NE EDUCATION BUREAU
CHENNAI, MAR 15
Aiming to woo Indian students to pursue their higher education Down Under, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) organised the second phase of “Festival of Australia,” a first-of-its-kind four-city showcase celebrating Australia’s world-class education and premium food and beverage products.
The second phase, which started in Chennai on 14 March 2025, brought together top-quality Australian universities and retail partners on a single platform.
- Through this event, we aim to raise awareness and create new opportunities for Indian students, families, and food enthusiasts to explore Australia as a leading destination for top-tier education and fine dining experiences: Vik Singh, Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Austrade
- Academic Masterclass on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Construction – Are You Ready for Transformation? presented by Professor Kenneth Tak Wing You, Professor in Construction at the School of Built Environment, UNSW Sydney
- Insight Masterclass on Eternal Dilemma: What, Where & How to Choose the Right University? presented by Bhawna Kumar, Academic Director, Australian School of Global Studies which is an extended arm of Education Centre of Australia
- The festival will also be held in Pune (16 March), Ahmedabad (20 March), and New Delhi (22 March)
Following Chennai, the festival will be held in Pune (16 March), Ahmedabad (20 March), and New Delhi (22 March).
The Chennai showcase provided an invaluable opportunity for Indian students and parents to engage directly with representatives of Australian universities to explore educational programs designed to support their academic and career aspirations.
Prospective students gained insights on Studying in Australia by attending the following masterclasses organised as a part of the showcase:
- Academic Masterclass on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Construction – Are You Ready for Transformation? presented by Professor Kenneth Tak Wing You, Professor in Construction at the School of Built Environment, UNSW Sydney.
- Insight Masterclass on Eternal Dilemma: What, Where & How to Choose the Right University? presented by Bhawna Kumar, Academic Director, Australian School of Global Studies which is an extended arm of Education Centre of Australia.
- Pep talk with Prabha Dixit, Co-Founder and Additional Head of School at Akshar Arbol International School, Alumna from Australia’s Monash University.
The festival also showcased an offering of premium food products including honey, nutrition bars, sauces, cheese, pasta, seafood, and lamb at the Australia Food pavilion.
Austrade collaborated with Jio Mart to set up an ‘Australia Pavilion’ on their e-commerce platform and Chennai based retailer Amma Naana to promote a range of Australian products at the food pavilion.
Live cooking demonstrations at the festival offered guests an opportunity to taste dishes prepared using premium Australian ingredients, providing firsthand experience of the country’s finest culinary delights.
Speaking about the festival, Vik Singh, Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Austrade, said, “We are very happy to host the second phase of the festival, showcasing Australia’s excellence in education and cuisine. Through this event, we aim to raise awareness and create new opportunities for Indian students, families, and food enthusiasts to explore Australia as a leading destination for top-tier education and fine dining experiences. The growing presence of Australian produce in Indian cuisine is a testament to the increasing demand for high-quality ingredients.”
Australia and India’s educational ties have deepened over the years, fostering strong economic and cultural connections that continue to grow. The Festival of Australia strengthens Australia’s presence in India and celebrates a shared commitment to cross-cultural appreciation and collaboration.
