Australian scholarships contribute to internationalisation of Thai education
Above: Associate Professor Dr Bundit Fungtammasan, Vice President for research of King Mongkut’s University of Technology (KMUTT) presented a token of appreciation to HE Mr James Wise, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, at a special lecture titled ‘Get prepared for internationalisation’ held recently at KMUTT.
HE Mr James Wise, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, emphasised the role of Australian Government Scholarships in the future development and internationalisation of Thai students at a recent lecture on ‘’Get Prepared for Internationalisation” at King Mongkut’s University of Technology (KMUTT).
The lecture focused on the importance of internationalisation in the context of the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. Over two hundred students, academics and university staff attended the talk.
“Graduates of Thai universities in the future will increasingly need to be international in their outlook and experience, and be prepared to operate globally. The challenge for educational institutions, both in Thailand, Australia and across ASEAN, is to aid its students to prepare for this global environment”, Ambassador Wise stated.
In order to bridge the language and cultural gap between Thailand and other ASEAN countries, Ambassador Wise suggested it would require Thais to learn ASEAN languages in addition to improving their English language skills.
Ambassador Wise said study abroad is an excellent way of developing the international language, cross-cultural competencies and essential skills. Thai students can consider applying for an Australian Government scholarship (the Australia Awards) to support study or research in Australia.
KMUTT has recently developed a strategy to raise staff and student awareness of the importance of university internationalisation for Thailand’s entry into the AEC in 2015. A number of highly respected Australian research universities have well-established links with KMUTT including the Queensland University of Technology, the University of Technology, Sydney and Macquarie University.
The Australian Government scholarships for commencement in 2014 will open for application early next year (around February for Australia Leadership Awards and in April for Endeavour Awards).
More information on the Australia Awards, visit www.australiaawards.gov.au
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