RMIT joins Asia’s thriving tech scene

RMIT joins Asia’s thriving tech scene

RMIT has signed a strategic partnership with Infinite Learning in Nongsa Digital Park, a high-profile tech hub supported by the Indonesian and Singapore governments.

The new partnership signals an expansion of RMIT’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region and builds on the University’s reputation as a trusted partner that helps governments address critical workforce skills gaps.

Infinite Learning is the Educational Division of Infinite Studios (IS), part of the Group that owns and operates Nongsa Digital Park (NDP). Infinite Studios is a global media leader in TV, film and animation and works with international giants such as Warner Media, Disney and Netflix.

NDP is also home to tech giant Apple along with other global digital innovators and start-ups, opening the door to potential new collaborations and partnerships. 

The University’s College of Vocational Education will initially deliver two intensive courses in Cyber Security to the local workforce as a way of addressing workforce skills gaps. 

nongsa-digital-park-signing RMIT's DVC Global and Vice-President Professor Peter Coloe and Marco Bardelli, Senior Executive Director Nongsa Digital Park, Infinite Learning, formalise the new strategic partnership.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global Professor Peter Coloe said RMIT had decades-long partnerships in the Asian region where it is a recognised leader in technology, design and enterprise.

“For more than 30 years, RMIT has played an active role in the Asia-Pacific region, delivering education together with our partner institutions and in response to government needs.

“It’s exciting to know that students of our new Cyber Security courses will join a 50,000-strong alumni cohort in the region.

“This new partnership with Infinite Learning also positions RMIT in the digital epicentre of the Asia-Pacific.”

RMIT’s College of Vocational Education Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Mish Eastman, said the University was a leader in lifelong learning and upskilling.

“This is what RMIT does so well – providing learning partnerships to help societies upskill for current and future jobs.”

“We know the Cyber Security courses we’re offering via Infinite Learning are hitting the mark with the most in-demand and relevant vocational training.”

Eastman said the partnership would also open the possibility to future course offerings in priority digital innovation areas.

rmit-nongsa-park-signing L-R: Nick Patterson, Associate Director Future Technologies, College of Vocational Education RMIT; Grant Taylor, Associate Director Global Markets, RMIT; Professor Peter Coloe DVC Global and Vice-President, RMIT; Marco Bardelli, Senior Executive Director Nongsa Digital Park, Infinite Learning; Mish Eastman, DVC Vocational Education and Vice-President, RMIT; Terry McEvoy, Associate Director Partnerships, College of Vocational Education RMIT at the signing ceremony.

Mike Wiluan, CEO of IS and NDP said NDP was proud to have RMIT join its developing ecosystem of best-in-class educators, budding innovators and growing digital enterprises. 

“With a base in NDP, RMIT will be providing unique vocational courses to a market that has demonstrated needs and opportunities in a fast-evolving digital sector.

“This co-operation with Infinite Learning will provide a parallel tangible opportunity for students to learn while having direct exposure to the industry thus keeping skills continually relevant. We look forward to a long and exciting journey of discovery together”.

NDP and IS Senior Executive Director Marco Bardelli said NDP was a melting pot for digital talent servicing both local and foreign start-ups, multinationals and tech entrepreneurs.

“RMIT joining NDP is great news for our ecosystem. We aim to educate and prepare more Indonesian talent so that they can contribute to the fast growth of the country’s Digital Economy sector.”

NDP is located on Batam Island, Indonesia, the location described by Indonesian President Jokowi as the ‘digital bridge’ connecting Indonesia to Singapore and the rest of the world. 

The tech hub was granted Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status by the Indonesian government in 2020 and has the advantage of high-quality broadband connectivity.

The College of Vocational Education’s new intensive courses in Cyber Security will commence in early 2022 with access largely driven by local government and corporate employers. 

 

Story: Louisa Ragas

25 November 2021

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25 November 2021

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