INNOVATON POST-COVID: IEAA TRANSNATIONAL EDUCATION FORUM 2021
Thursday 29 - Friday 30 July 2021
DAY 1: THURSDAY 29 JULY
1pm FORUM WELCOME (AEST) The Hon. Phil Honeywood Chief Executive Officer International Education Association of Australia (IEAA)
Caryn Nery Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Director, Transnational Education Partnerships, Victoria University
1:10pm AUSTRADE UPDATE: DEMAND AND OPPORTUNITY IN EMERGING MARKETS (AEST) Border closures can impact the ability to scan key mature and emerging markets for opportunity to grow and diversify TNE presence. This session taps into in-country expertise from select markets and will include an opportunity for attendees to share market insights.
Peter Harris (Chair) Deputy Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Chief Officer, Partnerships and Growth, UTS College
Rodney Commerford Trade and Investment Commissioner, Indonesia Austrade
Haike Manning Founder and Managing Director LightPath Consulting Group
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
Kanishka Padidilian Director of Education, Sri Lanka Austrade
1:55pm AUSTRADE CAMPAIGN LAUNCH (AEST) Melissa Banks Head of International Education Centre of Excellence Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
BREAK
2:20pm TNE IN INDIA: CASE STUDIES (AEST) With the release of the National Education Policy, the Indian government has recently announced draft regulation on Indian and foreign education collaboration. This session provides an overview of the new regulation and takes a closer look at Australian institutions with deep engagement in India, where they are now, and how the NEP will shape their future engagement.
Caryn Nery (Chair) Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Director, Transnational Education Partnerships, Victoria University
Ankur Dhawan President, Study Abroad upGrad
Brett Galt-Smith Counsellor, Education and Research Australian High Commission New Delhi, India
Anuradha Gupta Head, Partner Engagement Macquarie University
Lakshmi Iyer Executive Director, Education Sannam S4
Ravneet Pawha Deputy Vice President (Global) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University Australia; President, Australia India Business Council (Victoria)
BREAK
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
3:35pm TNE HOST COUNTRIES: REGULATORY UPDATES (AEST) The pandemic has created new regulatory considerations and increased the significance of other recent changes. In this session, we will here updates on three key TNE partner countries to help providers navigate these changes.
Peter Harris (Chair) Deputy Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Chief Officer, Partnerships and Growth, UTS College
Jen Bahen Education and Research Counsellor Australian Embassy, Vietnam
Dr Paul Farrelly Policy Officer, International Division, North Asia Department of Education, Skills and Employment
Atty. Lily Macabangun-Milla Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Executive Director Commission on Higher Education, Republic of the Philippines
BREAK
4:25pm PRACTICAL TIPS ON DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING A TNE STRATEGY (AEST) Cross border and borderless delivery have now a more significant role in the vision for most Australian providers. Existing strategies are being revised and new ones created. In this session, Dr David Pilsbury will provide insights and lessons in setting TNE strategic direction followed by facilitated groups sharing their current experience and challenges and future plans.
Peter Harris (Chair) Deputy Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Chief Officer, Partnerships and Growth, UTS College
Dr David Pilsbury Deputy Vice Chancellor International Coventry University
5:25pm DAY 1 WRAP UP (AEST) Peter Harris Deputy Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Chief Officer, Partnerships and Growth, UTS College
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
Caryn Nery Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Director, Transnational Education Partnerships, Victoria University
Emma Steinke Manager, Global Operations, Global Portfolio RMIT University
NETWORKING
5:45 – VIRTUAL NETWORKING 6:30pm (AEST) Virtual networking via Zoom.
CLOSE DAY 1
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
DAY 2: FRIDAY 30 JULY
1pm A CONSORTIUM APPROACH TO TNE: IS THE WHOLE GREATER THAN THE SUM (AEST) OF ITS PARTS? This session will describe the framework for a consortium approach to TNE projects developed by Victorian TAFE providers. This will be followed by case studies from Melbourne Polytechnic, Kangan and Box Hill Institutes on their experience of this consortium approach, including the benefits, risks and opportunities.
