The ECU delegation in traditional dress
Over four days, a senior ECU delegation visited Bhutan to engage in a program that consisted of cultural exchange, academic engagement, and meaningful dialogue. The week showcased a clear vision for the future, particularly in advancing opportunities for women and youth.
Led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock, the delegation included 14 staff from across the university's schools and the International Office. Their mission was focused on collaboration and to develop ties with key Bhutanese partners, explore new initiatives, and reflect on the long-standing relationship between ECU and the Himalayan kingdom.
A key highlight was an Audience with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, extended by His Majesty's personal invitation, reaffirming ECU's recognition in Bhutan.
Marko Remes, Dean of ECU International Business Operations said Bhutan Week is all about giving back to Bhutan: "Bhutan holds a special place in ECU's global engagement strategy. We are proud of our students, our enduring partnerships, and our shared commitment to social impact and education.
"ECU Bhutan Week exemplifies how we give back to Bhutan through collaboration, innovation, and the legacy of Edith Cowan," he said.
Dr Shiva Raj Bhattarai, President of Royal Thimphu College and Vice Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock
Her Majesty, women's voices, and a milestone moment
An important part of the visit was The Voices of Change: Empowering Women, Building Futures forum, co-hosted by ECU and RENEW, a Bhutanese non-profit organisation committed to advancing the rights and wellbeing of women and children.
The event was graced by Her Majesty The Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, The Queen Mother of Bhutan, and Founder of RENEW, who served as Guest of Honour.
Vice Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock and Her Majesty The Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, The Queen Mother of Bhutan
In a powerful moment, Her Majesty and Professor Pollock jointly launched the RENEW Training Institute, a new centre focused on upskilling and empowering women across Bhutan. The event brought together women from different generations to share their stories.
Strategic meetings
The ECU delegation engaged in a series of high-level meetings, designed to move key partnerships forward.
Highlights included:
- A meeting with the leadership of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), including newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Dasho Chewang Rinzin, a keynote speaker at the 2024 Australia–Bhutan Research Conference. This meeting reaffirmed a relationship built since 2018, with strong links in education, engineering, and business.
- The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), a key step in formalising collaboration with a key driver of Bhutan's national development priorities.
- At Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC), the Executive Dean of ECU School of Engineering Professor Paulo de Souza, launched the JNEC–ECU FabLab, extending cooperation in technology and innovation.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Druk Holding and Investments (DHI)
Beyond the boardroom, ECU hosted a reception for alumni and in-country stakeholders. School representatives held one-on-one meetings with their Bhutanese counterparts to further solidify the partnership.
Why Bhutan remains central to ECU's international strategy
As of 2025, over 1,400 Bhutanese students are enrolled at ECU. Under the auspices of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, ECU has awarded six scholarships to talented Bhutanese undergraduate students in Engineering and Computer Science (2023–2024).
Under the auspices of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck, ECU has established postgraduate scholarships in counselling in collaboration with RENEW, an organisation founded by Her Majesty to support vulnerable groups in society. The first scholar commenced studies in Semester 1, 2025.
The connection goes both ways.
Since 2018, more than 140 ECU students have travelled to Bhutan on government-supported placements, including 38 in 2024. ECU students collaborate directly with Bhutanese communities and professionals to gain unique and valuable real-world experience.
Cementing ECU's presence
In 2023, ECU took the next step by launching the ECU Hub in Thimphu, becoming the first Australian university with a permanent presence in the country. The Hub now houses the Australia–Bhutan Friendship Centre and supports collaboration across education, research, and engagement.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Jake Garman and Vice Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock unveiling the new ECU branding
This profile was further raised by Professor Pollock and Jake Garman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International), officially launching ECU's refreshed branding.
Progressive outcomes
The strategic visit confirmed ECU's long-term commitment to Bhutan, which celebrated shared achievements and new projects. This initiative recognised the role education plays in building leadership, equality, and opportunity.
"Bhutan is a vital part of ECU's international vision and ECU is proud to play a meaningful role in the academic and professional journeys of Bhutanese students. Our commitment remains long-term and multi-dimensional, working alongside institutional partners, government, industry, alumni and education agents to create lasting change and shared impact," Marko Remes said.
