University leaders advance Indigenous knowledges on global stage at PIE LIVE: Asia Pacific

L-R: Professor Adrian Little (University of Melbourne), Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau (University of Auckland), Professor Welyne Jeffrey (Universiti Malaya), Professor Barry Judd (University of Melbourne).
L-R: Professor Adrian Little (University of Melbourne), Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau (University of Auckland), Professor Welyne Jeffrey (Universiti Malaya), Professor Barry Judd (University of Melbourne).

University leaders have taken stage at the Professionals in International Education (PIE) LIVE – Asia Pacific conference on the Gold Coast to explore Indigenous knowledges in Asia-Pacific universities.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Barry Judd and Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Adrian Little spoke on a panel alongside representatives from University of Auckland and Universiti Malaya.

The panel discussed Indigenous knowledges in a global context and highlighted the University of Melbourne’s expertise and experience in its truth-telling journey and Indigenous internationalisation programs, while exploring further opportunities and challenges with their panel members.

Professor Judd published an Op-Ed on PIE News in the lead up to the event, stating:

“At the University of Melbourne, we’ve been thinking deeply about what it means to bring an Indigenous lens to international education.

“As universities consider their role in a fast-changing world, partnerships with Indigenous communities must be part of the picture. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it strengthens the sector. It challenges our assumptions, deepens our impact, and prepares students to lead in a more connected and complex global environment.”

Alongside the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, the University of Melbourne has led the development of the Indigenous and First Nation’s Knowledges Network in the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, sharing knowledge and building new institutional connections.

Through programs like the Reach Alliance and Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad, students are also experiencing the benefits of Indigenous content embedded in the institution’s curriculum.

These programs are supporting the aspirations of the recently launched Indigenous Internationalisation Plan, which outlines the University’s commitment to Indigenous voices being at the fore of our engagement with tertiary institutions and networks across the world.