International conference to showcase multi-billion dollar Australian industry
Released 28 September 2005
Australia’s $7 billion international education industry will be
on show when up to 1000 delegates from around the world converge on
the Gold Coast for the 2005 Australian International Education
Conference.
Hosted by IDP Education Australia, the conference will build on
its 19 year history and reputation as the premier international
education conference in the Asia-Pacific region.
A highlight of the conference will be keynote speaker, Dr Khaled
Salih, a renowned authority on Middle East politics and a key
political advisor to the Kurdistan Regional Government and
Kurdistan National Assembly.
Dr Salih will discuss the pre and post-war Iraqi education
system, the initial reconstruction plans for education after the
war and will highlight the major challenges, both country-wide and
regional, facing education in Iraq.
IDP chief executive officer, Anthony Pollock, said Australian
international education had experienced rapid expansion over the
past decade and that new markets in Asia and the Middle East were
emerging as the drivers for sustained growth in coming years.
“Australia has outperformed most competitor nations for a long
time but we do need to recognise that changes in demand and
increased competition from development offshore mean the sector
needs to remain focussed on the value of an Australian education,”
Mr Pollock said.
“Demonstrating the career opportunities and advantages that a
quality Australian education provides are the keys to sustaining
our vital industry.
“Finding new markets and seizing new opportunities
internationally are also critical.
“Iraq is an interesting case in point. Post-reconstruction Iraq
will require skilled human capital and Australia is well positioned
to play a role.”
He said while Australia had experienced slower growth this year
in traditional markets such as south-east Asia, we are experiencing
double digit growth from other areas such as India, China,
Bangladesh, the Middle East, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
Other speakers at the conference include 2005 Young Australian
of the Year, Khao Do, champion business woman and author of Good
Service and Good Business, Catherine DeVrye, and Generation Y
expert and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Peter Sheahan.
Mr Pollock said the four day conference also marked the 20th
anniversary of the Australian Government's policy on the export of
education services and enrolment of international students on a
full fee basis.
Mr Pollock said the conference provided the perfect environment
for delegates to network and consider the issues for international
education and explore global trends and competitive
developments
The 2005 Australian International Education Conference will be
held 11-14 October at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition
Centre.
The four day event includes a range of workshops on topics such
as trade and marketing, professional development, research,
leadership, policy and innovation and student experience.
Presenters come from Australia, the UK, Asia, Europe, the Middle
East, New Zealand and the USA.
A trade exhibition of more than 30 companies showcasing new
products and service in the industry will form part of the
conference.
For information on conference registration visit www.idp.com.au .
