Graduates were joined by Ministry of Primary Industries Deputy Director General China Relations Tim Knox.
The fifth and final cohort of Massey University’s scholarship programme for senior Chinese food safety officials have received their Graduate Certificates in Science and Technology during a ceremony in Beijing.
The China Food and Drug Administration (now part of the State Administration for Market Regulation) and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries introduced the food safety scholarship programme in 2014. Its aim was to encourage joint cooperation and mutual understanding in food safety between China and New Zealand.
The programme included a six‐month intensive teaching and academic component led by Massey, covering topics related to food safety and including internships with partner organisations. Participants were also required to identify and complete a specific research topic.
Massey’s Vice Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas and Food Technology Professor Richard Archer congratulated the graduates in a video message, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that had been required to achieve this qualification. The Vice Chancellor says Massey was proud to deliver the programme for the new State Administration for Market Regulation following the previous four courses for cohorts from China Food and Drug Administration.
“As employees from the State Administration for Market Regulation, you are some of the most senior participants to have completed the programme and I am very proud to welcome you to our Massey alumni community."
“The programme has not only increased the understanding of our respective food safety systems, it also helped to strengthen the relationship between the two countries,” she says.
The Vice Chancellor had hosted the graduation ceremony in 2019 during a trip to China, but was unable to attend this year due to travel restrictions.