Southville International School and Colleges (SISC), invited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), is proud to be part of the Philippine delegation for the 2024 Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) in Melbourne, Australia. This mission tour, arranged by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (AUSTRADE) and led by CHED Chairperson Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III, aims to secure partnerships between Philippine and Australian higher education institutions (HEIs). The five-day mission, from October 21 to 25, 2024, aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to boost the internationalization of Philippine HEIs.

Guided by the strategic priorities of the current administration, the mission seeks to produce world-class professionals in fields such as medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, engineering, and other key sectors. The target areas for partnerships with Australian universities include agriculture, information technology (IT), tourism, hotel and restaurant management (HRM), accounting, mining engineering, cybersecurity, social sciences, and creative industries.

As part of this initiative, Southville joins other top Philippine HEIs to engage with Australian counterparts, participate in expert discussions, and explore collaboration opportunities in transnational education (TNE). Southville’s participation underscores its commitment to internationalization, with a focus on student exchanges, faculty training, and dual-degree programs. The tour includes visits to leading Australian universities and institutions such as Swinburne University, Chisholm Institute, La Trobe University, Monash University, and the Centre for Education Australia. These engagements will provide Southville the opportunity to share best practices and secure partnerships for future collaborative research, student mobility, and educational development.

“Southville International School and Colleges is deeply committed to internationalization, as it opens doors for our students and faculty to be part of a global academic community. Through partnerships established at conferences like the AIEC, we enhance not only student mobility but also faculty training opportunities. These collaborations ensure that Southville continues to provide a world-class education, empowering our students to excel in an interconnected world.” — Dr. Jocelyn Tizon, President of Southville International School and Colleges

By joining this mission, Southville reaffirms its leadership in global education and its dedication to fostering academic excellence through international collaboration. This initiative further solidifies Southville’s place in the global academic community, ensuring that it remains a leader in innovation and excellence.