Their engagements demonstrated Curtin’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, digital innovation, and student experience, further strengthening collaboration between Curtin’s Colombo and Perth campuses.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Curtin Colombo leadership team, with whom they engaged in a series of strategic discussions focused on enhancing student engagement, academic innovation, and cross-campus integration.
The conversations demonstrate a shared vision to deliver globally aligned, locally relevant education, empowering students to thrive in today’s dynamic world.
As Curtin Colombo continues to expand its impact, visits such as these play a vital role in aligning academic standards, enriching student experiences, and building a truly international learning community.
Over the course of four days, Mr. Stoitis and Prof. Southam participated in an energetic itinerary that included leadership summits, school outreach sessions, academic workshops, and a high-level policy dialogue.
Professor Daniel Southam’s visit placed a spotlight on teaching excellence and digital innovation in higher education.
During his time in Colombo, He led workshops for tertiary educators on evidence-based curriculum innovation and the use of generative AI in large-class learning, building knowledge exchange and capacity building for Sri Lanka’s higher education sector.
His active participation in the Curtin Foundation Open Day and a joint seminar for school teachers on AI in student-centric environments further extended Curtin’s educational outreach, inspiring educators and future learners to embrace the possibilities of next-generation teaching and learning.
Commenting on the visit, Professor Southam said,
“It has been fantastic to experience Curtin Colombo in person for the first time and see how the campus adapts the spirit of what we do in Perth.
Meeting the passionate staff and students has reinforced wherever you are in the world, Curtin is always about putting students first.
Colombo contributes meaningfully to our global mission delivering equivalent courses and also sharing knowledge and creativity enriching the entire Curtin network.
What excites me most is seeing hands-on learning, curiosity, and independent thought come alive, shaping resilient graduates who will become future leaders across the region and internationally.”
Professor Southam also engaged in an insightful dialogue with Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, exploring Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey and sharing Australian experiences in technology-enabled education and innovation.
The discussion affirmed Curtin’s ongoing commitment to building knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration in advancing digital learning ecosystems.
He also joined the Thought Leadership Forum hosted by the Australian High Commission emphasising Curtin’s commitment to advancing regional academic collaboration and innovation, strengthening the University’s reputation as a thought leader in education and technology.
Mr. Stoitis’s visit focused on strengthening student-centered collaboration between the Perth and Colombo campuses.
His engagements included a panel discussion at Vishaka Vidyalaya on modern job market competitiveness, a leadership summit for school prefects and student leaders, and a joint seminar for educators on integrating technology and AI into learning environments.
These sessions emphasized the importance of cultivating future-ready skills and building inclusive pathways to global education.
He also led strategic discussions with Curtin Colombo’s Student Engagement Team, sharing best practices from the Perth campus and co-developing a roadmap for future initiatives.
His presence at the Curtin Foundation Open Day at SLIIT City Campus and multiple school outreach sessions helped expand Curtin’s visibility and deepen its connection with Sri Lankan youth.
He noted, “It is wonderful to finally be here at Curtin Colombo and experience firsthand the energy and personality of this campus.
Each Curtin location has its own unique character, yet what unites us is the spirit of students with hopes, dreams, and ambitions.
What impresses me most here is the strong cohort experience, the ability for students to truly connect with one another in a way that feels personal and inspiring.
My advice to students is to embrace every opportunity beyond the classroom, whether through volunteering, internships, or community involvement, because those connections will shape your future careers.
At Curtin, we are committed to supporting every individual, polishing their strengths like diamonds, and preparing them to be resilient leaders for tomorrow.”
Together, the presence of Prof. Southam and Mr. Stoitis showcased showcased Curtin Colombo’s growing role in Sri Lanka’s higher education landscape and reaffirmed Curtin University’s commitment to building global academic excellence through meaningful partnerships and shared learning.