PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

15 September 2026, HOBART – Ambassador Antonio Morales and Consul General Jesus Gary Domingo met with University of Tasmania (UTAS) officials led by Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Nicholas Farrelly to advance opportunities in transnational education, maritime and research collaboration.

Maritime cooperation is a key area of the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Australia. In this context, the Ambassador also underscored the potential for institutional partnerships that could strengthen the capabilities of Philippine experts and officials in maritime law and policy, security, marine resources and ocean governance.

Professor Farrelly outlined UTAS capabilities through the work of the Australian Maritime College (AMC) based in Launceston and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in Hobart in maritime engineering, maritime logistics, maritime decarbonization, fisheries, aquaculture and marine science.

Consul General Domingo highlighted the particular relevance of AMC to the Philippines’ maritime workforce and skills development priorities. The meeting explored opportunities for professional development, short courses, scholarships, exchanges, skills recognition and other forms of training for Philippine maritime personnel.

Ambassador Morales also expressed interest in building research links between IMAS and Philippine universities and government agencies in marine biodiversity and conservation, coastal resilience, ocean observation and the impacts of climate change on marine environments.

As of May 2026, 145 Filipino international students were studying in Tasmania, making the Philippines the ninth-largest international student group in the state. - END

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