Caryn Nery (Chair) Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Director, Transnational Education Partnerships, Victoria University
Tim Gilbert Vice President International Development Melbourne Polytechnic
Emily Hardidge Program Leader, Short Course Operations Centre for Adult Education, Box Hill Institute
Bev Jeffreys Manager, Offshore Partnerships Kangan Institute, Bendigo
Judith Uren Director International Education Victoria TAFE Association
BREAK
2pm TEQSA UPDATE (AEST) Alistair Maclean will provide an update on the key priorities for TEQSA in the changing environment for international education, as well as discussing the challenges Australia’s higher education sector experienced due to COVID-19. The session will also include an update on TEQSA’s work to combat academic integrity and contract cheating.
Emma Steinke (Chair) Manager, Global Operations, Global Portfolio RMIT University
Alistair Maclean Chief Executive Officer TEQSA
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
2:30pm THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (AEST) Australia’s international education sector has been significantly affected by COVID-19. Border closures and disruption to our partner country economies has hindered student mobility flows globally. Australia’s international education sector can however move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic to become even more competitive, resilient and sustainable.
Australia is well placed to adjust to emerging trends, capitalise on new opportunities, and continues to deliver high quality education services. Simon Moore, Assistant Secretary for International Policy at the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, will discuss the role that government can play in supporting transnational education. The session will discuss increasing diversification, ensuring international recognition for Australian qualifications and promoting the value proposition of Australian transnational education experiences for international cohorts.
Emma Steinke (Chair) Manager, Global Operations, Global Portfolio RMIT University
Simon Moore Assistant Secretary, Partnerships Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment
BREAK
3:05pm ONLINE LEARNING CENTRES: THE NEW TNE FRONTIER? (AEST) Online Learning Centres (OLCs) and Study Hubs have expanded during the pandemic, driven by border closures and supported by improvements in and acceptance of remote and digital delivery. With the reimaging of the international study experience and contribution of on shore and in country engagement OLCs will remain a key part of the value proposition even as borders reopen.
This session will hear about Australian and UK experience and differing models and views of the longer-term impact
Caryn Nery (Chair) Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Director, Transnational Education Partnerships, Victoria University
Callum Cowell (SFHEA, FAIM) Director, Centre for English Language Teaching The University of Western Australia
Innes Ireland Deputy Director, Global Engagement University of Technology Sydney
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
Michael Wells Director, Australia and UK Wells Advisory
Mike Winter OBE Director, Global Engagement University of London
BREAK
4:10pm POST- BREXIT, POST-TRUMP, POST-COVID: THE NEXT 10 YEARS FOR GLOBAL (AEST) EDUCATION AND TNE The global geopolitical tectonic plates are shifting, and COVID has turned the world upside down and inside out. As we turn our minds to recovery post crisis, where do we see global education and TNE going?
This closing session’s panel of global education experts will offer their insights into the future of TNE from their own regional perspectives.
Rebecca Hall (Chair) Commissioner to Southeast Asia Victorian Government
Eduardo Ramos Head of Transnational Education Universities UK International
Jeffrey Smart Director and Co-Founder The Lygon Group
Josh Taylor Associate Vice Chancellor, Global Programs and Mobility Services New York University
Professor Andrew Walker President and Pro Vice-Chancellor Monash University Malaysia
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
5:20pm DAY 2 WRAP UP (AEST) Peter Harris Chief Officer Partnerships and Growth UTS College
Caryn Nery Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network; Director, Transnational Education Partnerships, Victoria University
Emma Steinke Manager, Global Operations, Global Portfolio RMIT University
FORUM CLOSE
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
PRESENTER BIOS
Jen Bahen Education and Research Counsellor Australian Embassy, Vietnam
Jen Bahen is the Counsellor (Education and Research) to the Australian Embassy, Hanoi, Vietnam, with the responsibility of Vietnam and Thailand. Prior to commencing this role, Jen was the Director for International Education at TAFE Directors Australia and brings with her a detailed knowledge of Australia’s tertiary education system, particularly vocational education and training. In this role, Jen was responsible for supporting Australian TAFEs to further their international engagement and as such, facilitated several agreements and programs that supported TAFEs expansion globally. Jen also led Australia’s engagement with the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics, providing invaluable experience in global skilling systems.
