The event marked the return of Beijing Polytechnic College to Unitec since the COVID lockdown in 2021 and reinforced the collaboration, mutual respect and significant achievements that the institutions have shared for the past decade.

Thousands of students from developing countries vie for the Government-funded Manaaki scholarships each year, with less than 500 applicants making it through the competitive selection process. 

Refelcting on his journey, Adam says that although his path was difficult at times, marked by personal tragedy and mental health battles, he is proud to have remained resilient and determined. For him, his graduate’s tassel signifies far more than academic success —it’s also a celebration of survival and a promise kept.

"To say my journey in education was smooth sailing is a total understatement," he says. In the first week of his undergraduate year, Adam’s father became very sick with cancer.