established during Professor Hans Hendrischke’s visit to the laboratory last November, Yongjiang Laboratory plans to deepen its research partnership with The University of Sydney and conduct an Australian talent recruitment drive in March 2026. The institution expressed interest in expanding joint research projects, visiting scholar programs, joint laboratory initiatives, and postgraduate training.
Cross-city networking and industry insights
Joey, representative of the Hong Kong Alumni Association, attended the event to foster regional connectivity between alumni networks in Ningbo and Hong Kong.
Yubin Shen, Director of the New Technology Verification Department at Longxing Avionics and Vice President of the Columbia University Hangzhou Alumni Association, provided an analysis of employment perspectives for international graduates amidst industrial upgrading and global corporate expansion.
Senior alumni Qituo Zheng from China Merchants Bank shared career development insights based on his personal academic and professional trajectory.
Community engagement and cultural performance
The event included interactive quizzes and networking activities designed to connect alumni by industry, academic specialisation, and geographic origin.
A flute performance by alumnus Cheng Yin concluded the evening's formal program.
