RMIT is preparing to open a hub in Indonesia, building its offshore presence, leading the charge as Australian universities focus increasing effort on offshore operations.
The RMIT Southeast Asia Hub will open at the World Trade Centre in Jakarta this year, before an official launch next year.
The hub will be a place for the University to collaborate with local industry and government to deliver industry-connected education solutions and partnerships aligned to local priorities.
The University has already completed a successful pilot program in partnership with Apple, delivering executive and professional skills development, and has signed agreements with the Indonesian Government to provide gaming and cybersecurity courses, starting in the new year.
Vice-President International Layton Pike said the University’s experience in transnational education and partnerships had informed the approach in Indonesia.
“We are building a network of campuses and hubs that connect and support each other,” he said.
The hubs are focused on industry and innovation, in contrast to a foreign branch campus, which have a more traditional transnational education offering.
While recent changes to international education settings have prompted more Australian universities to explore offshore partnerships and education delivery, Mr Pike said RMIT’s international reputation had been established over the course of 40 years.
“Transnational education success takes time, and offers few short-term wins,” he said.
“There is no helicopter approach where you can fly in a degree and charge premium prices.
“It is easy to overestimate the price of courses and the volume of enrolments, particularly at a time when universities are trying to replace lost revenue streams. In reality these campuses don’t attract many students quickly.”
“The new hub in Jakarta will be more agile by delivering non-accredited learning solutions to industry and government, aligned with the local regional priorities.”