University of Melbourne Appoints Indian Professor To Strengthen Ties With India

The University of Melbourne appointed Indian Professor Muthupandian Ashok Kumar as Director of Melbourne Global Centre to strengthen ties with India and drive global engagements.

Study in Australia: To drive global engagements and strengthen ties with India, the University of Melbourne has appointed Professor Muthupandian Ashok Kumar as Director of the Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi.

In the new role, he will be responsible for strengthening the India-Australia bilateral relationship, leading the strategic initiatives of the university in India and in outreach and partnership with Indian industry leaders, government bodies and other sector-specific entities.

On his appointment, Professor Muthupandian Ashok Kumar 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”.

Details Of Muthupandian Ashok Kumar’s Appointment At University of Melbourne’s Global Centre In Delhi

Professor Duncan Maskell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne congratulated him on his appointment and said, “Professor Ashok Kumar'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 Ashok Kumar will lead meaningful collaborations that inspire and empower future generations.”

Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture, and Engagement) University of Melbourne commented, “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.”

About Professor Muthupandian Ashok Kumar

He brings organizational leadership and a wealth of experience in international education. Earlier, he worked as Associate Dean of International at the University’s Faculty of Science, as Head of the School of Chemistry, Acting Director and CEO of the Australia India Institute, and as Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor of International (India).

He completed his bachelor’s and master’s from Madurai- Kamaraj University. In 1982, he completed his Bachelor of Science and Master's degree in 1984. He completed his PhD from the University of Madras in 1989. He joined the University of Melbourne in 1996 and has been with the university for around 28 years.

He has significant contributions to research and the university's engagement with India. Along with this new role, he will also be the Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor International (South Asia and Middle East) for the University of Melbourne.

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