Southern Institute of Technology’s (SIT) presence at a recent networking event in Auckland could help increase the flow of Latin American students choosing to complete their postgraduate education at SIT.
Florencia Nieto, SIT International Marketing Officer - Latin America, attended the Networking with Ambassadors event, hosted by the Latin America New Zealand Business Council (LANZBC) in Auckland on 29th April.
The gathering brought together all the Wellington-based diplomatic representatives from various Latin American countries – ambassadors of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Peru - who were able to provide their insights into trade, investment, and economic collaboration between Latin America and New Zealand, to the attending education providers and businesses.
Ms Nieto said the aim of the event was to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new collaboration opportunities. “It was a valuable occasion to discuss the strategic role of education and science in the relationship between New Zealand and Latin America,” adding it also highlighted the potential and contribution of Latin American students to New Zealand.
The ambassadors encouraged New Zealand’s education sector to engage more with Latin America. The Mexican Ambassador to New Zealand, His Excellency, Alfredo Pérez Bravo, stated, "New Zealand institutions should aim for greater visibility in Mexico and Latin America, just as they currently do in China and India." Noting that 85% of Mexicans living in New Zealand hold a master’s degree or PhD, the ambassador added “our contribution is highly valuable and beneficial to the country".
The Argentinian Ambassador, Her Excellency, Maria Belén Bogado, said her nation recognised the importance of global connectivity and is actively working on the initiative, ‘CONCIET al mundo’, a strategic tool to project Argentine science abroad. “This new tool is designed to strengthen the country’s scientific and technological presence in international markets, attract investment, and position Argentine science as a key asset in foreign policy," she said.
Ms Nieto was exploring the possibility of SIT being involved in this initiative and considered Argentina as “one of our high-prospect countries”.
SIT recognised the vast potential of Latin America and Ms Nieto said they were committed to expanding opportunities not only in Chile, Colombia and Brazil, but also in other high-prospect countries across the region. “Key countries such as Mexico and Argentina; additionally, Peru and Bolivia are worth noting.”
SIT had much to offer Latin American students with its location in Southland and the South Island, featuring beautiful, iconic landscapes and many tourism attractions, it was a distinctive alternative to the big cities, Ms Nieto continued.
“[It’s] a place where students can find excellent job prospects and a high standard of education … we’re proud to deliver quality education in a unique part of New Zealand. Our focus now is to showcase this opportunity to Latin America."
While some initiatives were already planned and underway beforehand, Ms Nieto said SIT’s presence at the ambassadors’ event helped strengthen relationships and reaffirm SIT’s direction. “We are actively expanding our presence in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico.”
A marketing trip is scheduled over the next couple of weeks, where SIT will be holding events at the New Zealand embassies in Santiago (Chile) and Buenos Aires (Argentina). “We’re also working on developing new agreements with universities across the region. It’s an ambitious, long-term strategy aimed at positioning SIT more strongly within Latin America,” Ms Nieto stated.