The University of Sydney, the oldest university in Australia, announced yesterday that it would hold its first-ever graduation ceremony in the city this October. Nearly 1,000 people, mainly Chinese students who earned a degree at USYD and expat alumni who live in the city, are expected to attend the two-day event.

The event, which is scheduled for October 30 and 31, will include a diploma-awarding ceremony, alumni forum sessions and a VIP dinner party. USYD professors are also expected to contact local universities about setting up partnerships.

USYD alumni in the city can sign up for the event at the university's Website.

"One of the reasons we hold such a large event in the city is because we want to signal to the community that the University of Sydney is successful in training the next generation," said John Hearn, the school's deputy vice-chancellor of academic and international affairs.

The University of Hertfordshire will also hold a graduation ceremony for 130 Chinese graduates in the city on April 1. It will be the first time a British university has held an event of this size in China.

Harvard University is also planning to hold its first annual Harvard College AUSCR Summit for Young Leaders in China in the city this August. More than 300 local high school students will have the opportunity to participate in lectures and interactive activities with US professors and students.

"We believe that big events can attract attention and support from the public," said Lilian Cao, a graduate of the University of Sydney.

(Source: Shanghai Daily)