UNSW signs MoU with university in Tonga

CUP was represented by Vice Chancellor Reverend Dr Vili Saulala, and Pro Vice Chancellor of Financial Affairs Dr Tau’aho Ahokovi.

Reverend Dr Vili Saulala visited UNSW Engineering in October 2023 to explore opportunities for collaboration in research and education, with an MoU proposed during an initial meeting with the leadership team.

The key areas of collaboration outlined the MoU are:

• Academic and professional staff and student exchange initiatives
• Visiting research programs
• Platforms to share academic materials,
• Support and collaboration for the development of curriculum, and
• Engagement in, and development of academic conferences and related events.

Hosted at the Kensington campus, Dean of Engineering Professor Julien Epps was joined by the CUP Vice Chancellor, Tongan Consul General to Australia, Louise Waterhouse, Deputy Dean Education Professor Maurice Pagnucco and some of the Faculty’s leading academics working across the Pacific.

Professor Maurice Pagnucco explained that, "there is great opportunity for our universities to collaborate and enhance access to world-leading engineering education in Tonga, and we look forward to working with Christ’s University in the Pacific in Tonga to do this."

A delegation from UNSW Engineering will be travelling to Tonga in September to attend a conference hosted by Christ’s University in the Pacific in Tonga and will host a workshop with local academics to establish an action plan for collaboration.

In line with the Faculty’s commitment to engaging across the South Pacific, Deputy Dean Rita Henderson said, "our engagement with CUP is a signal of our commitment to the region, and to ensuring that our work is having a positive societal impact. We will continue to work with our partners to enhance access to engineering education and that our groundbreaking research and technologies are available to help address some of our shared challenges."