draft report to parliament...hosted lunch meeting with al sharif group investment trading group llc...

Report to Parliament Official Mission to Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Singapore Led by the Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP Minister for Education, Training and Employment 9 – 16 March 2014

Official Mission to Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Singapore Page 2 of 23 9 – 16 March 2014

Table of Contents LIST OF OFFICIAL DELEGATION MEMBERS ........................................................ 3

Official Delegation Members .................................................................................... 3 Trade and Investment Queensland Representative – Middle East ............................. 3 Education Queensland Representative – Middle East ........................................... 3 Trade and Investment Queensland Representative – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ......................................................................................... 3

LIST OF BUSINESS DELEGATION MEMBERS ...................................................... 4

Business Delegates – Middle East ......................................................................... 4 Business Delegates – Singapore ........................................................................... 4

PROGRAM ............................................................................................................... 5 MEETING REPORTS .............................................................................................. 12

Queensland Government Reception – Doha ........................................................ 12 Meeting with Qatar University .............................................................................. 12 Meeting With Qatar Olympic Committee – Qatar ................................................. 13 Meeting with Qatar Foundation ............................................................................ 13 Meeting With Supreme Education Council – Qatar .............................................. 14 Meeting with Department of Economic Development ........................................... 15 Meeting with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Abu Dhabi .......................... 16 Meeting With Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) ............................................ 17 Queensland Government Reception – Abu Dhabi................................................ 18 Meeting with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Abu Dhabi .......................... 18 Opening of the University And Vocational Education and Training (VET) Roundtables ........................................................................................................ 18 Meeting with the Ministry Of Education – Dubai ................................................... 19 Lunch Meeting with Al Sharif Investment Group and Tour of Australian International School (AIS) Sharjah ....................................................................... 20 Meeting with Raffles Education Corp, Singapore ................................................. 21 Meeting with Academies Australasia .................................................................... 21 Lunch Meeting ..................................................................................................... 22 Meeting with Cognita Schools Group, Singapore ................................................. 23


LIST OF OFFICIAL DELEGATION MEMBERS Official Delegation Members

The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP

Minister for Education, Training and Employment

Ms Fiona Crawford Chief of Staff, Office of the Minister for Education, Training and Employment

Trade and Investment Queensland Representative – Middle East

Ms Donna Massie Trade and Investment Commissioner – Middle East

Education Queensland Representative – Middle East

Ms Leah Arnold-Phillips Business Development Manager – Education Middle East

Trade and Investment Queensland Representative – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Mr Marah Hoessein Salim Trade and Investment Commissioner – ASEAN


LIST OF BUSINESS DELEGATION MEMBERS Business Delegates – Middle East

Business Delegates – Singapore

Mr Bill Horrocks CEO,

Aviation Australia Pty Ltd

Mr John McPartland Director, Bond International, Bond University

Ms Kerry Ryan Training Business Manager, Faculty of Business and Mining, Central Queensland Institute of TAFE

Ms Kay Ganley CEO and President, Charlton Brown

Professor Ian O'Connor Vice Chancellor and President, Griffith University

Professor Graham Cuskelly Acting Dean (Academic), Griffith Business School, Griffith University

Mr Paul Daly CEO, Rail Skills Australasia

Ms Janelle Chapman Director, TAFE International, TAFE Queensland

Professor Peter Little Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Corporate Programs and Partnerships), Queensland University of Technology

Professor Peter Høj President and Vice Chancellor, University of Queensland

Mr Peter Harber Manager, International Partnerships, Global Engagement Office, UQ International, University of Queensland

Associate Professor Talal Yusaf

Executive Director (International and Development) USQ International, University of Southern Queensland

Professor Peter Høj President and Vice Chancellor,

University of Queensland


PROGRAM Time in bold indicates local time Time in normal font indicates Brisbane time Time Differences: Qatar 7 hours behind Brisbane United Arab Emirates 6 hours behind Brisbane Singapore 2 hours behind Brisbane Sunday 9 March 2014 – Brisbane 6:00pm – 6:30pm Check in at airport

