Deakin University Vice-Chancellor announces new Hubs with international universities in India

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin is currently visiting New Delhi, India, to announce the launch of partner-institutions so that students can commence the first part of their studies in their home country.

"I am excited to be back in India and it couldn't have been for a better occasion than the launch of the DEAKIN UNIVERSITY HUBS at OP Jindal Global University, Symbiosis International University and Chitkara University," said Professor Martin.

"These hubs will provide valuable opportunities for growth, student mobility and joint research. They will promote enhanced collaboration between Indian institutes and Deakin, leading to academic and research excellence that will be highly beneficial for both countries."

Deakin was the first international university to establish its presence in India in 1994, and over the last two years through its office in New Delhi, has set up innovative models of engagement to boost learning opportunities for students in India.

Students can now commence the first part of their studies with a Deakin partner institution in India and then transfer to a Deakin campus in Australia for the second part of their educational journey.

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY HUBS will act as the central point of all engagement activities, alongside strategic partners OP Jindal Global University, Symbiosis International University and Chitkara University. This initiative will enhance collaboration and deliver on the National Education Policy's goal of the internationalisation of education.

The announcement was made at Deakin and Tata Consultancy Services' international conclave in New Delhi.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, welcomed the initiative.

"This event is important for me, for India and for the youth of India because academics, technocrats and thought leaders are here. I'm here to take advice from all of you, I want to align my National Education Policy with the emerging thoughts of the globe," he said.

The conclave brought together thought leaders from academia, government and industry to deliberate on the critical themes around digital transformation, internationalisation of education, international collaboration in research and innovation, skill-based education and global employability.

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY HUBS will be instrumental in establishing innovative models of engagement in higher education, research and training for in-country programs leading to onshore studies in Australia.

The Hubs will also offer student support and student mobility between campuses in India and Australia and in-country assistance for internships and connections with industry. Development projects and consultancy initiatives in research, innovation and skills development will also be facilitated through the innovation Hubs.

Ravneet Pawha, Vice-President (Global Alliances) and CEO (South Asia) at Deakin said, "The vision for Deakin University Hubs in India is firmly embedded in Deakin's 'with India, in India, for India' approach of engagement to prepare the country's youth for the future.

The Hubs will act as a conduit to strengthen the university-industry-government partnership which will benefit society at large."

Speakers at the conclave included:

• Mr Subramaniam Ramodorai (Former Vice Chairman, Tata Consultancy Services)
• Mr Sanjeev Bikhchandani (Founder, InfoEdge)
• Ambassador Anil Wadhwa (Distinguished Fellow, Vivekananda International Foundation)
• Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh (Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education)
• Mr Ankur Mathur (Business Unit Head, Education - India, TCS)
• Ms Michelle Wade (Commissioner - South Asia, Global Victoria)
• Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar (Pro-Chancellor, Symbiosis International University)
• Dr Monica Kennedy (Senior Trade Commissioner – Australian Trade and Investment Commission)
• Mr Kuldeep Pandita (Geo Head Education Business for Australia & New Zealand, TCS)
• Ms Sarah Storey (Deputy Australian High Commissioner to India)
• Professor (Dr) C Raj Kumar (Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University)
• Dr Vibha Dhawan (Director General, TERI)
• Mr Raju Goteti (Vice President, TCS Co Innovation Network)
• Ms Melissa Banks (Head of International Education, AUSTRADE)
• Mr Gopal Krishna GSS (Country Head – Market Function and Product Group Head, TCS iON), and
• Mr Glenn Campbell (CEO DeakinCo.).

The conclave also witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding with Deakin's existing partners Tata Consultancy Services and Tata Energy Research Institute, which aim to boost ongoing engagement in areas of mutual strategic alignment, such as sustainability and capacity building.