AUSTRALIA ARAB BUSINESS FORUM Education and Vocational Training Vince Lendrum – CEO and MD, ITC Ltd

CASE Study An overnight success …. 18 years in the making The University of Wollongong in Dubai

The Journey so far “The challenge of building on sand” 7 Lessons Learnt “The benefit of 20/20 hindsight” Starting the Journey today CASE Study

The Journey so far “The challenge of building on sand” 7 Lessons Learnt “The benefit of 20/20 hindsight” Starting the Journey today CASE Study

1993 – first foreign university to establish a presence in the UAE 2003 – UOWD became the first foreign owned private University to gain UAE university status 2004 – UOWD degree programs accredited by CAA 2005 – Opened new campus at Knowledge Village The Journey so far …

Current Status Over 3300 students across 3 research active faculties Launched the first PhD and DBA programs by a private UAE University Over 5000 UOWD Graduates, 900 Emirati 3 new degrees in 2 new faculties under application Broadening range of professional development and language programs for local industry and government partners

The Journey so far … Current Status One of Australia’s flag-ship institutions in the region One of Australia’s most successful off-shore academic institutions One of the UAE’s most prestigious, quality academic institutions

The Journey so far …

7 Lessons Learnt … The Journey so far “The challenge of building on sand” 7 Lessons Learnt “The benefit of 20/20 hindsight” Starting the Journey today

1 – Be First and be Different Get involved early Engage with regions with limited existing alternatives Continue to break new ground First in UAE First with PhD & DBA Option to exchange local degree for Australian degree UAE now a very fragmented

2 – Be locally strategically relevant Clear objective of contributing to local educational goals Strong local government support and relationships Clear understanding of local priorities Course content tailored to be relevant locally Close relationship with Minister for Education and Research Support from Dubai Government Recognised Sheikh Nahayan’s contribution with honorary doctorate

3 – Be Uncompromising on Quality Protect and build on reputation of parent Build quality local reputation and standing Local and AUQU quality obligations Robust systems for assuring academic quality and equivalence Comprehensive risk management process Quality positioning consistent with Australia

4 – Focus on Students Outcomes Close engagement with employers Focus on students careers and employability High quality staff, facilities and support Partnerships with leading employers and government agencies Proactive careers advice and facilitation Adoption of Australian standards

5 – Best practice Governance Clear responsibilities of stakeholders Close collaboration and oversight from parent Open, transparent team approach Maintain ability to manage key success factors Clear roles & delegations for distant operations Leverage expertise and content Work through challenges together Alignment of priorities with local partners

6 – Expect and plan for change Significantly more dynamic environment Adaptability and flexibility Persistence, perseverance and support Changes in environment and key personnel Need for highest level support from parent Collaboration and communication

7 – Focus on sustainability Viable operations at every step Start small and build when proven Provide return to stakeholders Focus on long term sustainability Ensure strategic benefit Rigorous demand studies & business plans Avoid reliance on unsustainable subsidies Holding risk needs to provide a return Motivates supportive approach Long term support

The Journey so far “The challenge of building on sand” 7 Lessons Learnt “The benefit of 20/20 hindsight” Starting the Journey today Starting the Journey today …

Focus on a new and emerging opportunities in order to be of importance to local establishment and to gain first mover advantage Apply thorough demand analysis and business planning processes to ensure sustainable operations at all stages Structure operations to ensure comprehensive support and high quality of governance and oversight of academic quality, student experience and operational effectiveness Starting the Journey today …

The Journey so far “The challenge of building on sand” 7 Lessons Learnt “The benefit of 20/20 hindsight” Starting the Journey today CASE Study

Thank you Questions