On July 5, the graduation ceremony for the 2024 cohort of the Master’s Program in Applied Finance, jointly organized by ZUFE and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand, was held at Xiasha campus. Vice President Zheng Yali, director of the Collaborative Program at AUT Ken Li, heads of the School of Finance and International Office, as well as 2024 graduates of the program and their families attended the event.
Zheng Yali extended warm congratulations to the graduates and shared four aspirations and expectations under the theme of “China-New Zealand Finance”: 1) “Combination of East and West” - Bear in mind the matters of national significance and enhance cross-cultural communication skills to actively participate in and promote collaboration between China and New Zealand. 2) “A New Beginning” - Uphold the spirit of ZUFE, which emphasizes “Cultivating virtue, diligent study, valuing practicality and fostering innovation”, integrating personal development into national and societal progress. 3) “Golden Dreams”- Embrace change while adhering to the correct worldview, outlook on life, and values, and contribute to social prosperity. 4) “Integration and Innovation” - Pursue interdisciplinary learning and integration to achieve success in both career and personal life.
Ken Li commended the achievements of the collaborative program and expressed his blessings to the graduates with a traditional New Zealand folk song. He encouraged them to apply their knowledge and actively contribute to the financial sector, striving to become pillars of economic and social development.
As a representative of the graduates, Li Yang, who is also the chairman of Hunan Qingke National Venture Investment Co., Ltd., delivered a speech. He expressed gratitude to both universities for providing an international learning platform and reflected on his learning journey and personal growth.
Ken Li turned the tassels for the graduates and conferred their degrees. The graduates shared their aspirations to pursue dreams with determination and perseverance, and to contribute their wisdom and energy to building a financial powerhouse and fostering international cooperation.
The China-New Zealand Master’s Program in Applied Finance is ZUFE’s first international joint master’s program. Over the past five years, the program has seen continuous improvements in teaching quality and faculty expertise. The majority of the 2024 graduates have secured positions in leading financial institutions, including ICBC, PwC, and Wuchan Zhongda Futures, as well as regulatory bodies such as the Zhejiang Bureau of the National Financial Regulatory Administration and the Zhejiang Branch of the People’s Bank of China. Notably, 20% of them hold executive roles such as bank presidents, chairpersons, general managers, or senior professionals.