Jen has previously worked in several positions within the Australian Government, leading policy and program initiatives spanning schools, vocational education and youth engagement. Jen was posted with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment to the Australian Embassies in Beijing and Bangkok, managing the broad bilateral relationship between China and Australia and Thailand and Australia. Jen has also worked in the education sector privately supporting both school and university engagement in China. Jen has lived in Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok, and is passionate about enabling global engagement and exchange in education.
Melissa Banks Head of International Education Centre of Excellence Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Melissa Banks joins Austrade as Head of International Education from November 2, 2020. An experienced leader, Melissa brings a rich background in international education spanning 30 years and multiple education sectors. Melissa has held several senior executive positions, most recently Pro Vice Chancellor International at James Cook University. Throughout her career she has contributed to international research forums to advance the international education sector in Australia, including as the most recent antecedent President of the International Education Association of Australia. Melissa is a recipient of the prestigious Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Field of International Education (IEAA) and was recently identified as a key influencer of change and innovation in the Australian Higher Education sector.
Rodney Commerford Trade and Investment Commissioner, Indonesia Austrade
Rod’s experience includes the facilitation inward investment into Australia, growing Australia's exports and supporting expansion of Australia's education sectors. Prior to commencing his role in Jakarta, Rod lead Austrade's teams in South Korea and Mongolia. Rod also spent time as Trade Commissioner in Mongolia. and established the foundation to establish a permanent Austrade office in Ulaanbaatar.
Since his commencement with Austrade in January 2008, Rod has been Team Leader, Transport and Multilateral projects, assisting Australian Infrastructure companies’ grow in international markets and has also worked across multiple sectors, including agribusiness, resources, food and beverage.
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
Rod also worked in Austrade’s inward investment division, helping attract productive foreign direct investment into Australia’s infrastructure, energy and agricultural sectors.
Prior to joining Austrade Rod has over 12 year’s international trade experience, including roles at Alcoa and Holden, expanding their export business units. Rod has considerable experience in trade with Asia and the Middle East.
Callum Cowell (SFHEA, FAIM) Director, Centre for English Language Teaching The University of Western Australia
Callum has worked for 25+ years in international higher education and training both in Australia and abroad. At UWA, in addition to his UWA CELT responsibilities, Callum was recently seconded to an interim role as Director with the task of transitioning the former Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor International to that of Global Engagement Office. In the role of Director Global Engagement, a key project was leading UWA’s innovative China Learning Centres, a widely recognised successful COVID-19 mitigation response. Callum is continuing to lead the project along with his return to UWA CELT.
Prior to joining UWA, he was Director of International Student Recruitment for Western Australian Government Schools and TAFE Institutes (Education and Training International).
Before joining the WA Government in 2011, Callum spent eight years at Edith Cowan University (ECU). While at ECU he held positions of Regional Marketing Manager for two years and then Head of International Marketing for six years.
Callum worked as an English Lecturer in the Humanities Faculty of Sapporo Gakuin University 札幌 学院大学 (Japan) from 1995-1999 along with other sessional teaching roles at Senshu University 専 修大学 and Sapporo Kokusai University 札幌国際大学.
Callum holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Deakin University (formerly Victoria College – Rusden) and undertook his postgraduate studies in Business and Tourism at Monash University.
Prior to working in International Education, Callum’s early career was as a Dancer and Choreographer.
Ankur Dhawan President, Study Abroad upGrad
As President, Study abroad, Ankur is incubating a new and differentiated study abroad business which will be value accretive for whole industry. In short time of execution, this business has already seen partnership with top Universities such as James Cook University, Deakin University, Northern Arizona University and International University of Applied Sciences.
