Building Bridges: Massey's Landmark Southeast Asia Roadshow

Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University marked a pivotal moment in its global outreach on April 14, 2026, with the announcement of expanded academic connections across Southeast Asia. This development stems from a comprehensive roadshow conducted in March 2026, spanning 14 days and nine cities in five key countries: Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr. Tere McGonagle-Daly, the delegation represented a whole-of-university effort, drawing staff from all five colleges to foster deeper ties in teaching, research, and student mobility.

The initiative builds on Massey's established presence in the region, particularly through its longstanding partnership in Singapore since 2008. By engaging universities, industry leaders, alumni, prospective students, and New Zealand diplomatic missions, Massey demonstrated a strategic commitment to positioning New Zealand higher education as a vital partner in Southeast Asia's dynamic academic landscape.

Massey's International Strategy in Focus

Massey University's international expansion aligns with its 2022-2027 strategy, emphasizing research excellence, practical skills, and global relevance. The goal of enrolling 5,000 offshore students by 2026 underscores this ambition, with Southeast Asia identified as a cornerstone market. Singapore serves as the gateway, leveraging its status as the region's education hub to facilitate pathways into Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and beyond.

This approach contrasts with traditional transnational models by prioritizing mutual benefits: joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and dual-degree opportunities. Dr. McGonagle-Daly highlighted the value of multidisciplinary representation, noting, “Our partners really appreciated seeing Massey represented from different disciplines... It allowed us to have richer conversations across teaching, research, and student pathways.” Such holistic engagement differentiates Massey from competitors, fostering sustainable relationships over transactional ones.

Singapore: The Strategic Launchpad

Singapore anchors Massey's Southeast Asian footprint through its partnership with PSB Academy. Since 2013's enhanced collaboration, Massey delivers New Zealand qualifications on-site, including undergraduate programs in Business (majors in Analytics, HRM, Management) and Information Sciences, plus a Master of Arts in Media Studies. Intakes occur thrice yearly, attracting regional and global talent.

Plans for a full branch campus, confirmed via a 2024 agreement witnessed by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, aim to scale offerings significantly. This move addresses domestic enrollment pressures in New Zealand while tapping Singapore's demand for quality STEM and business education. The roadshow's Singapore Open Day on March 20 drew prospective students eager for Massey's veterinary science reputation—ranked 21st globally and first in Asia-Pacific—and aviation programs.

Reconnections with Nanyang Technological University further bolster research synergies in food technology and engineering.

Deepening Ties in Thailand

In Thailand, Massey reinforced bonds with Khon Kaen University and Chulalongkorn University during visits to Bangkok and Khon Kaen. Discussions centered on postgraduate pathways and applied research in agriculture and social sciences. A notable prior milestone was the 2024 MoU with Thailand's Office of the Basic Education Commission, opening doors to Princess Chulabhorn Science High Schools for student exchanges.

Alumnus Dr. Suwit Laohasiriwong, reflecting on over six decades of collaboration, emphasized Massey's role in Thailand's development. These partnerships align with Thailand's push for advanced agriculture training, where Massey's expertise in veterinary and food sciences shines.

Vietnam: Emerging Opportunities

Vietnam emerged as a growth hotspot, with engagements at University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, and Nguyen Tat Thanh University in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Focus areas included business analytics, agribusiness, and sustainable development—key to Vietnam's economic boom.

Massey's practical, industry-aligned curricula appeal to Vietnamese students seeking global credentials. Roadshow events facilitated guest lectures and pathway agreements, potentially channeling more students to New Zealand campuses.

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

Indonesia and Philippines: Alumni-Driven Momentum

In Indonesia, the delegation strengthened ties in Jakarta and Surabaya, emphasizing postgraduate research and industry collaborations. President University hosted a 'Friend of Massey' reception, underscoring alumni advocacy.

The Philippines hosted an Open Day in Manila, connecting with prospective students and partners. Alumni like John Gregory Aquino shared success stories, opening doors in science policy and media.

Dr. McGonagle-Daly praised alumni: “They open doors, make introductions and advocate for Massey... grounded in people and relationships built over decades.”

Programs Powering Mobility

Massey's offerings resonate regionally: veterinary medicine (world #21), aviation, business, and design. Transnational delivery via Singapore reduces barriers, with credit transfers enabling seamless mobility. For Southeast Asian students, this means accessing NZ qualifications without full relocation, amid rising demand for English-medium, practical degrees.

• Business Analytics: Equips for data-driven roles in ASEAN economies.
• Agriculture/Agribusiness: Addresses food security challenges.
• Media Studies: Builds skills for digital economies.

With nearly 5,000 international students annually from 100+ countries, Southeast Asia contributes significantly to diversity and revenue.

Alumni as Global Ambassadors

Alumni networks amplified the roadshow's impact, hosting events with NZ embassies. Their testimonials—on career boosts from Massey degrees—sway prospects. This relational strategy sustains long-term partnerships, vital amid global competition.

Future Outlook and Challenges

Looking ahead, Massey plans a Pacific roadshow in late July 2026, complementing Southeast Asian gains. Expected outcomes include new MoUs, increased enrollments, and joint research in climate-resilient agriculture—timely for ASEAN's needs.

Challenges persist: visa policies, funding domestic growth, and competition from Australia/UK. Yet, Massey's affordable fees, rankings (QS 230 globally, third in NZ), and employability focus position it strongly.

Solutions lie in hybrid models: online pathways transitioning to on-campus study, leveraging alumni for recruitment.

Implications for New Zealand Higher Education

Massey's moves signal NZ universities' pivot to Asia amid declining domestic numbers. By exporting credentials, Massey secures revenue while elevating NZ's soft power. Stakeholders—from policymakers to academics—view this as a blueprint for sustainable internationalization.

For faculty, opportunities abound in exchanges; students gain diverse peers; NZ economy benefits from returnees' skills. As Dr. McGonagle-Daly noted, “This was very much a team effort,” embodying collaborative success.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Impacts

Partners praised the delegation's breadth, enabling cross-disciplinary talks. NZ embassies facilitated access, aligning with diplomatic goals. For Southeast Asia, Massey offers Western perspectives blended with practical NZ know-how, aiding regional challenges like urbanization and sustainability.

Economically, increased mobility boosts remittances and tourism. Academically, it elevates NZ's QS international outlook score (71st globally).