8:50pm Depart Brisbane for Dubai on Emirates Flight EK435

Travel time: 14 h 35 m

overnight In transit

Monday 10 March 2014 – Dubai/Doha 5:25am 11:25am

Arrive Dubai

8:20am 2:20pm

Depart Dubai for Doha on Emirates Flight EK841 Travel time: 1 h 10 m

8:30am 3:30pm

Arrive Doha VIP welcome and processing

Travel to hotel – Grand Hyatt Doha Travel time: 45 m – (Additional time allowed due to traffic)

am/pm Liaison time / Cultural visit to the centre of Islamic art

5:00pm (approx) 12:00pm

Informal briefing by Australian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, His Excellency Mr Pablo Kang Venue: Grand Hyatt Doha

6:00pm – 8:00pm 1:00am – 3:00am (Tues)

Queensland Government Reception Venue: Grand Hyatt Doha, Lusail Street, West Bay, Doha Delegates: All

overnight Grand Hyatt Doha, West Bay Lagoon, Doha, Qatar


Tuesday 11 March 2014 – Doha/Abu Dhabi 7:15am – 8:00am 2:15pm – 3:00pm

Travel to Meeting Travel time: 45 m – (Additional time allowed due to traffic)

8:00am – 9:00am 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Meeting with Qatar University Dr Omar M Alansari, Vice President for Student Affairs Venue: Al Dafna area, Al Jamiaa Street, Doha Delegates: All

9:00am – 9:45am 4:00pm – 4:45pm


9:45am – 11:00am 4:45pm – 6:00pm

Liaison time

11:00am – 11:30am 6:00pm – 6:30pm

Meeting with Qatar Olympic Committee – His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Secretary General Venue: QOC Building, 25th Floor, Doha Delegates: All

11:30am – 12:15am 6:30pm – 7:15pm


12:15pm – 12:45pm 7:15pm – 7:45pm

Meeting with the Qatar Foundation - His Excellency Mr Saad Al Mohannadi, CEO Venue: Education City, Al Huqoul Street, Doha Delegates: All

12:45pm – 1:30pm 7:45pm – 8:30pm


1:30pm – 2:30pm 8:30pm – 9:30pm

Meeting with the Ministry of Education/Supreme Education Council – His Excellency Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, and Secretary General of the Supreme Education Council Venue: Al Waqf Tower, Al Dafna Area, near Corniche Street, Doha Delegates: All

2:30pm – 4:00pm 9:30pm – 11:00pm

Travel to Doha Airport Travel time: 1 h 30 m – (Additional time allowed due to traffic)

5:55pm 12:55am (Wed)

Depart Doha for Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways Flight EY396 Travel time: 1 h


Tuesday 11 March 2014 – Doha/Abu Dhabi 7:55pm 1:55am (Wed)

Arrive Abu Dhabi

9:00pm 3:00am (Wed)

Transfer to Hotel Travel time: 35 - 45 m

Overnight Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road West, Abu Dhabi

Wednesday 12 March – Abu Dhabi 8:15am – 9:00am 2:15pm – 3:00pm

Breakfast Briefing with Consul General and Senior Trade Commissioner for Austrade, Mr Gerard Seeber Venue: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi Delegates: No

9:00am – 9:30am 3:00pm – 3:30pm

Travel to next meeting Travel time: 30 m

10:00am – 11:00am 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Meeting with Department of Economic Development - His Excellency Nasser Ahmed Alsowaidi, Chairman and co-signatory of the Queensland-Abu Dhabi Memorandum of Understanding Venue: Al Salam Street, behind Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Delegates: No

11:00am – 11:30am 5:00pm – 5:30pm


11:30am – 12:30pm 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Meeting with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) – Dr Tayeb A Kamali, Vice Chancellor Venue: HCT Mens Campus, CERT Technology Park, Al Sadaa 19th Street, Abu Dhabi Delegates: All

12:30pm – 1:00pm 6:30pm – 7:00pm

Depart for next meeting Travel time: 30 m

1:00pm – 2:00pm 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Lunch – own arrangements

2:00pm – 2:30pm 8:00pm – 8:30pm

Travel to Meeting Travel time: 30 m


Wednesday 12 March – Abu Dhabi 3:00pm – 4:00pm 9:00pm – 10:00pm

Meeting with Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) – His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director General Venue: Abu Dhabi Education Council HQ, Ministries Complex at Khalifa Park area, Abu Dhabi Delegates: All

