Photo: SAT/NN.
By SAT News Desk
Melbourne, 28 November: India and Australia have much in common but partnerships in the education sector are the ones where going forward is the way. This was the opinion of Sheba Nandkeolyar, National Chair Australia India Business Council & founder MultiConnexions. She was addressing a panel discussion on “Connecting Australia & India Through Education Partnerships” at the Indian Consulate, Melbourne, organized by the Indian Consulate and the Women in Business Chapter (WIB) of the AIBC Victoria.
Sheba set the tone for the discussion emphasizing concentrate on the education ties between the two countries while detailing other aspects of the emerging engagement between the world’s biggest democracy and Australia.
A message from the Indian Consul Manika Jain was read out by Mr. Malhotra and Anushka introduced the subject. Rebecca Abharam, student conducted the panel consisting of Jane den Hollander, Vice Chancellor – Deakin University, Jaffa Mckenzie – Senior Market Development Advisor, Victorian Government, and Julia Evans – Project Manager – Project Manager – Australia Academy of the Humanities & Co-Author of the Australia’s Diaspora Advantage report.
There was a lively discussion and it was felt more placements is not the solution, Indian students generally want to settle in Australia, we are two different cultures but still Indian international students are extraordinarily successful. Placement for those going back to India after completing studies here are good and the Indian government has its own pathway with qualifications. It was agreed education partnerships are not just enough and it means jobs also.
The panel discussion was wrapped up and all participants and panelists thanked by Molina Asthana.
