China
Time to reset Australian international education
Author: Fran Martin, University of Melbourne
In the context of the long-term erosion of public funding for universities, education has become one of Australia’s most valuable export commodities. Not only do international students’ fees bolster the revenue of universities, but their spending on other goods and services also makes a significant contribution to the communities where they live. In 2018–19, they contributed AU$37.6 billion (US$25.1 billion) to the national economy.
In recent years, students from China have consistently been the biggest group of international students in Australia — about 30 per cent — with over 200,000 in September 2019. In Group of Eight universities, Chinese students comprise 60 per cent of the international student body. Fears of over-concentration are driving universities to attempt to diversify source countries for international enrolments. But relative levels of economic development in alternative source countries mean that it is unlikely in the short to medium-term that China could be replaced.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to Australian international education. Travel bans have seen around 120,000 international students stuck overseas. Those who are stranded in Australia are struggling financially: without income from casual work, excluded from federal safety nets and lacking the means to return home. Universities Australia estimates that revenue across the nation’s universities will decline by AU$3–4.6 billion in 2020 as a result of disruption to international enrolments. Anxieties are running high about the future of Australian international education and its higher education sector as a whole.
What factors could adversely affect international students’ desire to study in Australia after COVID-19, and how can Australia improve this outlook?
The quality of student experience does not rely solely on the excellence of the education they receive. Rather, as Bruce Baird observed in his 2010 review of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, ‘Australia’s international education reputation depends on how well we provide for the wellbeing of international students and their whole experience of studying and living in Australia’.
Hospitality, living and wellbeing factors rank highly in a prospective international student’s choice of where to study. A sense of local connection and social inclusion is also a prime factor influencing a student’s likelihood of recommending a study destination to acquaintances. The experiences of current cohorts of Chinese students can influence the choices of future students about where to study, affecting the long-term sustainability of international education in Australia.
Even before the COVID-19 crisis, life for Chinese students in Australia was not rosy. Research findings show that many experience vulnerabilities including: limited access to reliable local information and vulnerability to misinformation, racism and social exclusion, and restricted opportunities for intercultural mixing. On a more institutional level, many experience restricted or exploitative work, exploitation in rental accommodation, difficulties engaging effectively with Australian police processes as victims of crime and difficulties accessing Australian health systems including mental health support.
To address these problems, international students must be reconceptualised as part of the national youth population with associated rights as such. International students are part of Australian communities, and the benefits that they bring extend beyond universities.
Supporting these young people requires four key measures. First, Australia should work to improve communication with international students, especially in-language and via relevant social media platforms. Second, Australia can develop more effective regulation to protect international students’ rights and interests, such as systematically regulating information provision and homestay standards. Third, increased support for local agencies is necessary for them to respond effectively to international students’ needs. One example is increased resourcing to support the provision of legal advice on tenants’ and workers’ rights. Finally, further collaboration with culturally and linguistically diverse communities can help to develop effective systems to safeguard international students’ wellbeing.
Currently, under the ESOS Framework, education providers are responsible for providing information and services to international students to…
Business
Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
Gordonstoun school severed ties with Hampton Group over espionage allegations against chairman Yang Tengbo. He denies involvement and claims to be a victim of political tensions between the UK and China.
Allegations Lead to School’s Decision
Gordonstoun School in Moray has cut ties with Hampton Group International after serious allegations surfaced regarding its chairman, Yang Tengbo, who is accused of being a spy for the Chinese government. Known by the alias "H6," Mr. Tengbo was involved in a deal that aimed to establish five new schools in China affiliated with Gordonstoun. However, the recent allegations compelled the school to terminate their agreement.
Public Denial and Legal Action
In response to the spying claims, Mr. Tengbo publicly revealed his identity, asserting that he has committed no wrongdoing. A close associate of Prince Andrew and a former Gordonstoun student himself, Mr. Tengbo has strenuously denied the accusations, stating that he is a target of the escalating tensions between the UK and China. He has claimed that his mistreatment is politically motivated.