4:00pm – 4:30pm 10:00pm – 10:30pm

Return to Hotel Travel time: 30 m

4:30pm – 5:30pm 10:30pm – 11:30pm

Own arrangements

5:30pm – 6:00pm 11:30pm – 12:00am (Thur)

Travel to Reception Travel time: 20 - 30 m

6:00pm – 8:00pm 12:00am – 2:00am (Thur)

Queensland Government Reception Venue: Australian Ambassador's Residence, Abu Dhabi Delegates: All

8:00pm – 8:30pm 2:00am – 2:30am (Thur)

Depart for hotel Travel time: 20 - 30 m

overnight Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road West, Abu Dhabi


Thursday 13 March – Abu Dhabi/Dubai 7:30am – 8:00am 1:30pm – 2:00pm

Depart hotel for meeting Travel time: 30m

8:30am – 9:30am 2:30pm – 3:3-pm

Meeting with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) – Dr Tayeb A Kamali, Vice Chancellor Venue: HCT Mens Campus, CERT Technology Park, Al Sadaa 19th Street, Abu Dhabi Delegates: Professor Peter Høj

9:30am – 10:00am 3:30pm – 4:00pm

Opening of the University and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Roundtables Venue: Higher Colleges of Technology – Women’s Campus, Khalifa City A, 26th Street, Abu Dhabi Delegates: All

10:00am – 11:30am 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Travel to Dubai Travel time: 1 h 30 m

11:30am – 12:00noon 5:30pm – 6:00pm

Meeting with Minister of Education – His Excellency Humaid Mohammad Al Qutami, Minister of Education Venue: Intercontinental Hotel, Festival City, Dubai Delegates: No

12:00noon – 12:30pm 6:00pm – 6:30pm


12:30pm – 3:00pm 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Hosted lunch meeting with Al Sharif Group Investment Trading Group LLC followed by a tour of the Australian International School Venue: Australian International School, Street 116 Maliha to Kalba Road, Sharjah. Delegates: No

3:00pm – 4:00pm 9:00pm – 10:00pm

Travel to Dubai airport Travel time: 1 hr - (Additional time allowed due to traffic)

8:00pm 2:00am (Fri)

Depart Dubai for Singapore on Singapore Airlines flight SQ495 Travel time: 7 h 20 m

Overnight In transit


Friday 14 March – Singapore 7:20am 9:20am

Arrive Singapore VIP welcome and processing

8:30am 10:30am

Depart for hotel Travel time: 45 mins

9:15am 11:15am

Arrive at hotel – The St Regis Singapore

9:15am – 10:15am 11:15am – 12:15pm

Liaison time/Refresh

10:15am – 10:45am

Meeting with Raffles Education – Mr Chew Hua Seng, Chairman and CEO Venue: The St Regis, Singapore Delegates: No

11:00am – 11:30am 1:00pm – 1:30pm

Meeting with Academies Australasia – Mr Christopher Campbell, CEO Venue: The St Regis, Singapore Delegates: No

11:30am Depart for the Regent - walking Travel time: 10m (approx)

11:45am 1:45pm

Meet in Lobby of The Regent prior to lunch

12:00noon – 1:30pm 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Lunch meeting Venue: Basilico, Level 2, Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore Delegates: Yes – University of Queensland only

1:30pm – 2:00pm 3:30pm – 4:00pm

Depart for next meeting Travel time: 30 m

2:00pm – 4:00pm 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Visit to the Australian International School Singapore followed by meeting with Cognita Group Venue: 1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818 Delegates: No


Friday 14 March – Singapore

4:00pm – 4:30pm Travel back to The St Regis

Travel time: 30m

4:30pm Own arrangements

Overnight The St Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911 SG

Saturday 15 March 2014 – Singapore/Brisbane Check out of hotel

am

Cultural activity

12:00noon 2:00pm

Travel to Changi Airport Travel time: 30 m

12:30pm 2:30pm

Arrive Changi Airport

3:15pm 5:15pm

Depart Singapore for Brisbane on Emirates Flight EK432 Travel time: 7 h 35 m

Overnight In transit

Sunday 16 March 2014 – Singapore/Brisbane 0:50am Arrive Brisbane


MEETING REPORTS Queensland Government Reception – Doha Date:

Monday 10 March 2014

Meeting Summary

• The Queensland Government Reception in Doha was attended by 65 attendees who included a number of Queensland Alumni from the education and training sectors in Qatar who provided testimonials about their study experience in Queensland. It was also an excellent forum for the business delegates to share ideas, expand networks and investigate business opportunities.

