Speeches
Monday, 23 June 2025
Education Agent Briefing StudyAdelaide
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
I am delighted to be with you today in Bengaluru. I came to India on several occasions as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and I carry with me fond memories.
It is a significant time to be visiting India as we continue to strengthen the relationship between our two countries and the enduring people-to-people connections.
Education is the cornerstone of many bilateral relationships.
Throughout my career, I have seen how international education and studying in different cultures forges lasting bonds between people and between countries.
As both Governor of South Australia and as Patron of StudyAdelaide I see the benefits for both South Australia and Bengaluru – and, most importantly, for the Indian students who choose to study in Adelaide.
For this reason, I am pleased to support the South Australian Government’s initiatives, including its world-class education system and its vibrant international education sector.
Indian students represent the largest cohort of international students in South Australia. We warmly welcome the culture, energy, and diversity they bring to our State.
I see this in many aspects of my role as Governor, including through cultural festivals, in conversations with Indian business owners and entrepreneurs, and the many Indian students, some of them school captains and prefects, I meet as I visit schools throughout the State.
South Australians recognise the significant economic and cultural contributions that Indian students studying in Adelaide make to our community.
Today, I also want to acknowledge the vital role that our alumni and education agents play in promoting and advocating for Adelaide as a study destination.
Adelaide is a welcoming, multicultural city with a high quality of life. We have recently again been ranked in the world’s top 10 most liveable cities. We are home to international students from more than 130 countries.
The city provides a safe and friendly atmosphere where students can concentrate on their studies and personal development, while enjoying unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
As is the case here in Bengaluru, innovation and technology are key priorities in South Australia. We recognise that through collaboration between government, research, industry and business, South Australia can make a global impact.
South Australia’s economy is transforming, and many of our fastest-growing industries are seeing strong investments, including renewable energy, creative industries, high-tech, health, agribusiness, and space.
The Government of South Australia has established innovation precincts across the city of Adelaide at Lot Fourteen, Tonsley Innovation District, and Adelaide BioMed City.
These precincts are home to global companies and startups, all located in close proximity to vocational and education training providers, and universities.
From school through to university, our education system is focused on preparing students for the future.
South Australia’s universities and vocational providers are closely connected with industry, which provides students valuable exposure to professional networks and connections.
The State’s education landscape will continue to transform over the coming years, with the establishment of Adelaide University – a new institution combining the strengths of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide.
Adelaide University is set to commence teaching in 2026 and aims to be ranked the number one university in Australia for employment outcomes and ranked in the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide.
The curriculum taught at Adelaide University will be contemporary, industry-informed, and centred on work-integrated learning.
Adelaide University will also be known for its leadership in research areas such as the green energy transition, health, culture and the creative industries, food, agriculture, and wine.
Flinders University is also transforming the education ecosystem with a new city campus located in the centre of the Adelaide.
On eight levels, the campus features modern, collaborative learning spaces. It is surrounded by the city’s arts, business, health, government, and sporting institutions, giving Indian students access to a rich and professional and cultural environment.
Its central location also enables stronger connections with local and global businesses through work-integrated learning placements.
The Health and Medical Research Building at Flinders Village, a $280 million project that opened last year, is now a hub for patient-focused research and collaboration within southern Adelaide’s biomedical research precinct.
In South Australia, we are proud not only of our access to industries but also the exceptional international education sector that is driven by passion, care, and authenticity.
We recognise that for many Indian students, studying abroad, is both an opportunity and has aspects that will challenge them.
That is why StudyAdelaide offers comprehensive support for international students choosing to study in Adelaide and delivers more than 100 events each year.
It gives me great pleasure to host some of these events at Government House and to engage personally with international students to hear their stories and experiences.
Thank you for your attendance.
It is wonderful to see the support of so many education agents gathered here today who play a crucial role as ambassadors of Adelaide and are helping guide young people in choosing Adelaide as their study destination.
Thank you for strengthening the relationship between South Australia and India.
Your contributions in helping Adelaide welcome Indian students and support their success are very much valued.