The Federation of Private Technological and Vocational Colleges of Thailand (FPCT) has 426 institutional members and like ACPET works to enhance the quality and reputation of its national VET sector.

ACPET CEO Claire Field told The PIE News: “Australian providers have worked in Thailand and educated Thai students in Australia for many years, but they’ve typically developed the relationships themselves.”

“This partnership provides for greater collaboration…which will make it easier for Australian and Thai providers to identify opportunities for partnerships.”

The bodies hope to “identify business opportunities that strengthen bilateral trade” and encourage information  exchange – “a means for Thai providers to access Australia’s knowledge and skills in VET delivery and apply them to the Thai context,” explained Field.

A joint Thai-Australia council will also be formed to oversee the collaboration, and FPCT has backed ACPET’s broader idea for a “regional industry association” for Asia-Pacific.

FPCT has also backed ACPET’s idea for a regional industry association

“In the past few years ACPET has worked hard to forge links with other peak bodies in [Asia Pacific],” explained Field.

“We envisage moving from individual MOUs to a regional peak body for private tertiary education – with the different peak bodies in different countries as members and a shared secretariat.”

Australia’s tertiary education minister, Chris Evans, last week said he wanted to see more opportunities for Australian VET in Asia, but ACPET warned there had been no new funding for transnational education in this year’s education budget. The organisation is forging ahead with its strategic partnerships and will launch an office in China this year.

ACPET members interested in Thai opportunities are invited to attend FPCT’s general meeting, October 18-20 in Hat-Yai. 400 Thai technological and vocational colleges will participate.