New Colombo Plan mobility students from Deakin University recently collaborated with students from Southwest University in China to develop new information technology projects.

The project is the brainchild of Deakin University's Dr Robert Dew, who believes it will help students prepare for the globalised world of information technology where collaboration increasingly occurs across borders.

Chris Leeden, an ICT student from Deakin,said: "Working together on a project is a really valuable way to get an insight into China's technology sector. My teammates have been really great at tackling the challenges we've faced."

The students worked together at Southwest University in Chongqing for two weeks and from their respective universities for two months.

Southwest University marked the occasion of the first visit by New Colombo Plan students by hosting an exhibition on Australia's first diplomatic mission to China: the Chongqing Legation.

Consul-General Nancy Gordon gave students a guided tour of the exhibition (pictured) before briefing them on Australia's contemporary engagement with the region.

Deakin interactive media student Imavi Alwis said: "Before this trip I knew little about what Australia was doing in Chongqing. It has been an eye opening experience."