Karnataka Signs MoU with New Zealand Government Agency for Cultural Exchange and Educational Opportunities

Education New Zealand and the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) have signed an Education Cooperation Arrangement (ECA). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the New Zealand government agency, ECA, signed is committed to showcasing their educational offerings internationally through the sharing of best practices and aims to foster collaboration, research, and knowledge sharing in emerging educational trends.

According to the New Zealand Education press release, “This collaboration, facilitated by the Government of Karnataka, signifies a concerted effort to enhance educational opportunities and promote cross-cultural exchange in Karnataka’s academic landscape.”
Additionally, the press release states, The ECA was signed by KG Chandrashekara, Executive Director of KSHEC and Lisa Futschek, General Manager, International of Education New Zealand.”

In attendance at the signing ceremony were Damon Salesa, Vice Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, and his team, along with MC Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Sri Srikar MS, Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, GoK; SR Niranjana, Vice Chairman of KSHEC, GoK; and Thandava Gowda TN, Administrative Officer of KSHEC, GoK.

Eleven Karnataka State Public Universities and eight New Zealand universities participated in a breakout session with the delegation to find common interests. In order to find points of agreement for possible academic and research collaborations, this session facilitated discussions. In order to expand the global perspectives of both students and faculty, the Karnataka Higher Education Department and Education New Zealand are ready to investigate opportunities for international partnerships and collaborations between New Zealand and Karnataka HEIs in the fields of STEM, social sciences, hospitality, tourism, and multimedia through this dynamic alliance.” the press release stated further.

Furthermore, this partnership will support cooperative research projects amongst establishments to stimulate creativity and tackle urgent issues in education. sharing trends, best practices, educational exchanges, and promotional activities, among other things. Moreover, Lisa Futschek, General Manager, International, Education New Zealand, expressed her excitement about the partnership by saying, “We are excited to work with the Karnataka Higher Education Department to promote positive change in the international education sector.” This partnership propels a common goal: promoting internationalization of education and faculty and student mobility programs.”