Deakin University Commits $1 Million AUD to Boost GIFT City Impact Projects and Transform Futures

Australia's Deakin University has invested significantly in India, committing AUD 1 million to fund 'Impact Projects' focused on higher education, sports, and disaster management. Dr. David Halliwell, the university's deputy vice-chancellor, announced this during the launch of new initiatives to enhance Gujarat's educational capacity and foster international collaboration to address global challenges.

Deakin, with its three-decade engagement in India, hosted the international conclave 'Building an Innovative Ecosystem—GIFT City' at its new campus in Gujarat's GIFT City. This long-term commitment was underscored by Gujarat's Tribal Development Minister Kuber Dindor, who emphasised the university's vital role in shaping India's education and research landscape. Dr. Halliwell highlighted that the GIFT City campus will strengthen ties between Australia and India, providing world-class education and opportunities for students.

At the conclave, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, symbolising a collaborative effort towards various initiatives. This includes partnerships for disaster resilience management with the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and Humanitarian Aid International (HAI) and collaborative sports development projects. These projects, with their shared responsibility, aim to enhance digitalisation in the sports industry, promote women's participation and leadership, and develop the Indian sports science workforce.

Furthermore, Deakin announced a partnership with the National Institute of Educational Planning Administration (NIEPA) and the Gujarat education department to train 100 middle-year teachers through a pilot program. The university also plans to expand its initial student cohort from 250 to 500 in the coming years. It will offer executive development programs and short courses in collaboration with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).

Mr Ravneet Pawha, Deakin's Vice President for Global Engagement and CEO for South Asia, stated that the GIFT City campus exemplifies the university's commitment to enhancing India's role as a global knowledge leader. He expressed pride in empowering Indian students with essential skills for success in a rapidly evolving global economy.

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