The Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) on behalf of Karnataka Higher Education, Government of Karnataka signs a Education Cooperation Arrangement (ECA) with Education New Zealand, which is the government agency responsible for taking New Zealand’s education experiences to the world. This strategic partnership signifies an epic step forward in transforming the educational landscape by promoting collaboration, facilitating student and faculty mobility, engaging in research endeavors, and sharing best practices and emerging trends in education.
The ECA was signed by Dr. K G Chandrashekara, Executive Director of KSHEC and Ms. Lisa Futschek, General Manager – International of Education New Zealand. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Dr. M C Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Sri Srikar M S., Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, GoK; Prof. S R Niranjana, Vice Chairman of KSHEC, GoK; Dr. Thandava Gowda T N, Administrative Officer of KSHEC, GoK; Vice Chancellors and representatives from State Public Universities along with Mr. Damon Salesa, Vice Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, and his team.
The delegation, comprising representatives from eight Universities in New Zealand and eleven Karnataka State Public Universities, engaged in breakout session to identify mutual areas of interests. This session facilitated discussions to discover common ground for potential collaborations in academic and research activities.
Through this dynamic alliance, the Karnataka Higher Education Department and Education New Zealand are prepared to:
- Explore avenues for international partnerships and collaborations between New Zealand and Karnataka HEIs in STEM, Social Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism, and Multimedia to broaden the global perspectives of both students and Faculties.
- Facilitate collaborative research initiatives between institutions to drive innovation and address pressing challenges in education.
- Sharing the best practices, trends, educational exchanges, and promotional activities.
Dr. M C Sudhakar, Hon’ble Higher Education Minister Government of Karnataka, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with Education New Zealand reflects our unwavering commitment to promoting excellence in higher education. Together, we will cultivate a vibrant learning environment that nurtures research, innovation and continuous improvement in our institutions.”
Ms. Lisa Futschek, General Manager – International, Education New Zealand said, “We are thrilled to join hands with the Karnataka Higher Education Department to drive positive change in the international education sector. This collaboration drives a shared vision: fostering internationalization of education and student and faculty mobility initiatives. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to empower students and educators alike to thrive in the ever-evolving educational landscape. Our commitment to India as a valued education partner is embodied in initiatives that contribute to the transformative education landscape and provide opportunities for students from both nations to explore, collaborate, and learn.”
This landmark collaboration emphasizes a shared dedication to advancing higher education and empowering the next generation of learners to excel in an increasingly dynamic world.