Official visit to Suan Dusit University

Representatives from Suan Dusit University and TAFE Queensland; students, staff and supporters of this wonderful institution.

Good afternoon, and thank you for welcoming Kaye and me to your campus so warmly today.

Your hospitality is renowned the world over, and it is a pleasure to experience your country as the first Australian Governor to make an official visit to Thailand.

I am proud to be in Bangkok as a guest of the Thai government, and today witnessing the formal signing of a partnership between Suan Dusit University and TAFE Queensland.

These two educational institutions continue to collaborate through a Memorandum of Understanding which facilitates the implementation of teacher and student exchanges.

Further strengthening the relationship between Suan Dusit University and TAFE Queensland, the memorandum promotes Vocational Education and Training programs to students, particularly in the areas of cooking and hospitality – two cornerstones of the Thailand tourism industry.

Indeed, few cuisines in the world reflect an entire country, an entire culture, on a plate quite like the famed flavours of Thailand – spicy, salty, sour and sweet.

With that in mind, I am delighted to announce that the recent winner of the TAFE Queensland Apprentice Chef of the Year, Ms Emma Arkinstall, will visit Thailand in January next year to undertake a 10-day culinary exchange.

This is a tremendous opportunity for a highly talented chef, and I am sure Emma will make the very most of her opportunity, which includes a visit to Suan Dusit, as a key component of the MoU.

Today I also acknowledge two representatives from Suan Dusit University – chef Miss Panjama Praphapantasak and student Mr Wasawat Prabsatian – who last month attended an exchange program in Queensland’s capital city of Brisbane.

I look forward to presenting certificates in recognition of this exchange in a few moments.

Thank you once again for hosting us on what is a very special day for education in Bangkok and Queensland.

I wish you all the very best as another year draws to a close, and I trust 2019 will be just as rewarding, as this partnership formally bonds Suan Dusit University and TAFE Queensland.

Thank you.