Exploring Educational Horizons: Mindroom’s Visit to the Philippines Trade Mission
This April, Mindroom Innovation proudly participated in the Study Gold Coast event as part of the Philippines Trade Mission. This event was supported by Austrade Manila.
This event brought together key players in the education sector to explore opportunities for collaboration, the exchange of knowledge, and partnerships. This was all aimed at enhancing educational experiences for students from the Philippines.
Philippines Education Market Insights
The Philippines, with its dynamic economy and youthful population, presents a ripe market for educational opportunities both domestically and abroad. As the 6th largest economy in ASEAN with a median age of 25, the country places a strong emphasis on employability and upskilling.
Notably, the international student market in the Philippines is on a steady trajectory of growth. It has an expected annual increase of 10-13% in the next five years. Australia stands as a favoured destination for Filipino students, given its geographic proximity, familial connections, and reputation for safety and quality education.
On the Gold Coast, there has been a remarkable surge in student enrolment. This is particularly found in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. Filipino students, in particular, have shown a keen interest in VET courses, with a 102% increase in enrolment between December 2022 and October 2023.
Opportunities and Interest in the Market
For Mindroom Innovation, the Study Gold Coast event presented a prime opportunity to explore and capitalise on the demand for VET programs among Filipino students. With the majority of Filipino students opting for VET courses, there is a clear opportunity for in-market delivery of such programs. Mindroom is keen to leverage this demand by forging partnerships with local industry players, corporations, and government organisations. This way they can create tailored VET offerings aligned with the needs of the Philippine workforce.
Moreover, as English is widely spoken in the Philippines, concerns regarding English proficiency requirements, such as those for the IELTS exam, are less pronounced. This attracts Filipino students seeking to enhance their English language skills in an immersive and supportive environment.
Philippines Trade Mission Objectives
Participation in the Study Gold Coast event was aligned with Mindroom’s broader objectives as part of the Philippines Trade Mission:
- Establish Higher Education Partnerships:
Mindroom aims to initiate collaborations with key Philippine educational institutions to foster academic exchanges and joint research initiatives. The desired outcome: to enrich the educational experience for students on both ends. - Promote Gold Coast as a Premier Study Destination:
Through marketing efforts, Mindroom seeks to elevate awareness of the Gold Coast as a top study destination in the Philippines. The aim: emphasising its unique offerings, student-friendly environment, and affordability compared to traditional destinations like Sydney and Melbourne. - Assess VET Opportunities:
Mindroom is committed to exploring and analysing VET prospects on the Gold Coast, identifying strategic partnerships to enhance collaboration and capitalise on the growing demand for vocational training among Filipino students. - Engage with Students and Education Agents:
Mindroom recognises the importance of engaging with students, education agents, and school counsellors to promote the Gold Coast as a premier study destination. The aim is to also strengthen its reputation for exceptional student support and employability prospects.
Our Journey at the Philippines Trade Mission
Our journey at the Philippines Trade Mission was an incredible experience! 🇵🇭✨
From engaging discussions at the Agent Network Events in Manila and Cebu to the fantastic mini fairs at international schools, every moment was enriching.
