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ASEAN students reveal the changes needed for international higher education

16 March 2023

The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) will today join a panel of experts in Bangkok, to examine the views of students of the past three years and listen to their ideas on how institutions can deliver more effective support services in the post-global pandemic recovery.

Media Release – ATN Universities – ASEAN Higher Ed students tell Thailand panel what needs to change

WEDNESDAY 15 MARCH

The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) will today join a panel of experts in Bangkok, to examine the views of students of the past three years and listen to their ideas on how institutions can deliver more effective support services in the post-global pandemic recovery.

The panel will discuss insights of international students and hear case studies from 2020-22 to better understand their diverse experiences, and future expectations. The session draws on #TheSocialSource, a custom-built AI-powered student insights analytics platform which focuses on the student journey, from first enquiry to alumni.

The forum will be led by Varsha Devi Balakrishnan, Head of Student Insights and Analytics at The Lygon Group. ATN Executive Director, Luke Sheehy, will be part of the panel which also includes Melissa Banks, Head of International Education Centre for Excellence at Austrade and Dr Angela Lehmann, Head of Research at The Lygon Group.

“It’s vital that we know, and better understand, what is behind changing student sentiment across Higher Ed, and most importantly, what kind of support they believe should be provided, in a rapidly changing world,” Mr Sheehy said. “We will consider carefully what students think works well and what they believe should be improved – details which are as important for universities as they are for other sector stakeholders, support groups, and of course, policy makers.”

The panel’s focus will be on three key Asia-Pacific international student markets – China, India and Vietnam – and how the student-led observations can aid recovery in the post-pandemic shutdown period and how to rebuild trust among students for Australian universities.

Media Contact (not for publication)
Frank Coletta (Manager, Media and Communications) m: 0468 987 295 e: frank.coletta@atn.edu.au The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) was established in 1999 and brings together Australia’s six real world universities focused on enterprise, impact and finding solutions to issues facing our rapidly changing economy and society. Our member universities are Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT University, The University of Newcastle, University of South Australia, and University of Technology Sydney. Our universities produce Australia’s most job-ready graduates and undertake world-class research with real-world impact. Through our innovation we are proud disruptors challenging the status quo. ATN universities provide world-class education to almost 310,000 students and teach 20 per cent of domestic higher education students and 19 per cent of international students. We are the fastest-growing university grouping in terms of domestic students. Together, we are proud of who we include, not exclude, with a strong commitment to equity, excellence, and social justice. ATN is one of Australia’s leading university peak bodies with a track record of advocating and shaping positive policy outcomes with all levels of government.