The University of Melbourne announced the appointment of Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar as Director of the Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi.
Professor Ashokkumar brings a wealth of experience in international education and organisational leadership, with previous roles as Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor International (India), Head of the School of Chemistry, Acting Director and CEO of the Australia India Institute, and Associate Dean International at the University’s Faculty of Science.
In his new role, he will lead the University’s strategic initiatives, outreach, and collaborations within India, fostering partnerships with governmental bodies, industry leaders, and other sector-specific entities to reinforce the commitment to the India-Australia bilateral relationship.
In his capacity, he will continue to pursue the advancement of Transnational Education (TNE), Transnational Research (TNR), and Community Engagement initiatives designed to foster reciprocal societal benefits, sustained growth, and cultural exchange for both nations.
Professor Ashokkumar obtained his Bachelor of Science (1982) and Master (1984) degrees from Madurai Kamaraj University. In 1989, he obtained his PhD from the University of Madras, India. He joined the University of Melbourne in 1996, migrating to Australia with his wife and son from Madurai, India.
Professor Duncan Maskell, Vice-Chancellor of University of Melbourne, said, “Professor Ashokkumar’s appointment marks an important moment for our engagement with India. His expertise and passion for transnational partnerships will shape the future of education and research between India and Australia. I look forward to seeing how Professor Ashokkumar will lead meaningful collaborations that inspire and empower future generations.”
Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture, and Engagement) University of Melbourne, said, “Professor Ashokkumar is deeply respected by his peers and students alike. He represents the essence of international collaboration in education,” said Professor Wesley. “His global network, rigorous research background, and commitment to education make him exceptionally well suited for this role. I am confident that under his leadership, the Melbourne Global Centre- Delhi will flourish as a vibrant hub for innovation and transnational collaboration, empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers from both our countries.”
Professor Ashokkumar, Director of Melbourne Global Centre, said, “The Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi is a significant step in our longstanding commitment to fostering wider engagement between India and our University. Building on partnerships that span over 16 years, we are dedicated to empowering and enhancing capacity within India to collaboratively benefit both societies for a shared future through transnational education (TNE) and transnational research (TNR). In my role as Director of the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi, I am committed to deepening our ties with India and continuing to support the country’s long-term academic and research aspirations. The Centre will connect generations of scholars and researchers, strengthening existing and forging new bilateral connections and facilitating meaningful educational and cultural exchanges to create more pathways and opportunities for students and scholars to thrive in a global environment.”
