AIBC WA leadership delivers an illuminating Australia-India education dialogue

Perth, 14 June (Australia India

News bureau): The fast growing #bilateral strength of #Australia and #India received another boost when the #Australia India Business Council(#AIBC) of Western Australia and The Consulate General of India, Perth came together to celebrate Australia-India bilateral spirit by hosting our international education ambassadors.

‘The India Economic Strategy to 2035’ states that a strong and productive Australia-India education relationship should be seen as the flagship of the bilateral relationship. This was abundantly evident in the views shared by highly accomplished educationists including Mr Jake Garman Deputy Vice Chancellor International Edith Cowan University, whose comment, “Bring on India” resonated with the delegates and guests; Mr Kelly Smith Pro Vice Chancellor International Murdoch

University, Ms Derryn Belford CEO StudyPerth, Prof Jennifer Howell Pro Vice Chancellor Global Engagement The University of Western Australia, Mr Justin de Sousa Director International The University of Notre Dame Australia and Prof Jaya Dantas Dean International Faculty of Health Sciences Curtin University.

As per The India Economic Strategy to 2035, India's tertiaryage (18–22) population is the largest in the world and is projected to peak at 126 million in 2026 before stabilising at 118 million by 2035. An illustrious panel of industry leaders, spearheading bilateral engagement on the ground, laid emphasis on some of the following key ideas:

> There is a need to focus on offshore expansion strategy to augment the international market share and the wholistic student experience and quality of delivery.

> The quality of engagement of our future students market has to be more direct and personalised.

> We need to leverage our strong and rich indigenous culture of the two nations as a glue to drive transnational equitable engagement.

> The merits of our online technology ecosystem needs to offer blended distributed academic years for easier access.

> Quality of our Australian education and research framework needs to capitalise on our bilateral strengths and recognition.

> The onshore student orientation and welfare should be a priority during their academic lifecycle.

> The various current study and work visas categories and processes need to be closely reviewed and overhauled. AIBC was grateful to Amarjeet

Singh Takhi, Consul General of India Perth, for lending a stellar support on behalf of the Government of India. Similarly, the event churned out some pathbreaking ideas and recommendations during the deliberations, thanks to AIBC committee member and an amazing moderator Dr Parwinder Kaur, MAICD. Dr Kaur observed, “One million Indians turn 18 every month, so there is a huge and growing demand for a high quality education. Getting education right is also critical for India to maximise the potential of its demographic dividend. As a world-class education provider, Australia is well placed to partner with India across secondary, university and vocational sectors. Australia's vocational system is highly regarded in India and providers can benefit from this reputation if our system can cater the needs of India's low-cost, high-volume environment”.

The event was kickstarted by the welcome remarks of Mr Michael Carter, President AIBC WA whose leadership has delivered highly impressive and productive outcomes over the years between WA and India underpinned by engagements across a range of sectors in business and trade. He has also accompanied high level delegations to India in recent years.

The event concluded with an engaging vote of thanks by Mr Paritosh Misra, Vice President AIBC WA who worked tirelessly to bring together such an impressive lineup of leaders from the education industry of WA. Mr Misra has spearheaded engagement with the higher education institutions in the state for over a decade on behalf of several leading corporate giants. The event was proudly supported by StudyPerth, Spinifex Breweries and dickinson Estate Wineries.