Northern Territory attendance at ASEAN-Australia Education Dialogue in Malaysia

This year’s Dialogue was hosted in Malaysia in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, marking the Dialogue’s return to George Town for the first time since 2019 and reinforcing the country’s leadership role in advancing regional cooperation and strengthening education networks across Southeast Asia and Australia.

Under the theme “Education in Motion: Reimagining Mobility, Inclusivity and Sustainability Across Borders,” AAED 2025 gathered education leaders, policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives from across ASEAN and Australia.
Discussions centred on student mobility, digital learning innovation, skills development, and sustainable international education partnerships.

Representing the NT, Study NT showcased the Territory’s strengths as a dynamic, innovation-focused study destination and highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration with ASEAN institutions. The delegation engaged in high-level dialogue on research linkages, international student pathways, capability building and transnational education opportunities.

Study NT also contributed to the Mobility and Research Links panel, focusing on the NT First Nations rich trading heritage with Makassar traders and the growing relationship and collaboration with Timor-Leste. Offering insights into the Territory’s commitment to fostering impactful partnerships and collaboration through research, education and training across the region.

Charles Darwin University (CDU), as the Territory’s leading dual-sector institution, made a significant contribution to the Dialogue’s program through:

• Skills Training and TVET Innovation, Projects and Industry Partnerships
  CDU representatives highlighted the university’s leadership in vocational training, workforce development, and applied industry partnerships tailored to northern Australia and Southeast Asia.
• Mobility – Australia Awards, Alumni Experience & Australian Education Diplomacy
  CDU shared insights into mobility pathways, alumni impact, and the role of education diplomacy in strengthening regional people-to-people connections.
• What is working in AI and Digital Innovation for Higher Education?
  CDU and panellists explored effective AI and digital innovation practices currently improving higher education.
• The Closing Plenary “Celebrating Timor Leste Joining AUN and the ASEAN Higher Education Community”

These contributions positioned CDU as a key partner in regional skills development and cross-border educational cooperation.
The NT delegation also included representatives from Australian City International College and Darwin City College, further strengthening the NT’s presence at the Dialogue. Demonstrating the wealth of skills and growing capacity in the NT for delivery of International Education and Training and the ability to support Transnational partnerships and collaborations.

Study NT’s inaugural presence boosts the Northern Territory’s international profile and supports Australia’s broader commitment to education mobility, capacity building and regional partnership development.