New Zealand: UC takes ICT innovations to market

Whether you have a brilliant software idea which could change the world, or you are just interested in studying information and communication technology (ICT), the University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand is the place to be.

Its commercial arm, Canterprise, UC has taken hundreds of ideas and inventions to market, created over 150 new high-profile careers for its graduates, and raised over $10million for a string of spin-out companies.

That’s why Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) recently discussed new collaboration plans with UC. ITRI is a world-leading producer of semiconductors and personal computers. Its President, Dr Johnson Lee, says; “In the high-tech area Taiwan is much more hardware oriented, and we are not as good in software applications and content. These are the areas where Canterbury has a lot of strengths.”

Arpan Mandal, from India, is studying for his Master of Engineering degree at Canterbury. He was awarded a UC Masters scholarship, worth $30,000, to complete his research in advancing high-speed wireless broadband technology (known as WiMAX). This scholarship was sponsored by NZi3, the national ICT Innovation Institute based at the University. It has global companies IBM and HP, and locally-based Jade Software Corporation and Tait Electronics, as its foundation partners.

UC has had a long history of excellence in computer science innovation. For example, a 1989 computer science graduate is now Google’s Director of Engineering in New York.

Flanked by the Southern Alps and the ocean, the University of Canterbury is an inspiring place to learn. To find out more about the courses available at UC, talk with one of our student counsellors.

New Zealand: UC wind study has huge impact

Highlighting the University of Canterbury’s reputation for innovative research, a recent wind study has been named one of New Zealand’s latest research success stories.

Led by the university’s academic Professor Andrew Sturman (Geography), the project looked at the effects of complex terrain on local winds, using both measurement and modelling techniques.

The research team was surprised by the huge amount of consulting work that resulted from their findings. With implications for aviation, horticulture and wind-generated electricity, their clients now include most of New Zealand’s electricity generators, regional councils and environmental consulting companies. They have since been awarded two further grants for research, science and technology projects, worth more than $1 million.

Professor Marston Conder, President of the Royal Society’s Academy Council, said this “highlighted the fact that New Zealand has some outstanding researchers whose work has amazing impact, even when that is not seen at the time the work begins.”

New Zealand, a relatively young country, is known for it’s inventive ‘can-do’ attitude and adventurous spirit. And its popularity with international students has increased over the past six years.

The University of Canterbury offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Arts, Commerce, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Forestry, Law, Music and Science. They also have an excellent English language and Foundation program.

To find out more about courses to suit you at the University of Canterbury, contact a student counsellor today.

New Zealand: University of Canterbury alumni scoop Queens Birthday Honours list

The University of Canterbury in New Zealand is at the forefront of the country’s innovative research. Recognising the University’s contribution the nation and the world, 20 alumni were granted Queen's Birthday Honours List this month.

These included Henry Van Der Heyden (chairman of Fonterra, the world’s largest exporter of dairy ingredients) and Rt Hon Justice William Young (President of the Court of Appeal), who were both made Distinguished Companions of the Order of New Zealand (DCNZM). The Order of New Zealand is the country’s highest honour, with a maximum ordinary membership of only 20.

Four alumni were made Companions of the Order of New Zealand (CNZM): Malcolm Ott (for services to the arts and the community); Susan Sheldon (for services to business); Dr Rodney Wilson (for services to museum and art gallery administration) and Neville Young (for services to business).

Other alumni were recognised in the fields of arts, publishing, marine science, education, and conservation.
Located in Christchurch, the largest city in the beautiful south island of New Zealand, students at the University of Canterbury enjoy the surrounding majestic mountains and oceans – and can even go skiing and surfing in the same day.

Kwok Lung, from Hong Kong, is studying the BEng (Hons) programme at UC’s internationally renowned Engineering School, specialising in electrical engineering.

“The libraries are well resourced, and the computer rooms have the latest technology and are open 24 hours.” Ng says. He has also enjoyed the social life at Canterbury. “I have joined many clubs, both sporting and social, and I have made many friends here. This is a great place to work and study”.

The University of Canterbury offers first and postgraduate degrees in Arts, Commerce, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Forestry, Law, Music and Science.

For more information on studying at the University of Canterbury, contact a student counsellor today.