International Students rise up to strengthen the Australia-Asia relationship
30 November 2023: International higher education is Australia’s largest services export, adding $40 billion to the economy in 2019. The pandemic halved the value of the sector. However, it continues to recover quickly, with a value of $29 billion in 2022. Given the Federal Government's commitment to cultivating strong relationships with key partner countries and diversifying the student cohort, international higher education continues to be immensely important to Australia.
Asialink Business is delighted to have hosted two workshops as part of the “International Student to International Advisor” program, connected with the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program in partnership with Study Melbourne and the City of Melbourne.
International students and recent graduates from China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam had the opportunity to exchange stories, build new skills and develop deeper connections.
In the first workshop, participants shared valuable insights and perspectives on the rapid changes in their home countries, the myths they want to debunk and what they wish others knew about their countries.
The second workshop allowed students and graduates to share their lived experiences and provide unique perspectives on diverse topics, including the core digital ecosystems, the impacts of COVID-19, and emerging workforce capabilities for some of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
A highlight was hearing from Christopher Kong, nominated in the 2020 list of 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians, who shared invaluable insights on crafting compelling narratives and cultivating powerful networks.
As Australian businesses seek to strengthen their ties with Asia, this group of talented students offered a remarkable glimpse into the future of the world's fastest-growing economies.
Another opportunity for increasing the capability of international students was the International Education Forum, which took place in Sydney in October this year. This signature event, supported by the City of Sydney and Study NSW, was last held in 2019, and its return was highly anticipated.
Focusing on enhancing the international student experience and promoting their employability, the half-day forum saw an impressive turnout of nearly 200 representatives from the international education and business sectors.
Participants benefited from insightful speakers, including contributions from MPs, the Deputy Lord Mayor and senior figures in education and business.
Active engagement and productive discussion across the day underscored the forum’s role to serve as a vital platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and develop strategies for improving outcomes for international students, lifting their capability and visibility and integrating them more deeply into the fabric of the academic and professional landscape in New South Wales.