Australia, 12 September 2017 - The University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and the University of Central Asia (UCA), signed an agreement to strengthen the relationship between the Institutions and encourage cooperation in the field of Communications and Media on 12 September 2017 in Australia.

"We look forward to great things happening with this partnership", said Professor Andrew Parfitt, Provost and Senior Vice President at UTS." Although we have a strong international programme, with the largest number of students going overseas of any Australian university, this is the first time UTS will be involved with countries of the former Soviet Union." Among the areas of collaboration between the two institutions are curriculum development, exchange of faculty and students, sharing of teaching resources and strategies, joint conferences, seminars, and exhibitions.

Representing the University of Central Asia at the signing was Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. "We explored many universities before deciding to partner with UTS. The strength and reputation of their programme in Communications and Media was most impressive, and we are particularly comfortable with their innovative and hands-on approach to teaching. Now that UTS will have a footprint in Central Asia, we hope that in time other partnerships with the programmes of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) can be developed."

Also present at the signing was the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Diana Pauna. "As we tackle the perennial issues of content, independence, and professionalism in the area of Communications and Media, we welcome the collaboration and support of UTS. The shared experience will enrich both our institutions."

UCA’s five-year degree programme consists of an intensive preparatory programme, followed by a four-year liberal arts core curriculum, rooted in the issues of mountain communities in Central Asia. Students are currently pursuing specialisations in Computer Science or Communications and Media at the Campus in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, and Economics or Earth and Environmental Science at the Campus in Khorog, Tajikistan.

University of Central Asia (UCA)

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000. The Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan, signed the International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular, private, not for profit University, which was ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of UCA and His Highness the Aga Khan is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and helping the peoples of the region to preserve and draw upon their rich cultural traditions as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

UTS is a dynamic and innovative university in central Sydney. One of Australia’s leading universities of technology, UTS has a distinct model of learning, strong research performance and a leading reputation for engagement with industry and the professions. UTS has a culturally diverse campus life and vibrant international exchange study and research programs that prepare graduates for the workplaces of today and the future. For more information:
https://www.uts.edu.au/about/university/overview.