The University of Newcastle, Australia

The University of Newcastle has signed an historic agreement with the Philippines' Commission on Higher Education that aims to build capacity and share knowledge between Australia and the Philippines.

The Commission on Higher Education is the governing body covering public and private higher education institutions in the Philippines. Responsible for formulating and implementing policies, plans and programs, the Commission's focus is on harmonising, modernising and internationalising higher education in the Philippines.

Chairman, Secretary Emmanuel Y Angeles, said the MoU would contribute towards the Philippines growing its capacity across a range of areas including engineering, science and technology.

"Our priority training fields include nanotechnology, robotics, marine science and clean technologies," he said. "These are all areas in which the University of Newcastle has proven capacity and expertise.

"This agreement is unprecedented. Never before has the Commission on Higher Education entered into a commitment of this nature with a foreign higher education provider."

The agreement between the University of Newcastle and the Commission on Higher Education establishes a framework to:

• foster collaboration in postgraduate research in engineering, science and technology
• establish collaborative partnerships with Philippine higher education staff in online and mixed mode delivery of masters coursework programs
• provide the opportunity for exchange programs for staff and students between Newcastle and leading higher education institutions in the Philippines and
• offer the ability to share knowledge on quality assurance in governance and management.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kevin McConkey, said Newcastle was honoured to be asked to partner with the Commission.

"The University has worked hard to establish collaborative relationships with high quality institutions across Asia and the world. This agreement with such an esteemed institution will deliver great benefits to both Newcastle and the Philippines."

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Mr Rod Smith, said partnerships such as these are critical to relationship building in the region.

"It is important that Australia shares its knowledge and learns from its regional partners across all sectors, including in higher education."

Media contact: Professor McConkey is available for interview. Contact Kate Reid, Media and Public Relations.