Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool) announced its strategic alliance by signing a Memorandum of Association (MoU) with Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, and NZ. The MoU signed would explore possible opportunities for collaboration of various kinds like providing students with reciprocal study tours and promoting student exchange programs between India and New Zealand.  Investigation of opportunities for joint research studies, joint development of sustainable technologies, seeking opportunities for internships and work experience including placement of WeSchool students with various companies in New Zealand will be also be facilitated. The MoU will be valid for two years from the date of signing.

Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool in his welcome note expressed “By signing this MoU, WeSchool is looking forward to establishing collaborative and enduring relationship with Unitec Institute.  The global economic crisis has compelled all of us to look at management education anew. And we now have a mission to recover the trust deficit by training our young managers to look beyond self and work as Global Citizen Managers in the true spirit of serving the society and caring for the planet. The MoU with Unitec is a step in that direction to strengthen our effort by forging linkages within academia and industry in your wonderful country.”

Dr Rick Ede, CEO, Unitec Institute of Technology, while signing the MOU said “I am truly overwhelmed by the warmth in the welcome and hospitality received from India. India is a huge country with a large population. In comparison, New Zealand is small, with less number of people. WeSchool and Unitec are leading institutions in their respective countries and we will align our vision and philosophy to forge a strong and long lasting relationship. We are not interested in taking students from India to New Zealand but in educational partnership in the true spirit of the term”.

While addressing the students on the theme of ‘Global Education: Opportunities for India-New Zealand Co-operation', he further commented, “India is a growing superpower, the energy and talent of Indian students is truly amazing .We are looking forward to augmenting it by developing their skills. Creativity is the link, the core of The MOU between WeSchool and Unitec as we believe that it should be at the center of all business activity. New Zealand has established good trade links with India but we need to establish social links between the two countries as both need to grow and progress in a sustainable manner .And we believe that the youth of both countries will come together to co-create the future.” 

Expressing happiness on signing of the MOU, Gavin Young, Consul General and Trade commissioner , New Zealand said “This is a long awaited relationship between India and New Zealand. WeSchool and Unitec are great institutions and can contribute to mutual growth and progress.”