Published Friday, 04 May, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
TWO MILLION VIEWERS TUNE INTO QUEENSLAND: PREMIER
SEOUL: The chance to address an international television audience of two million people about the achievements of the Smart State was too good an opportunity to refuse, Queensland Premier and Minister for Trade Peter Beattie said today.
Mr Beattie was interviewed for an English international affairs program produced by major Korean broadcaster, the Educational Broadcasting Service.
During the 20-minute interview Mr Beattie highlighted the Smart State’s unique attractions, the strong trade ties already in place between South Korea and Queensland and the many opportunities available in research and education.
Mr Beattie said Queensland offered a world-class education system that already attracted more than 60,000 international students each year, including 7500 from South Korea.
“The education sector is worth some $1.5 billion a year to the State’s economy but the real value is so much more because an international education experience is enriching for foreign students and for Queenslanders,” Mr Beattie said.
“Our international students get to work with some of the best minds and in some of best facilities in the world, while Queensland students develop important international networks that will stand them in excellent stead to join the global workplace.
“Whenever I travel, there is always intense interest in education and training opportunities in Queensland.
“Speaking directly to Korean students and families through the program gave me an opportunity to showcase the Smart State.”
Mr Beattie said the long-term sustainability of the education sector depends on promoting the student experience because international students, their families and overseas governments look critically around the world when selecting destinations and education providers.
Mr Beattie said Queensland was also a convenient destination for Korean students now that flights between Seoul and Brisbane have increased.
“Thanks to strong leadership, new ideas and links with the world’s top institutes, the education sector is being recognised as a Smart State success story,” said the Premier.
While in Seoul, Mr Beattie welcomed a business agreement signed between the Royal Brisbane International College (RBIC) and local educational institute, the Kyungmin College, which will see some 200 of the college’s students coming to Queensland each year to study English language, tourism and business administration.
Mr Beattie said the RBIC had franchises in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China, providing training to more than 3000 students from over 20 countries at its South Bank campus in Brisbane during the last five years.
“This alliance is a great example of how educational institutions from the two regions can cooperate in developing their services and promoting what they can offer students,” Mr Beattie said.
“Attracting foreign students to come and study in Queensland creates jobs for Queenslanders.
"Industry estimates suggest for every 1,000 students attracted to Queensland, another 80 jobs are created.
"Our universities and colleges are among the best in the world so we have a good quality product to sell and an environment that is second to none.”
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 07 3224 4500
4 May 2007
Mr Beattie was interviewed for an English international affairs program produced by major Korean broadcaster, the Educational Broadcasting Service.
During the 20-minute interview Mr Beattie highlighted the Smart State’s unique attractions, the strong trade ties already in place between South Korea and Queensland and the many opportunities available in research and education.
Mr Beattie said Queensland offered a world-class education system that already attracted more than 60,000 international students each year, including 7500 from South Korea.
“The education sector is worth some $1.5 billion a year to the State’s economy but the real value is so much more because an international education experience is enriching for foreign students and for Queenslanders,” Mr Beattie said.
“Our international students get to work with some of the best minds and in some of best facilities in the world, while Queensland students develop important international networks that will stand them in excellent stead to join the global workplace.
“Whenever I travel, there is always intense interest in education and training opportunities in Queensland.
“Speaking directly to Korean students and families through the program gave me an opportunity to showcase the Smart State.”
Mr Beattie said the long-term sustainability of the education sector depends on promoting the student experience because international students, their families and overseas governments look critically around the world when selecting destinations and education providers.
Mr Beattie said Queensland was also a convenient destination for Korean students now that flights between Seoul and Brisbane have increased.
“Thanks to strong leadership, new ideas and links with the world’s top institutes, the education sector is being recognised as a Smart State success story,” said the Premier.
While in Seoul, Mr Beattie welcomed a business agreement signed between the Royal Brisbane International College (RBIC) and local educational institute, the Kyungmin College, which will see some 200 of the college’s students coming to Queensland each year to study English language, tourism and business administration.
Mr Beattie said the RBIC had franchises in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China, providing training to more than 3000 students from over 20 countries at its South Bank campus in Brisbane during the last five years.
“This alliance is a great example of how educational institutions from the two regions can cooperate in developing their services and promoting what they can offer students,” Mr Beattie said.
“Attracting foreign students to come and study in Queensland creates jobs for Queenslanders.
"Industry estimates suggest for every 1,000 students attracted to Queensland, another 80 jobs are created.
"Our universities and colleges are among the best in the world so we have a good quality product to sell and an environment that is second to none.”
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 07 3224 4500
4 May 2007