Prior to upGrad.com, Ankur worked with Buddy4Study.com, India’s largest scholarship portal as Chief Operating Officer and supported more than 50,000 students with scholarships to complete their higher education.
Ankur has close to 15 years of experience with deep insights and knowledge of business strategy, business development, scaling up operations, strategic initiatives and sales. Before his previous role
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
at Buddy4Study.com, he has been part of dynamic companies like PropTiger.com, Pine Labs Pvt. Ltd., The Boston Consulting Group, and Mentor Graphics.
Ankur has a B. Tech in Computer Science from IIT (BHU) and PGP from IIM (Bangalore). He was gold medallist at IIT (BHU) and part of prestigious Director’s Medal List at IIM (Bangalore). He has been awarded as one amongst the “Most Influential 25 E-commerce Professionals of India” by CMO Asia in 2016. His views on business strategy and execution in different domains has widely been featured in on several industry and media platforms. When not engaged with work, Ankur loves to read and travel with family.
Dr Paul Farrelly Policy Officer, International Division, North Asia Department of Education, Skills and Employment
Dr Paul Farrelly works on the North Asia Desk in the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. He has two decades working between public policy in Australia and academic research in China and Taiwan. Prior to joining the department, he worked at the Australian National University and was a visiting fellow at Peking University and Academia Sinica. As an academic he has experience in delivering transnational education offshore, teaching international students in Australia and working on transnational research projects. He was an international student for three years in Taiwan.
Brett Galt-Smith Counsellor, Education and Research Australian High Commission New Delhi, India
Brett Galt-Smith is with the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE). He took up the role of Counsellor, Education and Research, for South Asia in December 2019, based at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi.
Prior to his appointment as Counsellor, Brett was Director of Policy and Legislation in International Group at the Department of Education in Canberra. He managed the implementation of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Standards 2018, the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Regulations 2019 and drafting changes to the ESOS Act 2000. Brett was instrumental in policy development and new approaches to the management of education agents, including the recent agent transparency approach.
Brett has worked in a diverse range of areas including international education policy and regulation, the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children, international and Commonwealth/state relations, the repatriation of Indigenous Australian human remains from overseas collecting institutions and was the Research Director of the Strehlow Research Centre in Alice Springs from 1998-2003.
Tim Gilbert Vice President International Development Melbourne Polytechnic
Tim leads Melbourne Polytechnic's international student marketing and recruitment activities, as well as the development and management of international partnerships and mobility programs. Melbourne Polytechnic's international activities cover English, Vocational Education, and Higher Education, and the 1800+ international students that call Melbourne Polytechnic home are recruited from more than
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
90 countries. Tim has worked at Melbourne Polytechnic for more than 8 years and his work has been integral to the expansion of its' international activities and growing international engagement.
Anuradha Gupta Head, Partner Engagement Macquarie University
Anuradha is a specialist in international education with over 13 years’ experience. She is currently responsible for developing and managing Macquarie’s institutional and corporate relationships in India. Anuradha is a public policy enthusiast and over the last decade she has advised several international universities navigate the higher education regulatory framework in India. She firmly believes that now more than ever is a time where sustainable TNE partnerships must be at the core of all universities aspiring to remain globally relevant in the future.
Rebecca Hall Commissioner to Southeast Asia Victorian Government
Rebecca Hall is Victoria’s Commissioner to Southeast Asia, bringing more than 20 years of experience in global engagement, industry policy and strategy to the role.
Most recently Rebecca formed part of the Austrade senior leadership team as Head of the International Education Centre of Excellence, working across Austrade’s global network to promote and support Australia’s international education sector. She has previously worked in the Victorian and Queensland state governments and held senior roles in the not-for-profit and education sectors as well as industry bodies such as the International Education Association of Australia, Australian Institute of International Affairs and AFS Intercultural Programs Australia.
