Insights from BSI’s Future Learning Podcast
The role of transnational education in shaping global economies is undeniable, and Austrade (the Australian Trade and Investment Commission) is playing a key role in expanding Australia's educational influence worldwide. Through business exchanges, trade missions, and strategic partnerships, Austrade is strengthening connections between higher and vocational education, and industry needs across countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
This article summarises the key points from BSI Group CEO Simon Dewar’s discussion on with BSI Learning Institute CEO Kala Philip, CEO of Cyprinoid Solutions Dr Russell Joshua and Vice Chancellor of Chandigarh University in Mohali, India Prof. Manpreet Singh Manna.
This is the sixth video in our series on Transnational Education, where we discuss the importance of global education in skilling for the future, and its importance to Australia.
Strengthening Australia-India Education Ties
One of the most significant developments in recent years is the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). While signed in 2020, its full implementation has gained momentum in the last two years, opening new opportunities for educational collaboration.
As Kala Phillip, CEO of BSI Learning Institute, explains, "Austrade has been quite an important part of our transnational journey... helping us study the landscape, identify skill gaps, and understand the appetite for Australian education in India."
A key initiative under this agreement was the Future Skills Mission in April 2023. Australian universities and training providers explored how Australia’s qualification framework could support India’s National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). This mission laid the groundwork for integrating skills-based training into Indian institutions, reinforcing global collaboration in workforce development.
Building Industry-Driven Education Partnerships
The Industry Skills Summit in April 2024 was another milestone in fostering global education partnerships. A highlight of the event was the MOU signing between Chandigarh University and BSI Learning Institute, demonstrating how cross-border collaborations can enhance vocational and higher education.
Kala Phillip highlights the importance of these relationships: “You can have cross-border collaborations with someone like Austrade in the picture. They do a lot of business matching and digital delegations, helping to plant the seed for future partnerships.”
These collaborations ensure that students develop industry-relevant skills, aligning their training with global workforce demands.
Expanding Global Education to Vietnam and Indonesia
Austrade’s efforts extend beyond India. Recent green economy and digital skills delegations to Vietnam and Indonesia reflect a growing focus on sustainability and technology-driven education. By integrating green skills and digitisation into vocational and university programs, Austrade is ensuring that education systems prepare students for the future of work in emerging sectors.
The Power of Long-Term Collaboration
The key to successful international partnerships is building strong, lasting relationships. Australian institutions must actively co-design and collaborate with global partners. As these connections deepen, collaborations become more sustainable and impactful.
Kala Phillip highlights the importance of long-term engagement. “These initiatives are not just about short-term engagements. They create lasting partnerships where both institutions add value across two countries.”
With Austrade’s support, Australian providers are expanding their reach. They ensure global skills development stays at the forefront of economic growth and workforce transformation worldwide.
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