Charles Sturt University (CSU) has welcomed the federal government’s long awaited ‘Australia in the Asian Century White Paper’ and the importance that it places on education and universities to prepare and engage Australians for the Asian Century.

 

CSU’s Director of the International Relations, Ms Sue Moloney said, “Charles Sturt University has a long and successful history of engagement with Asia in research and teaching and learning that dates back to the formation of the University.

 

“Many partnerships and collaborations with universities in China, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, India and Singapore now exist as a result of our early engagement with the Asian region.” Ms Moloney said the white paper provides a positive and affirming foundation for CSU to strengthen and deepen its already vibrant engagement.  

 

“It is becoming more important to ensure that our graduates are culturally aware and have the skills and knowledge to maximise their career opportunities in the Asian Century,” Ms Moloney added.  

 

“One way this is occurring is through providing a broad range of opportunities for our students to undertake study experiences in Asia via the CSU Global program.”

 

With more than 1 000 students in China studying business, the focus of the white paper has been also welcomed by CSU’s International School of Business and Partnerships (ISBP).

 

ISBP’s China Teaching Manager, Mr Tony Bush, said the report’s focus on education and language contains important strategic implications.  

 

The Asian Century White Paper has a heavy emphasis on education such as embedding Asian literacy and competencies into the course curriculum. 

 

Mr Bush said credit arrangements were already in place to enable the flow of students between CSU and a number of Asian universities. He said the support for boosting online collaboration with counterparts in Asia to undertake research and university engagement also played to CSU's strength as Australia's largest provider of distance education. 

 

“We welcome the report and many of its core recommendations we have been pursuing for some time,” he said.

 

“The International School of Business and Partnerships operates within the strategic plans, directions and decisions taken by Charles Sturt University and the Faculty of Business. It manages the quality assurance of the University’s programs at partner institutions through the effective moderation of work from various locations including China (incorporating Hong Kong), Cambodia, Malaysia and Australia.”

 

Further information for international students is available from CSU here.