Speeches
Monday, 13 April 2026
StudyAdelaide Agent Appreciation Event, Hong Kong
It is my great pleasure to be in Hong Kong again.
This is my second time in Hong Kong as Governor, having last visited in May 2023.
And, as Jane mentioned, my connection with Hong Kong extends further, having lived and worked here earlier in my career.
I am particularly pleased to be with you today to support the enduring people-to-people connections between Hong Kong and South Australia.
Education plays an enduring and significant role in building and maintaining these connections.
For this reason, I am proud to be supporting the initiatives of the South Australian government and South Australia’s world-class education system, especially its vibrant international education sector.
Adelaide has been chosen by international students from over 130 nationalities as their study destination.
Ours is a lively and multicultural city that values the diversity that students from Hong Kong bring to our city, classrooms, and workplaces. And your students in turn benefit from the education and experience that only Adelaide can offer.
From schooling to university, there is a focus on ensuring students are set up for the future through their learning.
An example is the STEM Schools–Industry Partnerships initiative, where South Australian schools work closely with industry to align education with real-world needs.
These collaborations equip students with practical skills and experiences, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges and transition smoothly into vocational education or university pathways.
South Australia’s universities continue to move with the times.
The new Adelaide University opened on 1 January and is now teaching its first cohort of students.
Adelaide University is a member of the Group of Eight and currently ranked 82nd in the world, an impressive feat that shows its strength on the world stage.
The curriculum at Adelaide University is contemporary and industry informed, with work-integrated learning embedded in its courses.
Flinders University is also forging ahead in its global impact and launched its new strategic plan – Agenda 2035 - in February.
Flinders has set itself an ambitious target to change 10 million lives for the better by 2035.
This vision is supported by multiple new facilities including its new city campus and the Health and Medical Research Building, the centrepiece of the exciting Flinders Village development program.
Both buildings provide greater connection for students' work integrated learning placements through their proximity to global and local businesses.
South Australia’s economy is also in a process of transformation, gaining momentum in industries including health, renewable energy, space, agriculture, and critical technologies.
Students from Hong Kong can benefit from the growth we are cultivating in these globally relevant and future-facing industries.
In Adelaide, we bring a student closer to success, through close links with the industries of the future.
We achieve this through the access we provide to industry leaders, and through our innovation precincts at Lot Fourteen, Tonsley Innovation District and Adelaide BioMed City – all located minutes from the campuses of our universities.
This proximity is more than just a convenience – it enables students to gain experience and exposure to businesses and networks during their studies.
As patron of StudyAdelaide, I observe firsthand the genuine commitment from the South Australian government and community to support students from Hong Kong during their time living and learning in our city.
I take immense pride in hearing the stories from international alumni, about how their lives and careers have developed since their time in Adelaide - and how the experience of being part of our community has shaped their lives and outlook.
The South Australian international education sector is exceptional.
The level of passion, care and authenticity is as strong as the quality of the offering.
I thank you for your personal contribution to the success of the sector, as well as the contributions of your teams.
You play a pivotal role in educating students on the opportunities awaiting them if they choose to study in Adelaide, and for that, on behalf of South Australia, I say thank you.