Speeches
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
StudyAdelaide Agent Award Ceremony
It is my great pleasure to be here with you today in Beijing.
This is my second time in China as Governor of South Australia, having last visited in April 2024.
I have a deep connection with China from my time as Australia’s Ambassador to China, and as Governor I am pleased to meet many impressive Chinese students and alumni.
Education plays an enduring role in building and strengthening connections between our two countries, through shared learning and the two-way exchange of culture.
It is how friendships, international networks and new business ventures are formed.
For this reason, I am proud to be supporting the initiatives of the South Australian government and South Australia’s world-class education system, and its vibrant international education sector.
Adelaide has been chosen by international students from over 130 nationalities as their study destination.
Ours is a vibrant, multicultural city that values the diversity students from China bring to our city, classrooms and workplaces.
In turn, Chinese students benefit from the education and experience that only Adelaide can offer.
From schooling to university, South Australian institutions focus on ensuring students are set up for the future.
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 move successfully into vocational education or university pathways.
When school students choose to study in South Australia their success, safety and wellbeing are our highest priority.
They are provided the opportunity to succeed academically and grow as people through participation, open-mindedness, critical thinking, the development of language and friendships.
South Australia’s tertiary education landscape has transformed with the newly merged Adelaide University opening in January and now teaching its first cohort of students.
Adelaide University is a member of the Group of Eight and ranked 82nd in the QS world rankings, offering a contemporary, industry-informed curriculum and work-integrated learning embedded across many courses.
Flinders University plays a critical role in building South Australia’s global reputation in education and research.
In February it launched its new strategic plan, Agenda 2035, in which the university has set an ambitious target to change 10 million lives for the better by 2035.
This vision is underpinned 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 of these buildings provide greater connection for students' work integrated learning placements through their proximity to global and local businesses.
The South Australian government’s vocational training provider TAFE SA delivers training to students that is industry informed, preparing students for the workforce upon graduation.
TAFE SA has been consistently recognised as a leader in Australia for the quality of its training and was awarded Australia’s large training provider of the year in 2024.
South Australia’s economy is transforming, gaining momentum in industries including health, green energy, agricultural technology and space.
Chinese students 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 Places, including 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 allows students to gain experience, exposure to businesses and build networks while they study.
Students graduate with globally recognised qualifications and valuable industry experience, a powerful combination.
As patron of StudyAdelaide, I observe firsthand the genuine commitment from the South Australian government and community to support Chinese students during their time living and learning in our city.
I take immense pride in hearing the stories from international alumni, and how their lives and careers have developed since their time in Adelaide, and how the experience of living in our community has shaped their lives and outlook.
The South Australian international education sector is exceptional. The level of care for students is as strong as the quality of the offering.
Today, I’m pleased to formally acknowledge key education agents for your contribution to the success of the sector.
You play a pivotal role in growing the profile of South Australia and educating students on the opportunities awaiting them if they choose to study in Adelaide.
On behalf of the Government of South Australia and our education community, I offer you my sincere thanks.
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