Australia Strengthens Educational Ties with South Asia Through SAEC and Cultural Outreach

SAEC Empowers South Asian Students Through Entrepreneurship and Global Learning

As India and Sri Lanka continue to emerge as dynamic and evolving economies, it is increasingly vital that students are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the entrepreneurial mindset required to navigate complex global challenges. In response to this need, the Study Australia Entrepreneurship Challenge (SAEC) has been introduced as a forward-looking initiative led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). Designed to cultivate innovation, leadership, and problem-solving abilities among high school students in both countries, the programme, supported by the Australian Government, underscores a broader commitment to strengthening educational partnerships and fostering future-ready talent across South Asia.

As part of the 2025 edition of the challenge, students from Trinity College, Kandy, were officially declared winners of SAEC Sri Lanka. The announcement was made during the Festival of Australia, held in Colombo on 29 June, further highlighting the growing engagement between Australian institutions and South Asian learners. Organised by Austrade, the Festival of Australia served as a distinctive platform to showcase Australia’s quality education and premium food products. It provided Sri Lankan students and families with the opportunity to interact with Australian university representatives and gain insights into study options through alumni talks and information sessions.

In conjunction with the Festival, Austrade hosted the SAEC 2025 Sri Lanka final, where five school teams presented entrepreneurial solutions to a panel of expert judges. The challenge, described as a rigorous programme, featured a series of online workshops and mentoring sessions for students in Grades 10 to 12. Guided by Australian academics and industry professionals, participants worked in teams to develop business ideas addressing global issues in Green Tech, Human-Centred AI, and Digital Transformation for Social Good.

Alongside the entrepreneurship challenge, the Festival also showcased premium Australian packaged food in collaboration with Sri Lankan importers, offering tastings that highlighted Australia’s culinary diversity. Additionally, Austrade hosted a networking event titled “Taste the Wonders of Australia”, which presented top-quality meats, wines, and ingredients to attendees.

Speaking at the event, Austrade’s Trade and Investment Commissioner, Vik Singh, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the Festival in Colombo. He emphasised its dual role in promoting Australia’s strengths in education and gastronomy, noting that the initiative offered Sri Lankan students valuable insight into future-focused learning opportunities while introducing families to Australia’s high-quality produce. The event was viewed as a meaningful step towards deepening Australia–Sri Lanka ties and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. This integrated initiative reflects Australia’s commitment to empowering young minds and strengthening regional partnerships through education, innovation, and shared cultural experiences.

Editor’s Note:

The recent announcement of Trinity College, Kandy, as the winner of the Study Australia Entrepreneurship Challenge (SAEC) 2025 Sri Lanka marks a significant step in Australia’s ongoing efforts to deepen educational and cultural ties with South Asia. As India and Sri Lanka position themselves as key players in a rapidly changing global economy, there is a growing need to prepare students with the entrepreneurial skills and mindset required to address real-world challenges. This initiative, spearheaded by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), highlights a broader strategic commitment to regional collaboration through education, innovation, and people-to-people engagement. By combining academic mentorship with exposure to Australia’s premium food and cultural offerings, the Festival of Australia has created a unique platform for fostering future-ready talent and mutual understanding between Australia and Sri Lanka.

Skoobuzz believes that in today’s evolving global education landscape, such initiatives offer young innovators a valuable opportunity to learn from experts while also fostering strong educational partnerships that support long-term growth and international collaboration.