New offshore boost to global presence
[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 1, No. 1
19 March - 2 April 2007 ] By Christina Buckridge
Uni affirms longterm commitment in Asia
The University of Melbourne has significantly expanded its international presence with offshore offices opening in Malaysia, Singapore and India.
Last year the University allocated $1 million towards the establishment of University offices in these strategic areas of interest.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Frank Larkins says the objectives of the new offices are multi-dimensional. “Of course, a key objective will be to communicate to local stakeholders the exciting curriculum developments with the introduction of the Melbourne Model in 2008,” he says.
“But, having our own people on the ground in India, Singapore and Malaysia also makes a statement about long-term commitment. It will help the University to maintain and grow international student numbers, to engage more effectively with our growing alumni and with the families of our students in these countries, and to facilitate strategic research and academic collaborations.”
Professor Larkins is adamant that the new offices will not just be shopfronts to recruit students. “They will position the University and build our profile in these communities. We will continue to work with local agents for student recruitment.”
The University has had offices in Jakarta and Bangkok for some years and last year the Bangkok office won a prestigious Thai-Australia Chamber of Commerce export award.
All the University’s offshore offices will be overseen by Ms Christine Fyfe, who has been appointed Manager, International Office Network. Ms Fyfe brings considerable experience in managing offshore operations to this new position, having joined the University from Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE where she managed the Business, Management and Finance Studies Department, including the offshore programs in Asia.
Ms Jan Drew, formerly Manager, International and External Relations in the University’s Faculty of Education, has taken up the position of Regional Director (Malaysia and Singapore).
Ms Drew will be based at the University’s new Malaysia office in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, close to key stakeholders, IDP and the Australian High Commission. A Country Officer for Malaysia is yet to be appointed.
Mr Vinod Mirchandani, a former PhD student in the University’s Department of Management and Marketing, will take up his appointment as Country Manager India on 2 April after a two-week induction in Australia. The University’s India office is co-located with the Victorian Government Business Office in Bangalore.
The Country Manager Singapore is Mr Sam Ang, who brings to the position extensive knowledge of the local market having worked in international student recruitment, and a genuine enthusiasm for this new role. The Singapore office is co-located with U21 Global in Singapore.
Professor Larkins says the University is considering locations for further University offshore offices to be established in coming years.
|
|
