ECU strengthens ties in Bhutan
Thursday, 05 October 2023
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ECU delegates with Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has been a first choice for many Bhutanese students over the years, thanks to ECU’s long-standing commitment, connections and collaboration in the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan.
A relationship that was further strengthened following a recent visit by Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman, and ECU staff.
During the mission, Professor Chapman officially opened ECU Hub in central Thimphu, which will be managed by two ECU staff members, who are living in-country.
“We are thrilled and honoured to open this new facility, it will serve as the nexus of ECU’s activities and engagement in Bhutan,” Professor Chapman explained.
“It also houses the Australia-Bhutan Friendship Centre, a dedicated space for meetings, events and training.”
Impactful collaboration
A key event of the recent visit was Building Bhutan’s Future-Ready Workforce Conference. Hosted by ECU, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment of the Royal Government of Bhutan, the event was a resounding success.
The landmark forum connected industry, government and educational institutions and was opened by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck.
During the Conference, ECU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RENEW, Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s flagship program, which empowers disadvantaged women and adolescents across the nation.
Bhutan Open Day
The delegation hosted ECU Open Day which was attended by over 100 prospective students.
Additionally, ECU solidified its partnership with the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) by signing renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding.
The extended collaboration will see 35 ECU students participating in Study Tours this year across various colleges of RUB.
These Study Tours are supported by the New Colombo Plan, an initiative supported by the Australian Government aimed at fostering student mobility.
“The accomplishments ECU has made over the years in Bhutan are truly remarkable,” Professor Chapman said.
“At ECU we take immense pride in our flourishing Bhutanese community and the ever-strengthening bonds we've forged in the Kingdom; we cannot wait to see what is next.”