WELLINGTON, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Selected from 97 applications, 20 IT undergraduates from four top NZ universities left Auckland on Friday to have a two-week trip to China to learn more about China's technology industry.
Huawei NZ announced the 2019 recipients of their sixth annual Seeds for the Future scholarship, sending 20 keen Kiwi IT undergraduate students to China on a two-week experience program.
The fully-funded trip aims to provide more than just immersive experience into the lives of those working at one of the world's leading technology companies, but to provide a broader understanding of international companies.
During the two-week trip, students will spend a week in Beijing gaining mandarin language training. The second week takes places at Huawei's headquarters in Shenzhen and campus in Dongguan both in south China's Guangdong province. During this week students will learn about international business culture alongside a deeper understanding of Huawei's products and solutions.
Andrew Bowater, Huawei NZ Deputy Managing Director, said Seeds for the Future is a global initiative that allows students to see Huawei's operation and helps inform their career decisions.
"Our program gives undergraduates the opportunity to meet the professionals leading their fields and question them first-hand on why they do what they do. We aim to provide a vital link between classroom learning and the type of real-world situations students will face once they enter the workforce, both challenging and inspiring students who are considering a future in technology," Bowater said.
Head of External Relations and Development for the School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences at Auckland University of Technology, Stephen Thorpe, said it's an unprecedented opportunity for the students.
"This is an opportunity that will transform the global perspective and the lives of each of the students as they see the scope of innovative technology being developed. What the students will get to learn in that week at the Huawei HQ will inspire them throughout their future career in this incredibly fast-moving industry."
He said AUT is lucky to have a positive relationship with Huawei as they go through challenging times internationally.
Seeds for the Future is a global initiative run by Huawei and has been operating since 2008. It has been implemented in 108 countries and regions worldwide and over 4,700 students have participated in the program. New Zealand students have been involved in the program since 2013.
