Q: Could you provide an overview of Deakin University and Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC)?
A: Deakin University is a top ranked uni- versity in Australia for its quality of educa- tion and student satisfaction. It is a compe- tent university, laying claim to more than 40 years of distance and online teaching excellence with over 78,000 online stu- dents presently enrolled.
Moreover, it is ranked among the top one percent of universities globally, according to ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s Acad- emic Ranking of World Universities.
As for SLTC, it’s positioned as the first research-based private university fortified with strong industry links globally and locally. The university offers an array of Ministry of Education approved degree programmes in engineering, technology, business studies, computing, IT and music.
Our university is modern, forward-thinking and not bound or limited by tradi- tion. We’re quick to adopt the latest developments in teaching and research in a bid to create a truly cuttingedge institution.
We strive to be the centre of excellence to develop stu- dents’ potential for the benefit of Sri Lanka and the world. Our prima- ry aim is to produce employable skilled graduates who can embark on careers of their choice and flourish in them.
Q: Could you shed some light on Deakin’s renewed affiliation with SLTC?
A: The signing of this new partnership coincided with the launch of SLTC’s Center for Global Education (CGE), which will serve as a centre for faculty, students, staff and the public.
This initiative will make world-class edu- cation and resources more accessible to prospective local students seeking opportu- nities for global education and to complete their higher studies.
We’re grateful for the invaluable assistance extend- ed in materialising the mean- ingful partnership between our two institutions as SLTC is quick in adopting global education trends. And we will enhance this commit- ment with greater efficiency with CGE’s assistance going forward.
Q: What makes the recent contract renewal a noteworthy development?
A: Deakin’s Cloud Campus serves to deliver an authentic campus experience to students overseas while granting access to a host of resources and services, including face-to-face and real-time interactions with the faculty based in Australia.
Another highlight of this agreement is that SLTC received the green light to initiate the Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence programme, making history as the first Sri Lankan institution to embrace the discipline and offer a dedicated degree in this way. We’re confident that this will be among the most popular courses in the coming years, with demand and curiosity for AI soaring globally and locally.
We are excited to partner with Deakin University in a more meaningful way rather than being a mere franchisee. Our role is not only that of a facilitator but a holistic and fully fledged university relaying knowledge, facilities, skills and dispositions to local students while transcending geographical and other constraints.
Q: Will this partnership offer Sri Lankan students new programmes?
A: Yes. Through this partnership and CGE, Sri Lanka Technological Campus will offer four new degree programmes from Deakin University – viz. the Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Software Engineering.