NZ Tech Education Fuels Student Innovation: Michael Ren's Award-Winning App Journey

Tauranga Boys’ College international student Michael Ren was named Supreme Winner of the 2019 Young Innovator Awards for developing an app that helps students and parents track academic progress. His success reflects how New Zealand’s education system supports practical learning and real-world innovation, especially in the tech sector.

Michael, who arrived in New Zealand from Chengdu, China, at the age of 10 with little English and no experience in IT, is now looking forward to studying software engineering at university. His journey underscores the supportive and high-quality educational environment in New Zealand, which has helped him thrive academically and personally. 

Initially planning to stay for just two years to master English, Michael and his mother, Niki Li, decided to remain in New Zealand due to their positive experiences. Michael has benefited from New Zealand's primary, intermediate, and secondary schooling, which emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications, especially in technology and innovation. 

Michael says. His international education experience has been overwhelmingly positive, making him feel like a Kiwi student. 

Michael believes that studying in New Zealand from a young age has been advantageous, helping him adapt to a new environment and build social connections. The freedom to choose from a range of subject options allowed him to follow his passion for software development, a flexibility that is a hallmark of New Zealand's education system. 

Winning the Young Innovator Award for his Insightz app was a highlight of Michael's time in New Zealand. The competition, which challenges students to create products that make the world a better place, provided him with a part-time internship at Tauranga-based tech company Cucumber. This opportunity exemplifies how New Zealand's education system connects students with real-world experiences and industry leaders, particularly in the tech industry. 

Michael's involvement in the Global Ambassadors programme in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty further illustrates the emphasis on diversity, global awareness, and cooperation in New Zealand's education system. The programme offers young people the chance to become active local role models and build international connections, skills that are invaluable in the tech industry. 

Looking to the future, Michael is excited about starting university and exploring where his qualifications will take him. He feels that New Zealand has provided him with great opportunities and a strong foundation for his future career.

Michael says. 

Michael's story is a testament to the high quality of New Zealand's education system, which will equip you with practical skills and real-world experience, preparing you to stand out anywhere in the world. By studying in New Zealand, you will gain the tools you need to succeed globally, making it an ideal destination if you are seeking a top-notch education in technology and innovation. 

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