Emily Hardidge Program Leader, Short Course Operations Centre for Adult Education, Box Hill Institute
Emily Hardidge coordinates a range of face to face and online learning programs. With over 15 years in the tertiary education sector, Emily has experience in managing general and customised programs for higher education, corporate and public groups. These programs include short courses for adult learners, English language skills programs, online seminars, corporate teambuilding events and international study tours.
Peter Harris Deputy Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Chief Officer, Partnerships and Growth, UTS College
Peter brings a range of experience and perspective from over 20 years in executive and board roles including professional services, government, start-ups and listed companies. Peter was most recently Chief Business Development Officer for UTS Insearch where he had oversight for their strategy for cross-border programs including partnerships in Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, China, Nepal, and Myanmar as well as the assessment and development of new partnerships.
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
The Honourable Phil Honeywood Chief Executive Officer International Education Association of Australia (IEAA)
Phil has been IEAA's Chief Executive Officer since November 2011. Previously, he was a Member of the Victorian State Parliament (1988–2006), Minister for Tertiary Education, Training and Multicultural Affairs (1996–1999) and Deputy Leader of the Opposition (2002–2006). Since retiring from politics, Phil worked at Stott’s Business College and Cambridge International College.
Innes Ireland Deputy Director, Global Engagement University of Technology Sydney
Innes Ireland is Deputy Director of Global Engagement at the University of Technology Sydney. Innes holds responsibility for a wide range of UTS's international engagement, including Key Technology Partnerships, which are UTS's strategic research-focused international partnerships; short-term and semester-based student mobility, both inbound and outbound; international student services; offshore business development, including UTS’s Offshore Learning Centres in China, Vietnam and Indonesia; and BUILD, which is UTS's flagship international leadership program. He is also General Manager, UTS Global Pty Ltd., which operates two subsidiaries in China, UTS Beijing and UTS Shenzhen, providing education consultancy, profile-building, business development and research engagement for UTS.
Innes’s career includes positions in student mobility management at Macquarie University, arts program management with the British Council, and the Charity Commission in the UK. He holds a Master of Arts with honours in politics and philosophy from the University of Edinburgh.
Lakshmi Iyer Executive Director, Education Sannam S4
Lakshmi Iyer has been working in the education industry for over 19 years and brings senior managerial experience to the table on global operations and TNE. Prior to working with Sannam S4, Lakshmi worked at Study Overseas Global where she ran operations for the recruitment agency for 9 years across North and West India.
A DFID Scholar with a master’s in international marketing from the UK, Lakshmi began her career in International Education working in the Student Support Office at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
Lakshmi is an avid observer and commentator of the higher education space and runs one of the most respected personal LinkedIn and Twitter channels for news aggregation on higher education.
Bev Jeffreys Manager, Offshore Partnerships Kangan Institute Bendigo
Over the past 20 years Beverley has held various senior management roles in international education working with Government bodies, vocational institutes and industries in many countries including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, PNG as well as several African countries.
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
Beverley has a strong interest in developing the professional practice of VET teachers to ensure course designs and delivery methodologies are industry relevant to enhance the learning experience and outcomes for students. She is also a member of the International Skills Training Course Advisory Group which oversee delivery of TVET Trainer and Assessor courses.
Atty. Lily Macabangun-Milla Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Executive Director Commission on Higher Education, Republic of the Philippines
Atty. Lily Macabangun-Milla is the Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Executive Director of the Commission on Higher Education until July 2021. She is the Director III of the International Affairs Staff (IAS) Division of the Commission.
As OIC and Deputy Executive Director of CHED, Atty. Milla oversees the overall implementation and operations of the CHED central and regional offices, ensures the successful implementation of the higher education reform agenda, and provides secretariat support to the office of the CHED Chairman.
As Director III of IAS Division, she spearheads the higher education initiatives on internationalisation and programs and projects related to bilateral and multi-lateral agreements on higher education with international HEIs, organisations and entities, international projects, collaborations and scholarships, transnational education, and national information centre for the UNESCO convention on the recognition of qualifications in the Asia Pacific region, ASEAN integration initiatives, and other international and regional associations and partnerships.
