Massey expands connections across Southeast Asia

Building on the momentum of last year’s roadshows to India, Sri Lanka, and China, the 2026 Southeast Asia Roadshow brought Massey together with universities, industry partners, alumni, students and New Zealand Embassies and High Commissions across nine cities in five countries over 14 days.

The focus was on strengthening long‑standing relationships while creating space for new conversations, with engagement spanning established partnerships through to emerging opportunities across teaching, research and student mobility.

Joined by staff from all five colleges, the delegation connected with partners across a wide range of disciplines including business, food technology, design, media, communications, agriculture, social work, and applied research.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly, Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketū, Te Arawa, says the roadshow reinforced the value of a whole-of university approach.

“Our partners really appreciated seeing Massey represented from different disciplines and professional teams across the university. It allowed us to have richer conversations across the spectrum of teaching, research and student pathways.”

That breadth of engagement was reflected across the programme. In Singapore, the delegation reconnected with partners including Nanyang Technological University and PSB Academy, while in Thailand, long-standing ties with Khon Kaen University and new opportunities at Chulalongkorn University were a key focus.

In Vietnam and Indonesia, discussions centred on future opportunities, with partners including University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam National University of Agriculture, alongside guest lectures at Nguyen Tat Thanh University. Engagements in Indonesia focused on strengthening partnerships and expanding collaboration across teaching, research and postgraduate pathways.

Open Days in Singapore and Manila also offered opportunities to connect directly with prospective students and their families, providing insight into studying at Massey and highlighting the university’s strong international reputation.

The roadshow also highlighted the strength of Massey’s alumni network, with a programme of events and informal gatherings bringing together alumni and partners, as well as Friends of Massey receptions, hosted alongside New Zealand Ambassadors and High Commissioners.

This included contributions from alumni such as John Gregory Aquino, a senior official within the Philippines Department of Agriculture, who spoke at the Manila Open Day to prospective students about his Massey experience and the role it has played in shaping his work in science and policy. In Thailand, Dr Suwit Laohasiriwong, who completed his master’s and PhD in Agronomy at Massey, welcomed the delegation and reflected on the university’s enduring impact in Thailand, highlighting more than six decades of collaboration.

“Our alumni are some of our strongest advocates who share their Massey stories with real pride,” Dr McGonagle-Daly says.

“They open doors, make introductions and advocate for Massey. That doesn’t happen by chance. It reflects long‑term commitment and the great work of our alumni team. This year’s roadshow was a powerful reminder that Massey’s international engagement is grounded in people and relationships built over decades.”

Behind the scenes, the success of the roadshow relied on significant planning and support from across the university.

“This was very much a team effort. I’d like to thank colleagues across Massey who supported the preparation and delivery of the roadshow. That work was noticed and genuinely appreciated by our partners.”

Looking ahead, the relationships strengthened during the Southeast Asia roadshow will continue to support Massey’s international engagement and student pathways. Planning is already underway for the next roadshow, with a Pacific delegation scheduled to commence in the last week of July.