Manila: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced the advancement of the Philippines' collaboration with Australia for transnational education. This move aligns with the internationalization efforts of higher education institutions (HEIs) under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration.

According to Philippines News Agency, CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III described the collaboration as a significant milestone in enhancing the Philippines' role in the global education sector. The partnership with Australia aims to strengthen ties and pave the way for future collaborations in higher education, helping both nations address the evolving demands of the global workforce.

The announcement followed the Transnational Education (TNE) Opportunity Forum, which focused on potential partnerships between Philippine and Australian HEIs. The forum was part of the country's higher education mission in Sydney and Adelaide, Australia. In his speech, De Vera encouraged Australian universities to partner with Philippine HEIs to extend their reach in Asia, noting the Philippines' performance in graduate rates and the potential areas of collaboration.

De Vera highlighted the Philippines' strengths in fields such as medicine, allied health, science and technology, aviation, animation, game development, maritime, information technology, and tourism management. He emphasized potential partnerships in academic and student exchanges and research cooperation.

Prominent Australian universities, including Charles Sturt University, University of the Sunshine Coast, University of Technology Sydney, University of Canberra, Victoria University, University of New South Wales, Australian Catholic University, and University of Western Sydney, participated in the TNE Opportunity Forum.

The Philippine delegation included presidents and heads of five Philippine HEIs, such as Chancellor Michael Tee of University of the Philippines (UP)-Manila, Maria Teresita Medado of Asia Pacific College (APC), Renato Carlos Ermita Jr. of National University (NU), Erwin Cadorna of University of Northern Philippines (UNP), and Jaime Manuel of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU). Additionally, CHED collaborated with the Philippine Board of Investments and Clark Development Corporation to promote international education partnerships during the mission.