16 August 2013 Lincoln University hosts high-level ASEAN delegation

On Tuesday 13 August Lincoln University hosted a high-level delegation from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) that resulted in productive conversations around agriculture, environmental management, sustainable tourism, and disaster risk management.

Members of the Association of South East Asian Nations Committee of Permanent Representatives were in New Zealand to facilitate development of New Zealand’s relationship with ASEAN and implement the ASEAN-New Zealand ‘Comprehensive Partnership’, launched in July 2013 by the New Zealand Government.

“The visit to Lincoln University was a chance for the University and the 10 member state representatives to discuss current engagement and potential long-term strategies, and plans for future growth for expansion into South East Asian markets” says Lincoln University Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Scholarship and Research Stefanie Rixecker .

“There are many opportunities for collaboration, particularly around agriculture, environmental management and tourism.  An example of current engagement is the Lincoln University Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Tropical Forest Management, which is taught in Sarawak, Malaysia, in association with the Sarawak Timber Association.  The aim of this postgraduate diploma is to provide students with an internationally recognised university qualification in sustainable tropical forest management and equip them with an enhanced skill-set for their work in Sarawak’s timber industry.”

Along with the Vice-Chancellor Dr Andrew West, addressing the delegation were Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management and Planning, Dr Hamish Rennie; Professor of Tourism, David Simmons; and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Professor Bruce McKenzie .

While on campus the delegation also visited the Lincoln University Dairy Farm where they were shown around the South Island Dairying Development Centre.