Speech by Greg Wilcock, High Commissioner of Australia:
Australian Education Exhibition
Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, Dhaka
11 September 2012
Representatives from IDP Edcuation, who generously invited me to participate in this event;
Representatives from Australian institutions;
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen;
It’s very encouraging to see over 20 Australian institutions at this event, from each of Australia’s states and territories. Welcome to Bangladesh.
My studies at the Australian National University are 20 years distant. But, like many of us, I’ve worked since that time to sustain the friendships I built at university.
Living as I did in the ANU’s Burton and Garran Hall, my fellow residents seemed to be from everywhere: Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Korea, the United States, Namibia, India – and a handful from Bangladesh.
This student mix was vital to the sheer stimulation and fun of study and extra-curricular life.
I have been in Bangladesh only since the beginning of July. But already I’ve been struck by the number of Bangladeshis I’ve met who’ve studied in Australia, or who have family links to an Australian university.
Frequently, and happily, I’ve been able to talk to Bangladeshis about life in Australian universities and cities. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is a popular theme. And sometimes we even have academic contacts in common.
As valuable as their academic achievements in Australia are to each of these alumni, taken together they are invaluable to the long-standing friendship between Australia and Bangladesh.
Currently, around 7000 Bangladeshis are studying in Australia. Year on year, that means many thousands of Bangladeshis have been welcomed to Australia.
These students benefit from the excellent international reputation of Australian universities and other educational institutions – which have the highest standards of teaching, research and student support.
Australian education is high quality and highly competitive when compared to other overseas student destinations. Australia offers a great lifestyle and a safe study environment.
Moreover, as I’ve evoked, studying in Australia allows students to meet colleagues from a wide range of countries in the region and the opportunity to build networks that can last a lifetime.
Australia greatly values the benefits of Bangladeshis studying in Australia to both our countries. If we assume the resulting friendship and goodwill, we also appreciate that education is a vital for Bangladesh’s growth.
Those who return to Bangladesh bring with them qualifications, skills and the motivation to succeed. They make Bangladesh an even more dynamic country. They help drive significant economic growth and links.
The rest of us also benefit. Australia, for one, finds in Bangladesh’s growth a bigger trade partnership – now our second largest in South Asia. Our two-way trade has doubled during the past three years.
We also value what Australian universities can offer people and institutions, like those here in Bangladesh, working hard to lift their communities out of poverty.
Development scholarships have been an important component of Australia’s overseas aid programs since the Colombo Plan in the 1950s. Australia has awarded scholarships in Bangladesh since its independence.
Under the Australia Awards, the Australian Government invests over $200 million each year in scholarships which, at any time, support around 5,000 international students, researchers and professionals to study in Australia.
Under the Australia Awards, Australia will award over 50 development scholarships in Bangladesh this year, aiming to strengthen economic policy, administration, financial management, and international negotiation.
Honoured guests
During this exhibition prospective students will be able to meet face-to-face with representatives from leading Australian institutions. They can investigate studies suited to their needs and interests, all under one roof.
They can begin to learn about the great opportunity that Australia offers.
Recalling my years at ANU, I can vouch for that from personal experience.
I wish you a successful event. I am sure it will be stimulating for students and institutions alike.
Thank you.