Universities Australia Newsroom | 28 October 2012
Universities Australia has welcomed the Australia in the Asian Century white paper for its long-term plan outlining the national objectives and pathways needed to forge closer economic and cultural bonds with our Asian neighbours.
Belinda Robinson, Chief Executive of Universities Australia, says the paper presents a positive and optimistic picture of Australia’s place in the Asian century and an ambitious plan and targets that will require the coordinated effort of government, business, the community and the education sector for their realisation.
[It] reinforces the central role that Australian universities will play in driving Australia’s future productivity and economic resilience as we pursue the opportunities and grapple with the challenges presented by this exciting century.
In responding to the release of the White Paper, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, indicated the Government’s strong support for increasing the number of students pursuing at least part of their degree at Asian universities.
According to Robinson universities have long been leading the way in increasing Australia’s engagement with Asia.
China, India, South Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam accounted for almost 65 per cent of the international student commencements at Australian universities in 2011. In preparing for the Asian Century, 22 Australian universities have established campuses and courses in Asia. Many thousands of agreements have been struck between Australian and Asian universities on student and teacher exchange programs, staff shadowing programs, and research collaboration.
See
The Asian Century – building capabilities
Skills and education: setting the foundations
