RMIT strengthens China ties through education and enduring partnerships

RMIT strengthens China ties through education and enduring partnerships

RMIT has reaffirmed its leadership in transnational education and regional collaboration during a recent visit to China, marked by two significant milestones that deepen its longstanding ties with key partners.

In Shanghai, RMIT and the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUIBE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to begin the process of establishing a joint institute, China’s highest level of recognition for international education partnerships. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan attended the signing ceremony at SUIBE’s Gubei campus, underscoring the importance of the initiative to the Victoria-China relationship.

The proposed joint institute will expand access to RMIT’s globally recognised programs in business and technology, allowing students to study locally while benefiting from international curriculum and mobility opportunities to Melbourne. With nearly 30 years of collaboration and over 4,600 graduates, the RMIT-SUIBE partnership has played a vital role in shaping talent across government, industry and academia in both countries.

Further north in Tianjin, RMIT joined celebrations marking 45 years of sister-city relations between Melbourne and Tianjin. The University’s contribution to this enduring friendship includes the Tianjin Municipal Leadership Training Program, which ran from 2001 to 2019 and graduated over 400 senior leaders. This initiative exemplifies RMIT’s belief in education as a bridge between cultures and communities.

23 September 2025

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During the visit, RMIT and Tianjin College of Commerce (TCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to outline plans for joint programs in IT, logistics and commerce, as well as English language and executive training initiatives. It also paves the way for academic pathways from TCC to RMIT degrees. 

“This step reflects a strong commitment of cooperation and advancement of educational and training opportunities between RMIT and TCC. We look forward to working closer with TCC to find innovative education solutions together,” said Mish Eastman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice-President.

Speaking at both events, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Engagement Layton Pike reflected on the power of these relationships. “Our intention to evolve to a joint institute marks a new chapter in our relationship, cementing RMIT’s leadership in transnational education in China and regional prosperity and the sister-city relationship is more than a milestone of commencement, it is a living bridge between cultures, communities and institutions.”

With a presence across Vietnam, Singapore, India and China, RMIT continues to champion global education, regional engagement and longstanding partnerships that help shape the future of the Asia Pacific.

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23 September 2025

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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