Column: Sunil Kaushal
In today’s interconnected world, fostering stronger ties between nations goes beyond traditional trade agreements. It requires innovative approaches that address various aspects of bilateral relationships. One such avenue lies in the realm of education.
By leveraging its robust education system, New Zealand can play a crucial role in bridging the education needs of India and building closer ties between the two nations, even in the absence of a Free Trade Agreement.
Capitalising on Educational Excellence
New Zealand’s education system has gained international acclaim for its quality and innovation. By offering Indian students access to world-class education, New Zealand can attract a significant number of Indian learners, thereby facilitating cultural exchange and fostering mutual understanding. Furthermore, New Zealand’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in its education system aligns well with India’s diverse population, creating an environment that welcomes Indian students and provides them with an enriching educational experience.
Strengthening Academic Collaboration
To bridge the education needs of both countries effectively, it is essential to foster academic collaboration between New Zealand and Indian institutions. This collaboration can take various forms, including faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and twinning programs. By facilitating knowledge sharing and cross-cultural interactions, such partnerships can enhance the educational experiences of students from both nations while also nurturing long-term research collaborations that address shared challenges.
Addressing Skill Development Requirements
India’s rapidly growing economy demands a skilled workforce across various sectors. New Zealand can contribute significantly to India’s skill development initiatives by tailoring its educational programs to meet India’s specific needs. By identifying priority areas and designing targeted courses, New Zealand can equip Indian students with the necessary skills and expertise, thereby boosting India’s human capital and fostering economic growth. Collaboration with Indian industry bodies and policymakers will be instrumental in aligning the curriculum with India’s evolving demands.
Leveraging Digital Education
The global pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital education, presenting a unique opportunity for New Zealand and India to forge stronger educational ties. By leveraging its expertise in e-learning and online platforms, New Zealand can provide Indian students with access to quality education remotely. This can be achieved through joint initiatives such as virtual classrooms, online courses, and interactive learning modules. Additionally, New Zealand can share best practices in leveraging technology for education with Indian institutions, further enhancing the digital transformation of Indian education.
Supporting Student Mobility
Ensuring smooth student mobility is essential for bridging educational needs between New Zealand and India. New Zealand can simplify visa processes, provide scholarships, and streamline recognition of Indian qualifications to attract more Indian students. Similarly, Indian policymakers can promote awareness about the benefits of studying in New Zealand and facilitate credit transfers between Indian and New Zealand institutions. By removing barriers and supporting student mobility, both countries can nurture a vibrant academic exchange that strengthens bilateral relations. One of the successes in education sector was my initiative of Funds Transfer Scheme, which worked really well across agencies including ENZ, INZ, MFAT and ANZ Bank.
In the absence of a Free Trade Agreement, New Zealand can play a pivotal role in bridging the education needs of India and forging stronger ties between the two nations. By capitalising on its educational excellence, fostering academic collaboration, addressing skill development requirements, leveraging digital education, and supporting student mobility, New Zealand’s education sector can contribute significantly to this endeavour. The initiatives proposed above, can serve as a roadmap for New Zealand to build a more robust educational partnership with India, leading to mutual benefits, cultural exchange, and closer bilateral ties.
See article in Kia Ora India Magazine: https://issuu.com/inzbc/docs/kiaora_india_jun2023_v5_low/6
