The Asia Pacific Association of International Education (APAIE) is looking forward to welcoming close to 2000 conference goers to Perth for their Annual conference. It brings together international education practitioners from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
The conference is two weeks away, and a number of key initiatives are now locked in. here’s a few highlights.
Keynote Speaker Locked in: Michael Weir
Michael is a Mulgana Traditional Owner and Tidal Moon Managing Director, Tidal Moon, Australia
The Tidal Moon Sea Cucumbers project is a collaboration with three Aboriginal communities, Mulgana (Shark Bay), Bayungu (Coral Bay / Exmouth) and Thalanyji (Onslow), which has developed a viable commercial sea cucumber business, training and supporting the next generation of local Indigenous people, while maintaining cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. Out of this Indigenous aquaculture project has emerged a unique and significant blue carbon biodiversity restoration project.
Breakfast Session: Destination State
Peter Klinken – Chief Scientist of Western Australia, Australia
Western Australia is ideally placed for an orderly transition to a renewable future. With an abundance of sunlight, wind and critical minerals, this State has the potential to be a global leader in the energy transition.
The session is delivered by Professor Klinken, a leading Western Australian medical research scientist, highly regarded for his work in advancing the understanding of genes involved in leukemia, cancer and anaemia. After obtaining his PhD from the University of Western Australia, he undertook research at the US National Institutes of Health in Washington and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne.
His previous roles have included Professor in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Western Australia; Director of Research at the Royal Perth Hospital; and the Director of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (previously the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research). Under his stewardship, the Harry Perkins Institute attracted world-class researchers to the State and made numerous acclaimed medical discoveries. He also spearheaded developing two new state-of-the-art medical research facilities at the QEII Medical Centre and Fiona Stanley Hospital.
Professor Klinken has brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role of Chief Scientist of Western Australia, providing independent expert advice to the State Government. His has supported the Government in growing the State’s science industries to achieve future prosperity for Western Australians, as well as assisting with changes to legislation.
He is passionate about issues for Indigenous people, and ensuring that the Education system provides opportunities for everyone in a rapidly changing world.
Professor Klinken was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the 2017. He was Western Australian Citizen of the Year (Professions) in 2008, and made a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (2015) and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2016).
Refreshed Australian Presence
The look and feel of the Australian Universities Pavilion, showcased at the APAIE, NAFSA and EAIE conferences, has been refreshed as part of a process undertaken by the Australian Universities International Directors’ Forum (AUIDF).
Immediately recognisable as Australian, and featuring indigenous artwork, the new design will be displayed for the first time at the APAIE Conference in Perth. For the past five years, a rotation of outback, rainforest and desert colour themes have been utilised. Now, one warm earthy ochre-based colour palette, used in a variety of combinations, will be form the core tones for the pavilions throughout 2024.
Chair of the AUIDF, Mr Jogvan Klein said “We are really excited about refreshed look and approach to representing Australia at these key events, using more locally-produced and sustainable materials. It has been particularly exciting to work with Mikaela on the artwork and see it come to life in the design. It was wonderful to see all our members get behind this new approach and we are super excited to see it in real life starting at APAIE.”
The AUIDF engaged Mikaela Cameron, who uses the artist name M. J. Badagarang for her contemporary Aboriginal art, this incorporates her totem Badagarang (Eastern Grey Kangaroo). Mikaela is a proud Dharug woman, based in Newcastle, NSW. She studied at Educational Studies Deakin University, has a strong passion for culture, creative arts and education. As well as being an emerging indigenous artist, Mikaela has experience delivering cultural workshops to schools and organisations. She is dedicated to closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
Mikaela has created a series of icons for use on the Australian Universities Pavilions at APAIE, NAFSA and EAIE. These include circles, representing people coming together, gathering and meeting place which aligns with the purpose of the three conferences. The main feature circle includes 39 dots representing the Australian Universities. Also featured is reference to country with arched artwork which symbolise sand dunes on the coast and sand hills in the desert and various lines which represent our country’s bush tracks, waterways and coastline.
Anja Roehrdanz, who has been working on the pavilions with the AUIDF since 2017, has created the overall design incorporating the new palette and artwork and the AUIDF have committed to incorporating more sustainable builds and products as part of this renewal project.
As someone who was intimately involved in planning of AUIDF presences at major showcases around the glove, the Koala is excited to see this new iteration and congratulates the AUIDF.
Student Voice
On Wednesday of the conference, there will be a dedicated session on the ‘student voice’ covering the international student journey. This is the first time APAIE have included a session such as this. It will no doubt, be very popular.
Global Dialogue: Collaborating for sustainable impact: partnerships across the Asia Pacific
A fitting conclusion to the APAIE 2024 conference is the Global Dialogue. After three days of sessions focused on various aspects of the conference theme, Collaborating for sustainable impact: partnerships across the Asia Pacific, a panel of distinguished leaders from across the world of international education will share their views and answer your questions. Join us for a fun and fast-paced, insightful and inspiring 60 minutes.
Still thinking of attending but not sure?
The program can be seen here.
To register, see here.
