H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, met with Mr. Michael Van Balen AO, Principal of the Australian Maritime College on 03 March 2021 in Launceston to discuss higher education and research cooperation.

03 March 2021 (Canberra) - H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, and Mr. Michael Van Balen AO, Principal of the Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania met on 03 March 2021 in Launceston to discuss cooperation on higher education and research particularly in naval architecture and marine engineering in support of the Philippine shipbuilding industry.

Ambassador De La Vega, shared a statement of cooperation issued by the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines (CHED) saying, “The Philippine Commission on Higher Education looks forward to working with the University of Tasmania and Philippine higher education institutions in creating a workforce that is qualified for engineering and management which will eventually lead to upgrading opportunities into higher value products and new markets.”

Mr. Van Balen AO welcomed the initiative of the Philippine Government and expressed the interest of the Australian Maritime College to pursue higher education and research cooperation.

The Philippines was recognized as the 4th largest shipbuilding nation with shipyards based in the country producing ships of larger tonnage capacities. Given its geography and location, the Philippines is a prime hub for shipbuilding and ship repair.

CHED and the University of Tasmania will commence negotiations on an agreement to formalize this cooperation this year as part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia. END