Immigration Challenges and Legal Responses
Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, has faced additional challenges regarding his immigration status in the UK. After losing an appeal against a ban enacted last year, he reiterated his innocence, condemning media speculation while emphasizing his commitment to clear his name. Gordonstoun, on its part, stated its inability to divulge further details due to legal constraints.
Source : Gordonstoun cuts ties with business chaired by man accused of spying for China
Business
China Dismantles Prominent Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
The Chinese government demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Xinjiang, affecting Uyghur culture and commerce, prompting criticism from activists amid concerns over cultural erasure and human rights violations.
Demolition of a Cultural Landmark
The Chinese government recently demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Urumqi, Xinjiang, a vital hub for Uyghur culture and commerce, as reported by VOA. This center, once inhabited by more than 800 predominantly Uyghur-owned businesses, has been deserted since 2009. Authorities forcibly ordered local business owners to vacate the premises before proceeding with the demolition, which took place without any public notice.
Condemnation from Activists
Uyghur rights activists have condemned this demolition, perceiving it as part of China’s broader strategy to undermine Uyghur identity and heritage. The event has sparked heightened international concern regarding China’s policies in Xinjiang, which have been characterized by allegations of mass detentions and cultural suppression, prompting claims of crimes against humanity.
Rebiya Kadeer’s Response
Rebiya Kadeer, the center’s namesake and a notable Uyghur rights advocate, criticized the demolition as a deliberate attempt to erase her legacy. Kadeer, who has been living in exile in the U.S. since her release from imprisonment in 2005, continues to advocate for Uyghur rights. She has expressed that her family members have suffered persecution due to her activism, while the Chinese government has yet to comment on the legal ramifications of the demolition.
Source : China Demolishes Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
China
China Expands Nationwide Private Pension Scheme After Two-Year Pilot Program
China’s private pension scheme, previously piloted in 36 cities, will roll out nationwide on December 15, 2024, enabling workers to open tax-deferred accounts. The initiative aims to enhance retirement savings, address aging population challenges, and stimulate financial sector growth.
After a two-year pilot program, China has officially expanded its private pension scheme nationwide. Starting December 15, 2024, workers covered by urban employee basic pension insurance or urban-rural resident basic pension insurance across the country can participate in this supplementary pension scheme. This nationwide rollout represents a significant milestone in China’s efforts to build a comprehensive pension system, addressing the challenges of a rapidly aging population.
On December 12, 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, together with four other departments including the Ministry of Finance, the State Taxation Administration, the Financial Regulatory Administration, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, announced the nationwide implementation of China’s private pension scheme effective December 15, 2024. The initiative extends eligibility to all workers enrolled in urban employee basic pension insurance or urban-rural resident basic pension insurance.
A notable development is the expansion of tax incentives for private pensions, previously limited to pilot cities, to a national scale. Participants can now enjoy these benefits across China, with government agencies collaborating to ensure seamless implementation and to encourage broad participation through these enhanced incentives.
China first introduced its private pension scheme in November 2022 as a pilot program covering 36 cities and regions, including major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Chengdu. Under the program, individuals were allowed to open tax-deferred private pension accounts, contributing up to RMB 12,000 (approximately $1,654) annually to invest in a range of retirement products such as bank deposits, mutual funds, commercial pension insurance, and wealth management products.
Read more about China’s private pension pilot program launched two years ago: China Officially Launches New Private Pension Scheme – Who Can Take Part?
The nationwide implementation underscores the Chinese government’s commitment to addressing demographic challenges and promoting economic resilience. By providing tax advantages and expanding access, the scheme aims to incentivize long-term savings and foster greater participation in personal retirement planning.
The reform is expected to catalyze growth in China’s financial and insurance sectors while offering individuals a reliable mechanism to enhance their retirement security.
| This article was first published by China Briefing , which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and India . Readers may write to info@dezshira.com for more support. |
Read the rest of the original article.
- Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
- China Dismantles Prominent Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
- China Expands Nationwide Private Pension Scheme After Two-Year Pilot Program
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