Prof. Xu attended the Workshop run by the Manufacturing Reference Group for the Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly (5th from the front-left). The Manufacturing Reference Group, otherwise known as the Ministerial Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group, is chaired by Sarah Ramsay (5th from the front-right), Chief Executive Officer of United Machinists, with support from AMA (Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa). The aim of the Workshop is to drill down into some quick wins for the coming years, as well as debate about the long-term strategic goals for manufacturing in New Zealand. Prof. Xu is the only non-business member invited, representing The University and Research Institute Advanced Manufacturing (TURIAM) group. In November 2023, for the first time, the New Zealand government established the Ministry for Small Business and Manufacturing. As the first Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, the Hon Andrew Bayly brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in areas such as business, commerce, policy and regulations. There is genuine optimism in the country about the future of manufacturing.