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Issue No. 26 - December/January 2005/06
SA’s value proposition to China
by Rex Buckingham
Finding that old image of China — people in identical Mao suits on bicycles surrounded by monolithic socialistic buildings — is difficult nowadays.
Urban China has changed almost entirely, with fashionably dressed citizens in new cars surrounded by shiny skyscrapers. Reassuringly, however, a few bicycles are still on the road.
The transformation of China includes a growing segment of the population looking beyond their borders for goods and services, providing opportunities for South Australian businesses involved in education, tourism and knowledge services.
Education
Chinese typically consider studying abroad a unique opportunity to gather precious knowledge and experience, as well as virtually assure career success.
Fortunately, South Australia offers a unique value proposition. With three major universities within the Adelaide metropolitan area, the critical mass exists to attract students wishing to study virtually any discipline. Combine this with lower living costs in Adelaide, and you have a very attractive package for pragmatic Chinese students wishing to make the most of their education investment.
The numbers published by Education Adelaide speak for themselves, as the number of Chinese students studying in South Australia has trebled from just over 1,200 in 2002 to approximately 3,500 in 2005 (April year-to-date), thus making up 26% of the total foreign student population.
Education Adelaide also claims that the 10,000 foreign students who came to South Australia in 2003 added $300 Million to the local economy and provided approximately 2,000 jobs.
All business sectors catering to foreign students stand to profit. Beyond tuition and fees collected by the learning institutions, major expenses for students include housing, books and supplies, and everyday living expenses.
Savvy entrepreneurs can capitalise on the growth by tailoring their products and services to meet the needs of Chi...
