Speeches
Monday, 19 May 2025
Visit to Australia Cambodia Education Academy
I am pleased to be with you at AusCam Academy, on what is my first visit to Cambodia as Governor of South Australia.
A key objective of my visit is to foster stronger connections between South Australia and Cambodia through education, supporting the education and career aspirations of Cambodian students.
As a diplomat, I learned that education was the cornerstone of many bilateral and multilateral conversations. It can create a powerful bond between countries.
As Governor and patron of StudyAdelaide, I am proud to endorse South Australia’s world-class education system.
I congratulate AusCam Academy on partnering with SACE and pioneering the introduction of the SACE curriculum in Cambodia.
We look forward to you being a part of, and enhancing, our global SACE International school network.
Many South Australian alumni, including Rhodes scholars, completed the SACE.
I am a proud alumnus myself of the SACE curriculum.
The education provided at SACE schools equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills which set them up for success at university, in their careers and as future leaders.
The South Australian government is deeply committed to strengthening its partnership with Cambodia and supporting Cambodian students, whether they study the SACE in Cambodia or in Adelaide.
Adelaide is a vibrant, multicultural city that offers a high quality of life and a welcoming community. It is home to international students from over 130 countries.
The presence of diverse cultures enhances our city, and I invite every Cambodian student contemplating studying tertiary education abroad, to consider Adelaide.
Beyond the classroom, our city offers a safe and friendly atmosphere, and provides a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a supportive community.
South Australia’s economy is also transforming, gaining momentum in industries including health, renewable energy, space, agriculture, and critical technologies.
We have established innovation precincts at Lot Fourteen, Tonsley Innovation District, and Adelaide BioMed City.
These precincts are home to global companies and startups, all located just minutes from university and vocational education campuses.
This proximity is more than just a convenience — it enables students to gain hands-on experience and exposure to global companies, and engage with future employers, during their studies.
In South Australia, we are proud of our students' access to industries as well as the passion, care, and authenticity which drive our education sector.
These values are reflected in students’ classroom experiences, and in the support provided by StudyAdelaide, which delivers more than 100 events each year for international students.
As patron of StudyAdelaide, I observe firsthand the genuine commitment of the South Australian government and community to support Cambodian students during their time in Adelaide.
As this new partnership takes shape, I look forward to welcoming a cohort of SACE students from AusCam Academy to Adelaide.
To the SACE Board, AusCam Academy and school counsellors, your continued efforts to strengthen the relationship between South Australia and Cambodia are greatly appreciated.
We value the important role you play in helping Cambodian students choose the SACE curriculum and sharing the opportunities Adelaide offers to international students.