Presentation (20 minutes) – maximum of TWO speakers per presentation TAFE Directors Australia Convention 2026

Transnational TAFE: Building Skills, Trust and Cultural Relevance through the Katalis Indonesia-Australia Partnership (132469)

Zachary Watt 1 , Ryan Buckley 1
  1. Charles Darwin University, Brinkin, NT, Australia

This presentation highlights how Charles Darwin University (CDU) TAFE has enhanced Australia’s international vocational education presence through the Katalis Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) Education Cooperation Program (ECP).

Under this initiative, CDU collaborated with Katalis and Indonesian stakeholders to co-design and deliver two culturally contextualised short courses: Food Safety and Livestock Wellbeing and Productivity. The project exemplifies how TAFE can act as a trusted global partner, transferring Australian vocational expertise while embedding cultural, regulatory, and linguistic relevance for international learners.

The localisation approach extended beyond translation. It integrated Indonesia’s BPOM (Food and Drug Authority), PIRT (Home Industry Food Permit), and SNI (National Standard) requirements, as well as Halal food handling and Islamic dietary laws. Each course was developed in the Bahasa Indonesia language, with inclusive learning design and contextually relevant case studies that reflect local industries, climate, and cultural practices.

Through this work, CDU demonstrated the Power of TAFE to:

  • Globalise vocational education through partnership-driven co-design and mutual capability building.
  • Enhance access and equity via culturally and linguistically inclusive design.
  • Strengthen Australia’s reputation for delivering quality, ethical, and adaptable vocational education.

Attendees will gain insight into how TAFE institutions can translate their expertise into sustainable, scalable transnational education models. The session will also outline lessons learned, governance and quality assurance considerations, and practical frameworks for future international collaboration that foster reciprocity and respect.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will:

  1. Understand a proven model for international TAFE localisation and collaboration.
  2. Identify key factors that enable successful, culturally respectful transnational VET delivery.
  3. Gain practical ideas for expanding TAFE’s global partnerships and reputation.