Education took center stage in bolstering Bhutan-Australia relations as the Royal Bhutan Embassy in Canberra partnered with Edith Cowan University (ECU) to host a groundbreaking three-day conference that concluded yesterday. The event, themed “Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Emerging Topics – Bridging Innovations between Australia and Bhutan,” attracted 70 Bhutanese researchers and scholars focused on Bhutanese studies.
Ambassador Sonam Tobgay, Bhutan’s envoy to Australia, highlighted the significance of uniting the largest community of Bhutanese scholars residing in Australia. “Our goal was to move beyond isolated research efforts, encouraging scholars to present their work collectively and explore collaborative ventures,” Tobgay stated. He further emphasized the potential for commercializing research outcomes, aiming to enhance Bhutan’s knowledge economy and support nation-building initiatives.
Western Australia’s Minister for Culture and the Arts, Sports and Recreation, International Education, Heritage, David Templeman, lauded the conference’s timely themes. “In a rapidly changing world, fostering strong international relationships and leveraging educational institutions are crucial for inspiring the next generation and driving sustainable progress,” Templeman remarked.
The conference kicked off with sessions focused on happiness and wellbeing, the role of digital innovation and technology in Bhutan’s sustainable growth, the experiences of Bhutanese migrants, and the vital connection between research, policy, and business solutions. Chewang Rinzin, founding director of the Royal Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies, underscored the necessity of promoting data-driven decision-making in Bhutan. “Cultivating a robust research culture and fostering collaboration among institutions are essential for achieving impactful policy outcomes,” he explained.
A highlight of the event was keynote address by Ujjwal Deep Dahal, CEO of Druk Holdings and Investment (DHI). Dahal advocated for establishing innovation as a cornerstone of Bhutan’s economy and proposed the creation of a multichannel innovation fund. This initiative aims to support the entire innovation lifecycle, from seed funding to scaling ideas developed by local and international innovators, founders, and academics.
Throughout the second and third days, participants delved into diverse topics including education, forestry, climate change, environmental conservation, media, language preservation, and governance. Professor Clare Pollock, Vice Chancellor of ECU, praised the strong academic and cultural bonds between Australia and Bhutan. “This conference is a testament to our shared commitment to education and societal advancement. It’s an opportunity to exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, and collaboratively develop solutions that benefit both nations,” Pollock stated.
Australia is home to approximately 34,000 Bhutanese individuals, with around 24,000 residing in Western Australia, making it the largest Bhutanese diaspora community. Ambassador Tobgay highlighted the impactful contributions of Bhutanese researchers in Australia, including breakthroughs in anti-inflammatory drug development from indigenous plants, innovations in cornea surgery technology, and expertise in agricultural sectors such as wheat and citrus farming.
As the conference concluded, researchers presented actionable recommendations to enhance Bhutan’s research culture and bridge the gap between academic studies and policy implementation. These proposals aim to ensure that research findings effectively inform government decisions and drive national development agendas.
Looking ahead, organizers have proposed hosting the next conference at the Royal Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies in Phuentsholing, Bhutan, slated for 2025. This future event is expected to further solidify the collaborative efforts between Bhutanese and Australian scholars, continuing the momentum of this vital educational partnership.