• During my speech, I highlighted the Department of Education, Training and Employment’s history of collaboration and partnership

Meeting with Qatar University Date:

Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Attendees

Dr Omar M Alansari Vice President for Student Affairs, Qatar University

Meeting Summary

• My meeting with the Professor was to establish a relationship with the leading university in Qatar and to discuss opportunities for collaboration with Queensland universities.

• Dr Omar gave us an overview of Qatar University and how the Qatar Vision 2020 has meant that generous funds have been dedicated to research and education.

• I was able to highlight the areas of research and training linkages, faculty exchange programs and research potential of Queensland Universities. The business delegates were able to introduce themselves and promote their capabilities.

• I advised Dr Omar that our universities are renowned for their excellent range of Masters and PhD programs and that we would be pleased to host some of Qatar University’s scholarship students.

• We discussed opportunities for collaboration with Queensland Universities in the area of Sports Science, Ph.D. programs and student exchange. These discussions have created the opportunity for dialogue with several of our universities, who can now follow-up.

• We also discussed the Asian Football Cup which is being hosted in Australia 2015. Seven matches will be played in Brisbane in January and I advised Dr Omar that this could represent a prime opportunity for some of their students, or sports administrators, to observe first-hand the management of this major sporting event.


Meeting With Qatar Olympic Committee – Qatar Date: Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Attendees His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Tariq Saed A Alabdulla

Secretary General Director of Qatar Olympic Academy

Meeting Summary

• The purpose of my meeting with His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was to highlight Queensland’s successful staging of international sporting events and the legacy opportunities that followed. We discussed that Qatar and Queensland can add value to each other’s initiatives both in sport and general education and there are opportunities for future collaboration.

• We discussed the establishment of the Qatar Olympic Academy and I highlighted our institutions’ expertise in delivering Sports Science programs.

• The delegates were invited to introduce themselves and gave an overview of their institutions’ capabilities.

• We discussed a sporting collaboration and the World Road Cycling Event was suggested. I will pursue this with the CEO of our Commonwealth Games Committee in order to action a team to work together on this event.

• We also discussed the potential for a Memorandum of Understanding to cement our joint efforts in this important field.

Meeting with Qatar Foundation Date: Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Attendees

His Excellency Mr Saad Al Mohannadi CEO

Meeting Summary

• The CEO, His Excellency Mr Saad Al Mohannadi and I met to discuss opportunities for collaboration in education and training with the Qatar Foundation. The Qatar Foundation has its own scholarship program and is the driving force behind education and social reforms in Qatar.

• Our meeting provided an opportunity to discuss training and consulting in areas such as workforce management and workplace health and safety, in collaboration with Qatar, to address international concerns.

• We also discussed the potential for Queensland institutions to run training programs to skill workers in a full range of roles relating to the management and operations of major events. We discussed that there may be many areas for collaboration between our two countries, particularly in the field of sport and event management as Qatar looks forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

• Delegates were introduced and given an opportunity to represent their institution.


Meeting With Supreme Education Council – Qatar Date: Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Attendees His Excellency Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi

Secretary-General of the Supreme Education Council (SEC); Minister of Education and Higher Education

Meeting Summary

• The purpose of my meeting with His Excellency Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi was to encourage the Supreme Education Council to include more Queensland universities on its list of approved international institutions. There are currently three Queensland universities on the SEC approved list: University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and James Cook University.

• I discussed the possibility of expanding the list to include the University of Southern Queensland and Bond University.

• The SEC directs the nation’s education policy. It plays an integral role in the development and implementation of the education reform effort. It has oversight of the higher education scholarship placements of Qatari students and over local and international schools.

• I encouraged the Secretary-General to visit Queensland for a program of visits to Queensland universities arranged by Trade and Investment Queensland.

• We discussed the continuing professional development of our teaching workforce and that any joint research or project partnerships around this area would be beneficial.