Atty. Milla is the Secretary-General of the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) Philippine National Secretariat and has represented the Philippines as focal in ASEAN, UNESCO, APEC, international trade and other various international organisations.
Prior to her current post as Director III of the CHED IAS Division, she served as the University Legal Counsel for the University of the Philippines System from 1999 to 2001 and subsequently became Chief of the CHED Legal Service, and the Director of the CHED Office for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs)’s Concerns. She has a total of 16 years of government service in the Philippine higher education sector to her name.
Atty. Milla is a product of the UP College of Law and a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, major in Economics and Political Science, also at the University of the Philippines. She is globally trained, completing programs in international trade in services, GATS WTO, intellectual property, internationalisation of higher education, and adult education.
She has been recognised by the UP College of Lay for her exemplary contributions to public service.
Alistair Maclean Chief Executive Officer TEQSA
Alistair Maclean commenced as TEQSA’s CEO on 1 September 2020.
Prior to his appointment at TEQSA, Alistair was the inaugural CEO of Victoria’s Independent Broad- based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) from 2013-20, where he was responsible for the
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
management of IBAC’s activities and functions. From 2008-13, Alistair was General Manager (External Affairs) with PanAust Ltd, an ASX-listed gold and copper producer.
Alistair was previously an Australian diplomat, serving as Ambassador to Laos from 2004-07, with prior postings to Washington DC and Bangkok. In between, he fulfilled various roles in Canberra, including as a senior advisor to the Prime Minister.
Haike Manning Founder and Managing Director LightPath Consulting Group
Haike Manning is the former New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam (2012-2016). He has more than 20 years of extensive international experience, including 12 years living and working in Asia. He has a rich blend of commercial and senior government experience, including trade negotiation, advocacy, outreach and business establishment.
Haike founded LightPath Consulting Group in Ho Chi Minh City in 2017. LightPath is a B2B business providing advisory, market entry, and execution support services to the international education sector in Vietnam. LightPath’s clients include schools, universities, private education providers, EdTech companies and governments from around the world, including Australia.
LightPath’s focus is on TNE (Transnational Education) solutions for international providers in Vietnam, including LightPath Study Hub HCMC, which offers offline support to Vietnamese students commencing their international studies online.
As Ambassador, Haike was honoured by the Vietnamese government in late 2016, and was awarded Official Medals for the Cause of Education and for the Cause of Agriculture.
Haike lives in HCMC with his wife, Irene, who is a leading voice on women leadership in Vietnam and the author of an award-winning book on Vietnamese women leaders (Ba Chieu’s 21st Century Daughters) and their eight-year-old son, Lucian, who is a fluent Vietnamese speaker.
Simon Moore Assistant Secretary, Partnerships Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment
Simon is an Assistant Secretary at the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. His responsibilities cover a broad range of international education matters. Simon joined the Department in April 2021. His branch supports the Council for International Education and guides the implementation of the National Strategy for International Education 2025. Simon also leads the Department’s engagement with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Simon has been with the Australian Government since 2002 including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Caryn Nery Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network Director, Transnational Education Partnerships, Victoria University
Caryn has worked in international education for over 25 years in a variety of roles including teaching, teacher training, academic coordination and TNE partnership management. Caryn has been involved
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
in the leadership of the TNE Network for over 10 years and is a highly regarded TNE expert. She joined Victoria University as Director, Transnational Education Partnerships in June 2019, and oversees partnerships in Malaysia, China, Sri Lanka, and India. Prior to this, Caryn worked as Associate Director, Partnerships and Development at Monash College and spent 9 years at RMIT, managing TNE partnerships in the Asian region.
Kanishka Padidilian Director of Education, Sri Lanka Austrade
Kanishka joined Austrade in 2016 and is responsible for driving and strengthening Australia’s education sector linkages and partnerships across South Asia.
