Connecting Campuses: Australia-Korea Transnational Education (TNE) | Australia-Korea Business Council on Glue Up

Agenda

April 30, 2025

11

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Opening remarks by H.E. Jeff Robinson, Ambassador to the Republic of Korea

11

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11

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Overview of Korea’s TNE Landscape & Opportunities

11

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11

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BJFEZ (Busan Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority) Welcoming address by Commissioner Park Seongho

11

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11

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Voices from the Ground

11

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11

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Case study Presentation 2+2 Dual/Joint Degree between Australian and Korean Universities

11

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12

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Q&A and closing remarks

Speakers

H. E. Jeff Robinson

Ambassador at Australian Embassy Seoul

Mr. Robinson is a highly experienced senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has worked extensively across a wide r...

Seong Ho Park

Commissioner at Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority

Education- Bachelor of Laws, Korean National Police University(Mar. 1989.)- Master’s in Public Policy, Saitama University of Graduate School of Policy...

Kwangmin Yim

Director of Investment Promotion Division 1 at Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority

Education & Work Experience- University of British Columbia(Canada) 2008~2012- Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority 2014~2016- Gyeongsann...

Kelley E. Chung

Associate Dean of Admissions & Enrollment at George Mason University

Kelley boasts over 16 years of experience working in admissions, with over 13 years of experience working in college admissions. Before joining us, sh...

Janine Pitt

Counsellor - Education and Research for the Republic of Korea and Japan at Australian Embassy

Janine Pitt is the Counsellor (Education and Research) for Japan and the Republic of Korea and is based at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo.Janine has ...

Liz Griffin

CEO of Australia-Korea Business Council

Liz has been leading the Australia-Korea Business Council as CEO since December 2015, leveraging her extensive background with Asialink Business and K...

Mr. Robinson is a highly experienced senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has worked extensively across a wide range of North Asia and international security, strategic policy, and other matters. He has served overseas in Japan and the United States and is now in the Republic of Korea for the third time.

His inaugural overseas assignment was in Seoul from 1988-1992, followed by a tenure as Deputy Head of Mission from 2007-2011. His experience in Korea dates back to his university years in the early 1980s.

Education
· Bachelor of Economics (Honours) – Australian National University
· Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies – Japan, Korea) – Australian National University
· Graduate Diploma in Strategic Studies – Joint Services Staff College
Relevant Experience
· January 2024 – Present – Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (with responsibility for the DPRK)
· 2021–2023 – Assistant Secretary, AUKUS Non-Proliferation, International Security Division, DFAT; Principal Adviser on Non-Proliferation Issues, AUKUS Taskforce
· 2020–2021 – Assistant Secretary, East Asia (China) External and Coordination Branch, East Asia Division, DFAT
· 2018–2020 – Assistant Secretary for Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation, DFAT
· 2015–2017 – Australian Consul-General, Honolulu
· 2012–2014 – Assistant Secretary for Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation, DFAT
Secondment to the Australian Department of Defence
· 2007–2011 – Minister and Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Seoul
· 2005–2007 – Assistant Secretary, National Security and Intelligence Branch, DFAT
· 2003–2005 – Assistant Secretary, China Branch, Northeast Asia Division, DFAT
· 1998–2003 – Counsellor (Political and Strategic Affairs), Australian Embassy, Tokyo
· 1992–1998 – Director, Korea Section, DFAT
Director, Counter-Proliferation Section, DFAT
Desk Officer – Japan, Korea, South Pacific Regional, and Policy Planning Sections, DFAT
· 1988–1992 – Third Secretary, Australian Embassy, Seoul
· 1987 – Joined the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (later DFAT)

Opening remarks by H.E. Jeff Robinson, Ambassador to the Republic of Korea

Education
- Bachelor of Laws, Korean National Police University(Mar. 1989.)
- Master’s in Public Policy, Saitama University of Graduate School of Policy Science in Japan (Sep. 2000.)

Personal Career
- 2025.01 ~ Present : Commissioner, BJFEZA
- Jan.~Oct. 2023. : President, Gimhae Bioindustry Promotion Agency
- Apr. 2020.~ Jan. 2022.: - Director General, Local Autonomy Bureau
- Aug. 2018. ~ Apr. 2020.: Deputy Governor of - Gyeongsangnamdo
- Jul. 2015. ~ Oct. 2016.: Director of Policy Coordination, Ulsan Metropolitan City
- Aug. 2010. ~ Aug. 2012.: Head of Japan Office, Korean City, Mayors Association in Japan
- Jun. 2004. ~ Jun. 2006.: Diplomatic Attache, Embassy of Republic of Korea in Singapore
- Passed the 35th Civil Service Examination (1992)

Awards
- Presidential Citation for Distinguished Public Service(Dec. 2018.)

Janine Pitt is the Counsellor (Education and Research) for Japan and the Republic of Korea and is based at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo.

Janine has extensive international experience representing Australia and the Department at senior levels at a wide range of International and multilateral fora. Janine was previously based in Paris for three years as Minister-Counsellor with the Australian Delegation to the OECD where she
focused on Employment, Education, Skills and Vocational Training. In addition, Janine has held the position of Australia’s Representative to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) - a United Nations agency based in Geneva where she was a key member of the Asia-Pacific Group. She has represented Australia at international G20 meetings, and both led and hosted International delegations in Australia and abroad.

Janine has held a number of Senior Executive positions within the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and its predecessors including as NSW/ACT State Manager of the Department. Most recently, she had responsibility for the development, management, and delivery of key aspects of the national employment services program which aimed at improving the efficiency of the labour market and encouraging employment participation.

Overview of Korea’s TNE Landscape & Opportunities

Liz has been leading the Australia-Korea Business Council as CEO since December 2015, leveraging her extensive background with Asialink Business and KPMG to spearhead initiatives that enhance bilateral trade and investment between Australia and Korea. Her command of the Korean language is both deep and nuanced, evidenced by her completion of a Diploma of Languages (Korean) at Monash University, alongside her studies at Seoul National University. Liz's academic journey also took her to Yonsei University and Sogang University, further enriching her understanding of Korean culture and business practices.

In 2017, Liz's efforts in promoting economic collaboration between Korea and Australia were formally recognised by the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney with an appreciation plaque. Her dedication to leadership and excellence in governance was underscored in 2021 upon graduating from the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

Liz is passionate about unveiling the dynamic opportunities that exist between Australia and Korea, particularly in sectors critical to the future, such as energy transition, critical minerals, food and agriculture, and financial services. She is dedicated to educating Australian audiences about the strategic importance of our third-largest trading market, driven by a mission to ensure Australian businesses thrive in Korea, and likewise, Korean businesses find success in Australia. This commitment not only showcases her dedication to strengthening bilateral ties but also highlights her role as a pivotal advocate for cross-cultural business success.

Q&A and closing remarks