Strengthening Australia’s higher education, research and training ties with some of our key economic partners will be the focus of a bilateral mission to India, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews MP said her meetings with key ministerial counterparts in each country will build on Australia’s reputation as a high-quality education and training provider.
“India, Sri Lanka and Singapore are key regional partners of Australia and we have much to offer one another in every aspect of our education, research and training sectors,” Minister Andrews said.
“India is a particularly important partner and we warmly welcomed around 60,000 Indian students last year to study in Australia.
“Australia’s Indian alumni make a significant and lasting contribution to India’s economic growth – the benefits of which will be felt for generations to come.
“But we can also help support India’s capacity to train its own population onshore and lift its economic growth through closer partnerships in higher education and collaborative research.
“The same can be said of our close relationships with Singapore and Sri Lanka, and I look forward to seeing some of these partnerships in action – including the work William Angliss Institute is doing with the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management in Sri Lanka, and the facility James Cook University has developed in Singapore.”
Minister Andrews said there are significant opportunities for Australia to strengthen and expand bilateral links with our regional partners.
“There are also opportunities for Australian higher education, research, and skills and training institutions to explore new and innovative partnerships to deliver education and skills products and services offshore.”
Minister Andrews’ visit coincides with Australian Business Week in India, where she will speak at a forum on women in education leadership, and promote Australia’s proven capacity to provide high-quality Australian training for educators in India.