He is an experienced professional, with over 5 years of experience at Austrade in the field of education sector. Prior to Austrade, Kanishka has worked as International Education Manager (Business development, marketing, strategy) for several higher education institutions in Sri Lanka.
He holds a Postgraduate degree in master’s in business administration from Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. Certificate in Psychology in Learning by Monash University, Certificate in Sustainability and Development by Deakin University, Certificate in Social Change and Marketing by Griffith University.
He is engaged in domestic cricket leagues whilst playing for Division 3 Cricketing tournament for past 8 years. He loves travelling and experiencing different cultures and values, to date he has travelled over 15 countries.
Ravneet Pawha Deputy Vice President (Global) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University Australia; President, Australia India Business Council (Victoria)
Ravneet Pawha is currently the Deputy Vice President (Global) and CEO (South Asia) at Deakin University Australia and President of the Australia India Business Council (Victoria).
Ravneet has been awarded the prestigious Business Leader of the Year at the India Australia Business and Community awards 2018 and Exceptional Woman of Excellence in Women Economic Forum 2019. She has been awarded with various Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence and outstanding contribution to building economic, social and human capital.
In 2021, Ravneet has been nominated in the top 10 Women of Indian Origin making difference in Australia and by AsiaOne as Women Empowerment Entrepreneur Award 2020-21.
With over 28 years of experience in the International education, research, and training sector, Ravneet has been instrumental in setting up global collaborations and strategic partnerships. She set up the Deakin University operation in India in 1994, the first ever international ‘University office’ in India of any foreign education provider and since has developed over 20 strong holistic partnerships across government, academia, industry for education and research for Deakin University in India / South Asia. She has also contributed to the immense success globally. Ravneet also holds an honorary position for Australia India Business Council (AIBC) as the President for the Victoria chapter, through which she significantly contributes to the government and corporate diaspora in both countries.
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
Dr David Pilsbury Deputy Vice Chancellor International Coventry University
David Pilsbury has been DVC International at Coventry University since 2008, responsible for joint ventures, recruitment, collaborative delivery, curriculum internationalisation, mobility and enhancement. His ambitious agenda has seen a more than 6-fold increase in recruitment; established the UK’s largest overseas collaborative delivery program and the world's largest international enhancement program - ranked No.1 for overseas mobility for 5 years.
He has won many awards including a Queen’s Award for Enterprise and holds numerous Board level positions including with JISC, China-Britain Business Council, EAU, IDP Connect, StudyPortals, EURIE, NARIC and the Hainan Government. He Chairs the UUKI PVC Group on Global Engagement and is a HKVTC Honorary Fellow.
David was founding CEO of the Worldwide Universities Network, Head of Research Policy for HEFCE and Assistant Director R&D at Cambridge` University Hospital. He spent several years in strategic consultancy and investment banking after a D. Phil and postdoctoral research at Oxford University.
Eduardo Ramos Head of Transnational Education Universities UK International
Eduardo manages the Transnational Education programme of work at Universities UK (UUK), leading on the development and implementation of strategies that contribute to positioning the UK as a leading transnational education provider and global partner of choice. The programme creates new initiatives in focus regions, supports the development of effective TNE partnerships, and delivers good practice support for strategic leaders and practitioners in UK universities.
Eduardo worked on education internationalisation for Spanish agency ICEX-Invest in Spain, Audencia Business School in France and St George’s, University of London. He holds degrees from the Autonomous University of Madrid and the UCL Institute of Education.
Jeffrey Smart Director and Co-Founder The Lygon Group
Jeffrey is Director and co-Founder of The Lygon Group – a bunch of international education nerds who exist to sustain and support the sector in Australia. He is an expert in all aspects of international education and the international student experience. He has held senior roles in international education at Swinburne University of Technology, Monash University and The University of Melbourne and has served on the boards of Online Education Services Pty Ltd and ETS TOEFL in the USA, the Universities Australia DVC-I executive, and represented the Victorian DVC's-I on the Ministerial Advisory Council for International Education.
