Flinders University is a proud sponsor of this Sunday’s historic AFL football fixture in China between Port Adelaide and the Gold Coast.
Flinders Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says that this is a significant opportunity to further strengthen economic, cultural and social ties between South Australia and China – the State’s largest trading partner.
“International education, like sport, is an effective means of soft diplomacy that will build on the important relationships with China, and bolster our educational, business and research ambitions,” Professor Stirling says.
“Education is an important economic driver, generating jobs and investment, and it is also a great enabler for individuals.”
Flinders University is exceptionally positioned to contribute to the burgeoning relationship between South Australia and China through its growing research and education connections.
“As Australia’s number one university for student support, according to the 2016 International Student Barometer (ISB); home to the current Australian University Teacher of the Year; and with 90% of our research rated as at or above world standard by Excellence in Research Australia, we have much to offer Chinese students who seek a world-class education,” Professor Stirling says.
Port Adelaide Football Club Chief Executive Officer Keith Thomas says his club’s China strategy draws upon the excitement, popularity and marketability of Australian Rules football to foster business, government and education opportunities, and to build closer bonds between Australia and China.
“This week is one of great importance for Port Adelaide Football Club, with our landmark game in Shanghai shining a light on our China Engagement Strategy,” Mr Thomas says.
“The support of partners such as Flinders University, an organisation that has a strong plan for growing Australia-China relations, is key to its success and we thank them for their support.”
“Flinders University is committed to changing lives and changing the world, and we’re immensely proud to be a supporter of this historic match,” Professor Stirling adds.
All are welcome to watch the big game at the Flinders University Plaza super screen at Bedford Park. Go to the link here for further information.
The historic football game coincides with a three-day trade mission led by South Australia’s Premier Jay Weatherill which includes a visit to Jinan, the capital of SA’s sister state Shandong, and Shanghai, China’s largest city. The delegation includes 182 business delegates representing 124 businesses and organisations.
South Australia exported $2.2 billion worth goods to China in the past year, led by trade in wine, investment, education and training, research and development, water, culture, health and aged care, agribusiness and culture.
The State Government has been supporting Port Adelaide’s China Engagement Strategy since it was launched three years ago and is supporting the AFL game with promotional sponsorship via the SA Tourism Commission.
“Port Adelaide’s historic first AFL match in China will be a proud moment for the club and our State,” Mr Weatherill says.
“This trade mission will be an opportunity to leverage the interest in this historic event for South Australia’s benefit, building on existing relationships and creating new opportunities,” he says.