• We also discussed the signing of an education Memorandum of Understanding both with the Australian Government and with the Queensland Government. I will pursue this agreement with the Queensland Government and encouraged the Secretary-General to provide advice in relation to the Qatari Government’s perspective.


Meeting with Department of Economic Development Date: Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Attendees His Excellency Nasser Ahmed Alsowaidi

Chairman and co-signatory of the Queensland-Abu Dhabi Memorandum of Understanding

His Excellency Mohammed Omar Abdulla Undersecretary

Meeting Summary

• During our meeting we discussed the Government to Government relationship that the Queensland Government has with Emirate of Abu Dhabi and our commitment to that relationship. The Queensland Government has a long-standing MOU with Abu Dhabi, of which the Department of Economic Development is the co-signatory.

• We spoke briefly about the United Arab Emirates Government’s generous donation of $30 million towards the construction of 10 cyclone shelter/community centres across north Queensland, in the wake of Cyclone Yasi in 2011. The shelters/centres are now complete and most are located on state school premises.

• We discussed the issue of teacher quality and training being one of global concern and advised that we would be please to work with His Excellency on helping to build the workforce capability of Abu Dhabi educators, backed by world class research taking place in Queensland universities.

• I invited His Excellency to visit Queensland and advised we would welcome the opportunity to meet with him in Brisbane.


Meeting with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Abu Dhabi Date: Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Attendees Dr Tayeb A Kamali Vice Chancellor Meeting Summary

• During our meeting we discussed establishing a relationship with the senior leadership of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). I also encouraged His Excellency Mohammad Omran Al Shamsi and Dr Tayeb A Kamali to visit Queensland and advised that Trade and Investment Queensland would be pleased to arrange a program of meetings and visits with Queensland institutions.

• The Vice Chancellor in particular is very well disposed towards Queensland, which provides an advantage for Queensland’s vocational education and training (VET) and Higher Education sectors to collaborate with HCT for staff and student exchanges, research and training.

• HCT is the largest institute of higher learning in the United Arab Emirates with 17 campuses. HCT offers both degree and vocational programs.

• The Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training (CERT) is HCT’s commercial arm and is modelled on Australian university commercial arms as witnessed by Dr Tayeb during his time in Australia.

• I discussed the importance of ensuring that all students from the United Arab Emirates enjoy the optimal experience at our institutes and that we should work towards ensuring the best possible outcomes for our students.


Meeting With Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) Date: Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Attendees His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili Director General, ADEC

Professor Dr Mohamed Yousif Baniyas Vice Chancellor, Emirates

College of Advanced Education

Professor Robert Milne Advisor to the Vice Chancellor

Meeting Summary

• During this meeting I was able to enhance the existing relationship for future collaboration and commercial opportunities between the Department of Education, Training and Employment and the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

• ADEC gave us an overview of their current and future projects.

• Teacher Licensing is being implemented across the UAEand we discussed Education Queensland International assisting and/or collaborating on the project. The Trade and Investment office in Abu Dhabi has already held some initial discussions with ADEC, in conjunction with GRM International. Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) and GRM International will try to make further progress in the coming months.

• Our Trade and Investment office in Abu Dhabi has begun discussions with the Emirates College of Advanced Education regarding some of the student teachers conducting their practicum placement in Queensland Government schools. We spoke of the benefits and I believe the Emirates College of Advanced Education (ECAE) are now committed to sending students. TIQ Abu Dhabi will continue their meetings with ECAE.

• I advised that we enjoyed hosting His Excellency’s visit to Brisbane in 2013 as well as those by the E-Learning and EHS teams.

• We spoke about the Department of Education, Training and Employment’s partnership with Browns English Language College (BROWNS) winning a tender for the ADEC Summer Abroad Program 2013. Thirty-five UAE students and their three chaperones undertook intensive English and cultural sessions in Queensland for four weeks in August 2013. I spoke about the graduation ceremony at Education House on 4 September 2013, where I presented participation certificates, merit awards and chaperone leadership certificates.

• The program was conducted by BROWNS at their Gold Coast premises and managed and quality assured by Education Queensland International (EQI).

