Western Sydney University delegation at one of the numerous MoU signings in India this week. The delegation included Vice-Chancellor and President Distinguished Professor George Williams AO; Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, Research, Enterprise, and Global, Professor Deborah Sweeney; Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Partnerships and Transnational Education Dr Nicolene Murdoch; Director, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Professor Ian Anderson; Head, International Strategy and Partnerships (Food and Environment), Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Dr Nisha Rakhesh; and Lead, Research Collaborations and Partnerships, South Asia, Dr Kopal Chaube.
Western Sydney University has signed four new agreements in India this week designed to help develop the world's next generation of Agri-tech leaders.
The University's delegation, led by Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, reached the milestone with Indian agricultural institutions, signing the four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
Professor Williams said the agreements reflect Western's growing international profile as a global partner with impact.
"Partnerships are the catalyst for change. We are honoured to build collaborations that will make a difference,'' he said. "We are deeply committed to expanding partnerships in India that advance sustainability, drive academic excellence and foster the next generation of leaders skilled in tackling the complex issues of sustainability and advancing agricultural industries.''
Western is leading the world in its commitment to partner with Indian agricultural institutions and has 26 MoUs in place. This week's additional agreements will play an important role in strengthening Western's contribution to India's broader goals of sustainable agriculture and food security.
The latest agreements are with India's Agricultural Development Trust, Junagadh Agricultural University, Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth. They include an exploration of delivering Agri-tech courses that integrate big data analytics and supply chain management as well as dual bachelor and master's programs in agriculture, technology, management, logistics and supply chain management, entrepreneurship, and data science.
Proposed programs also feature industry-integrated learning through placements and internships to address key industry needs in India. This approach fills a unique niche in the educational landscape that complements rather than competes with existing national programs.
