Australia’s education services are already in high demand in Southeast Asia. Five countries in the region are among the top 10 source countries of international students for Australia.
Australia’s education services are already in high demand in Southeast Asia. Five countries in the region are among the top 10 source countries of international students for Australia.
Australia should seize lucrative opportunities in the growing Southeast Asian market, particularly in education and research, according to a report commissioned by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Authored by Nicholas Moore, special envoy for Southeast Asia, the report underlines the region’s rise as an “economic powerhouse” by 2040.
The study calls for enhancing promotional efforts in Southeast Asia, with a sharper focus on the approximately 190 million middle-class consumers in the region. Key sectors for potential growth include health care, education, financial technology and premium food and beverages.
Education services in high demand
Australia’s education services are already in high demand in Southeast Asia, with five nations in the region ranking among the top 10 source countries of international students in Australia.
The report acknowledges the emergence of Australian-run offshore campuses and digital educational platforms and suggests allocating more resources for promotional activities. Digital uptake, for one, will have “ramifications across all economic sectors, thereby facilitating greater trade in services,” the report noted.
This includes building on existing platforms such as the Study Australia website and advocating for policy changes to support the development of offshore campuses.
To foster closer connections, the report recommends enhancing “two-way mobility to deepen professional exchanges and cultural immersion.” It also suggests expanding the New Colombo Plan, which brings foreign students to Australia, and establishing a new research grants scheme to address shared interests with Southeast Asian countries.
Moore’s report, which synthesizes 200 written submissions and consultations with around 750 individuals, argues that education providers must adapt to the evolving demands of students and industry trends.