• DET International intends to bid for the ADEC Summer Abroad Program 2014, as well as other potential opportunities that may arise; therefore it is important to continue the cooperative partnership between ADEC and DETE.

http://www.adec.ac.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx


Queensland Government Reception – Abu Dhabi Date: Wednesday 12 March 2014 – Abu Dhabi, UAE Event Summary

• The Queensland Government Reception in Abu Dhabi was attended by 88 attendees who included a number of Queensland Alumni from the education and training sectors in United Arab Emirates who provided testimonials about their study experience in Queensland. It was also an excellent forum for the business delegates to share ideas, expand networks and investigate business opportunities.

• During my speech, I highlighted the Department of Education, Training and Employment’s history of collaboration and partnership

Meeting with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Abu Dhabi Date: Thursday, 13 March 2014

Attendees Dr Tayeb A Kamali Vice Chancellor Meeting Summary

• During our meeting with Professor Peter Høj, President and Vice Chancellor, University of Queensland, we further discussed establishing a relationship with the senior leadership of the Higher Colleges of Technology.

Opening of the University And Vocational Education and Training (VET) Roundtables Date: Thursday, 13 March 2014 Attendees University Roundtable VET Roundtable Higher Colleges of Technology

Higher Colleges of Technology

Al Ain University of Science & Technology

Abu Dhabi University

Khalifa University of Science & Technology

United Arab Emirates University

Masdar Institute

Event Summary

• I gave an opening speech to welcome all the attendees to this function

• I also thanked Dr Tayeb A Kamali the Vice Chancellor from Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) for hosting the round tables.


Meeting with the Ministry Of Education – Dubai Date: Thursday, 13 March 2014

Attendees His Excellency Humaid Mohammad Al Qutami Minister of Education

Meeting summary

• During this meeting I was able to profile the expertise of the Queensland College of Teachers and their relationship with the Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE) in this area.

• The Ministry of Education (MoE) is overseeing the introduction of a Teacher Licensing System in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

• The MoE is in charge of public schools from Kindergarten to Year 12 in the UAE. They have adopted ‘Education 2020’, a series of 5 year plans designed to introduce advanced education techniques, improve innovative skills and focus more on the self-learning abilities of students. The UAE Government has acknowledged a greater need for an improved English program.

• In 2013, there were 5,050 students from the Middle East and North Africa regions enrolled in Queensland institutions.

• Education Queensland International (EQI) in DETE has a proven track record in delivering tailored educational solutions in Australia and throughout the world.

• I offered assistance in implementing Teacher Licensing across the UAE while acknowledging the complexities of such a process given the number of different languages and nationalities the UAE’s ministry services. I committed to providing a copy of the final report into Queensland’s senior assessment scheme when it is released later in 2014.

• We discussed His Excellency’s positive experiences when he visited the Gold Coast in Queensland and I extended an invitation to visit again. I also invited His Excellency to visit to the Queensland College of Teachers so that he can see first-hand the licensing and registration systems that Queensland has in place.


Lunch Meeting with Al Sharif Investment Group and Tour of Australian International School (AIS) Sharjah Date: Thursday, 13 March 2014 Attendees Dr Omar Jaffar Managing Director AIS AIS/ Group Consultant Al Sharif

Group Ms Annette Wilson Principal of AIS Eng. Othman Sharif Vice President, Al Sharif Group

Meeting Summary

• During my visit I took a tour of the Australian International School in Sharjah. I enjoyed visiting some classes and meeting students who attend the AIS.

• During this meeting I took the opportunity to discuss the relationship for future collaboration between the Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE) and the Al Sharif Investment Trading Group LCC (Al Sharif).

• We also discussed the following issues

o the Al Sharif’s plan to open additional Australian International Schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE);

o interest in replicating the Australian Sports Academy (ASA);

o study adventure program for AIS Sharjah’s Year 12 students and establishment of a summer camp;

o proposed annual Premier’s Prize program;

o Memorandum of Understanding with the National Qualification Authority,UAE.


Meeting with Raffles Education Corp, Singapore Date: Friday, 14 March 2014

Attendees Mr Chew Hua Seng Chairman and CEO, Raffles Education Corp Mr Terry Kearney Executive General Manager, Education & Health,

Springfield Land Corporation

Mr Bill Foo Vice Chairman of ANZ South & South East Asia

Meeting Summary

• I met with Mr Chew to discuss the opportunities for possible expansion of Raffles Education Corp’s educational services into the Queensland market, and the success of the Raffles model in Singapore over the past 23 years. Springfield Land Corporation (SLC) believes Raffles has the ability to draw significant numbers of international students to Queensland.