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
Emma Steinke Manager, Global Operations, Global Portfolio RMIT University
Emma has a wealth of experience in higher education and transnational education development at both metropolitan and regional Australian universities and a background in business management. She is currently Manager, Global Operations at RMIT University overseeing partnership operations in China, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore and Sri Lanka and is engaged with the University campuses in Vietnam and Europe. She has worked in higher education for the past 18 years and has broad experience across both domestic and TNE partnership development, regulation, quality assurance and policy.
Josh Taylor Associate Vice Chancellor, Global Programs and Mobility Services New York University
Josh Taylor is Associate Vice Chancellor, Global Programs and Mobility Services, at New York University. In this capacity, he oversees the University's inbound and outbound immigration functions, and helps to manage NYU’s global sites, with a focus on emergency response and crisis management.
Formerly, Taylor was Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs and Community Relations at NYU Abu Dhabi, overseeing the school’s communications, marketing, and special events functions, and helping to lead NYUAD's community engagement efforts.
Taylor has served in several other capacities at NYU, including deputy director of Public Affairs and director of Web Communications. He also held the position of Vice President of Communications at Teach For America and worked in new media for companies including CBS Interactive and Microsoft.
Judith Uren Director International Education Victoria TAFE Association
Judith has worked in International Education and the vocational sector more broadly for over 30 years with experience working overseas on large vocational education projects in Africa, South Asia, South East Asia and North Asia including China. Her work has covered, capacity building through aid and development projects, transnational delivery of Australian qualifications and skills assessments of workers for both temporary and permanent migration.
Judith recently joined the VTA after working for the Victoria Government where she managed a range of international portfolio areas including, business development including the TAFE Victoria Offshore Consortium project, Study Melbourne destination marketing and student initiatives focusing on enhancing the international student experience.
Professor Andrew Walker President and Pro Vice-Chancellor Monash University Malaysia
Professor Andrew Walker is President and Pro Vice-Chancellor at Monash University Malaysia and an anthropologist specialising in the society of culture of Southeast Asia. Since arriving at Monash
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE
University Malaysia in late 2016, Professor Walker has been working to position the university as a hub for research and educational excellence in Southeast Asia.
Professor Walker has a strong interest in educational innovation. For more than a decade he has been exploring how new technology and new forms of media can transform the ways academics share knowledge and promote learning. He is also committed to the importance of learning outside the classroom and is an active promoter of all forms of student mobility.
His research has focused on economic development and rural transformation in Thailand. He is currently writing a book about a rebellion that took place in northern Thailand in the early 1900s.
Before joining Monash University Malaysia Professor Walker worked at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra where he was a member of the Executive Committee of the College of Asia and the Pacific at the ANU from 2009-2014.
Michael Wells Director, Australia and UK Wells Advisory
Michael Wells, Founding Director of Wells Advisory, is one of the leading advisors on higher education in Australia. Michael advises public and private clients on mission-critical issues including institutional strategy, license to operate, and partnerships. He has a strong reputation and network within the higher education sector in Australia and internationally. Over the last 25 years, Michael has worked at the cutting edge of higher education, with senior roles spanning government, university and private sector. He was appointed a Commissioner to help design and set up Australia’s national regulator TEQSA, he was a member of the senior executive at the University of Melbourne leading planning, QA, finance and risk, and prior to that spent a decade in the private sector advising (including universities) on brand strategy, valuation and defense. Michael holds degrees in law, economics and marketing, and is admitted to legal practice.
Mike Winter OBE Director, Global Engagement University of London
Mike has 40 years' experience in international education, including with the British Council from 1981 to 2008 in the UK, Turkey, Brazil, France and Japan, where as Director Education he was awarded an OBE for services to international education collaboration. In 2009, he became Director International of the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) with responsibility for the IOE’s global partnerships, student and staff mobility, and the development of its international research and knowledge transfer portfolio. He has been the University of London (UoL)'s Director of Global Engagement since 2016, leading on the development of UoL’s transnational provision across 190 countries.
ieaa.org.au #IEAATNE