November 20, 2024 – PwC Tower, Auckland, New Zealand
On a crisp spring morning in the heart of Auckland’s central business district, Kingston International Business College (KIBC) welcomed two esteemed guests from New Zealand’s leading business advocacy organisation—the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). Mr. John Fraser-Mackenzie, Chief Executive of EMA, and Mr. Frank Xu, Director of EMA China Business Centre, joined KIBC staff for an engaging exchange focused on bridging international business education with evolving employer needs.
The visit centred on an open and forward-thinking dialogue about the current landscape of international business education in New Zealand and the critical role that employers play in shaping meaningful student outcomes. Discussions addressed real-world industry needs, the challenges international students face in securing internships and job placements, and how institutions like KIBC can evolve their curriculum to better support graduate transitions into the workforce. Both parties expressed strong alignment in their goals to create more accessible pathways from education to employment—particularly for international learners pursuing business qualifications in Aotearoa.
Mr. Fraser-Mackenzie praised KIBC’s practical, industry-informed approach to business education. He also reiterated EMA’s commitment to supporting student development through enhanced employer engagement and internships. The presence of the EMA China Business Centre further opens new avenues for collaboration, particularly in connecting Chinese-speaking students with relevant work experience and long-term opportunities in New Zealand’s dynamic employment landscape. Through close industry partnerships, Kingston International Business College is actively shaping a new kind of graduate—globally minded, professionally prepared, and locally connected.
Reflecting on the visit, KIBC Principal Kingsley Wang commented:
“Our conversation with EMA was not just about education—it was about impact. When educators and employers sit at the same table, we can build bridges that turn learning into opportunity. Together with EMA, we’re opening doors for our students—not only into classrooms, but into careers.”
As New Zealand’s largest business organisation, EMA provides a wide range of services to employers—including employment law support, workforce development, and international trade advisory. Their partnership with Kingston International Business College signals a shared vision: to equip international students with the skills, experience, and networks they need to thrive in today’s global economy. With gratitude for EMA’s support, KIBC looks forward to deepening this collaboration and continuing to empower the next generation of business professionals.