• I discussed the Queensland Government’s commitment to reducing unnecessary rules and regulations preventing business growth, so that international investment is encouraged and supported in Queensland.

• SLC has been discussing a Raffles presence in Education City for several years and I advised that I would appreciate hearing further details about Raffles’ plans for a specialised higher learning institute.

Meeting with Academies Australasia Date: Friday, 14 March 2014

Attendees Mr Christopher Campbell Group Managing Director, Academies Australasia Mr Terry Kearney Executive General Manager, Education & Health,

Springfield Land Corporation Mr Bill Foo Vice Chairman of ANZ South & South East Asia

Meeting Summary

• During this meeting we discussed the proposed establishment of a college at Education City, Greater Springfield.

• I also briefed Mr Campbell on recent changes in government policy on contestable funding for training programs in Queensland.


Lunch Meeting Date: Friday, 14 March 2014

Attendees Mr Bill Foo Vice Chairman of ANZ South & South East Asia Mr Philip Forrest Immediate Past President, AustCham Ms Tracy Harris Austrade (Education), Singapore Mr Terry Kearney Executive General Manager, Education & Health,


Dr Dale Anderson James Cook University, Singapore Professor Peter Høj Vice Chancellor, University of Queensland Mr Heosseim Salim Queensland Trade and Investment Commission

ASEAM

Meeting Summary

• I sought the attendee’s views on broadening and deepening the Government-to-Government relations, education and business-to-business ties.

• I acknowledge the experience of attendees in regional trade and investment and education, and advised that I looked forward to working with the guests to promote Queensland to Singapore and Singapore-based companies and educational opportunities.

• I acknowledged that James Cook University (JCU) Singapore has successfully worked with the Singapore Government and education community in creating international engagement and achieving a global reach. JCU has also made Queensland proud as the first cross-border Australian university


Meeting with Cognita Schools Group, Singapore Date: Friday, 14 March 2014

Attendees Mr Rees Withers Chief Executive Officer, Cognita Schools Group Mr Brian Rogove Chief Executive Officer, Cognita Asia Dr Nick Miller Principal, Australian International School Mr Terry Kearney Executive General Manager, Education & Health,


Meeting Summary

• Our meeting was to discuss with the Cognita Schools Group (Cognita) the proposed new Australian International School in Springfield, Queensland.

• Cognita is a world leading international schools group, currently with 64 schools across the United Kingdom, Europe, Latin America and South-East Asia. Cognita manages the Australian International School in Singapore.

• Springfield Land Corporation (SLC) is in discussion with Cognita regarding possible establishment of an Australian International School in Springfield.

• Cognita is a for-profit organisation and intends to cater for both international and domestic students.

• I appreciated the opportunity to have a tour of the Australian International School and I was impressed with the high standards of the teaching staff and students.

• I also discussed strategies for elevating teaching standards and provided advice about the Queensland Government’s Great Teachers – Great Results: A direct action plan for Queensland schools.

LIST OF OFFICIAL DELEGATION MEMBERSOfficial Delegation MembersTrade and Investment Queensland Representative – Middle EastEducation Queensland Representative – Middle EastTrade and Investment Queensland Representative – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

LIST OF BUSINESS DELEGATION MEMBERSBusiness Delegates – Middle EastBusiness Delegates – Singapore

PROGRAMMEETING REPORTSQueensland Government Reception – DohaMeeting with Qatar UniversityMeeting With Qatar Olympic Committee – QatarMeeting with Qatar FoundationMeeting With Supreme Education Council – QatarMeeting with Department of Economic DevelopmentMeeting with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Abu DhabiMeeting With Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC)Queensland Government Reception – Abu DhabiMeeting with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Abu DhabiOpening of the University And Vocational Education and Training (VET) RoundtablesMeeting with the Ministry Of Education – DubaiLunch Meeting with Al Sharif Investment Group and Tour of Australian International School (AIS) SharjahMeeting with Raffles Education Corp, SingaporeMeeting with Academies AustralasiaLunch MeetingMeeting with Cognita Schools Group, Singapore

draft report to parliament...hosted lunch meeting with al sharif group investment trading group llc...

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