Victoria Uni students win trip to China for Huawei's ICT training course

Six Victoria University of Wellington students have been selected to participate in a two-week ICT training course in China through Huawei's Seeds for the Future programme.

Seeds for the Future selects high-achieving students from around the world for an all-expenses trip to the headquarters of the global telecommunications company Huawei.

The purpose of the trip is to gain practical insights into the future of the ICT industry.

The undergraduates make up the first cohort of Victoria students to take part in the international programme. They will travel to Beijing and Shenzhen later this month.

The trip will give the students insight into the future of ICT, an industry that is hugely important to Wellington, says the capital's deputy mayor Paul Eagle.

"About 10% of Wellingtonians, or 13,000 people, are working in the technology sector. It's great to see our young talent seize opportunities to explore the industry through programmes like Huawei Seeds for the Future.

Professor Mengjie Zhang from Victoria's School of Engineering and Computer Science says the excursion is a fantastic opportunity for the students.

"They'll get first-hand work experience into the work of a multinational ICT company—learning about the latest technological developments, getting hands-on experience in Huawei's laboratories, and meeting key people.

Zhang adds, "They'll also experience Chinese history, culture and language, and get to visit historical landmarks. I'm sure the students will find it very useful.

Zhang says Victoria University is dedicated to being a leader in imagining and exploring the possibilities of a digital age, and is grateful to Huawei for extending this opportunity.

Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications vendor, launched its Seeds for the Future programme launched in 2008.  Since then, the programme has been implemented in 96 countries with 30,000 students from 280 universities taking part.

Andrew Bowater, director of Public Affairs at Huawei New Zealand says the company was impressed with Victoria's students.

"The entrants from Victoria University were high calibre—intelligent and enthusiastic young people. We're excited to have the six successful applicants take part in the programme.

"It provides a vital link between classroom learning and the type of real world situations students will face once they enter the workforce.

The six Victoria students selected are:

• Valerie Chan, who is studying a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Computer Science and Statistics
• Liam Dennis, who is studying a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Software Engineering, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance
• Edward Haslam, who is studying a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Computer Science
• Joely Huang, who is studying a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Software Engineering
• Patrick Lynch, who is studying a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Patrick Savill, who is studying a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering.