'Underestimated The Power Of India'

Penny Simmonds, CEO at the Southern Institute of Technology in New Zealand, sees India as a powerhouse that is not quite recognised. She tells Vaishali Dar that she was in talks with Indian institutes for a student exchange programme.

Tell us about the Southern Institute of  Technology (SIT) New Zealand?

I am the longest serving chief executive officer at SIT, as old as 20 years. There are about 350 students from India studying at the Southern Institute of Technology, which offers a range of programmes in bachelors, post-graduate, masters.

Professional courses like engineering, IT, digital media, films and nursing are gaining popularity. A number of people come to NZ to learn of the policies and practices behind New Zealand’s clean image, so environmental management is another subject liked by the students.

Does NZ have any exchange programme for Indian students?

As of now, we do not have any exchange programme, but we are in talks with a couple of institutes in India to make this exchange programme part of their curriculum. We have a number of students who get education for three years, gain knowledge and earn a permit to work in  New Zealand.

In which sector will you have such a programme?

We are looking at the agriculture sector, which is in high demand. New Zealand is known for high productivity and use of technology in the agriculture sector. I am meeting a number of organisations this time in India, in this regard. Both countries foresee a lot of opportunities to work together in this sector.

Do tell us of the education system in New Zealand

New Zealand focusses on problem solving, instead of rich learning. It is just a different learning style. But for us, it works well as we are a small country.

The immigration policies are linked to education policies in New Zealand and so, additional points are given to potential migrants who have studied in NZ and gained post graduate qualification.

Any lessons to be learnt from India?

The students should understand the enormous potential of India. India is growing fast in productivity and technology. I think it is important for New Zealand students to build a relationship with Indian students. Students can understand culture, challenges and opportunities in both the countries with these exchange programmes.

New Zealand students should learn from the Indian economy, as it is one of the biggest powerhouses and perhaps, people have underestimated the power of India. We may set up a cell for Indian students in India, but it’s too premature to talk about now.

Vaishali Dar

BW Reporters Vaishali Dar is a Senior Associate Editor with BW Businessworld and Editorial Head with BW Disrupt. She writes on corporates, start-ups, hospitality and travel