Prof. Abhishek Singh Bhati, Pro
Vice-Chancellor and CEO, University of Newcastle
Could you introduce yourself to the
audience?
Hi, I am Prof. Abhishek Singh Bhati,
Pro Vice-Chancellor and CEO at The University of Newcastle Australia in
Singapore, and I head their Singapore operations.
Could you describe your educational and
professional journey?
Previously, I have held Interim Deputy
Vice Chancellor and Campus Dean roles at Universities in Australia and
Singapore. I obtained Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism Management (PhD) from
James Cook University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing
Management (MBA) from Maastricht School of Management. In addition, I obtained
post-graduate learning and teaching qualifications, Graduate Certificate in
Education, Tertiary Teaching (GCETT) and a Diploma in Adult and Continuing
Education (DACE).
What are your roles and
responsibilities as Pro Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Newcastle Australia
Institute of Higher Education?
I lead the institution's strategic
direction and daily operations. My key responsibilities include maintaining
academic excellence, managing finances, and ensuring regulatory compliance and
to foster relationships with stakeholders, including industry partners and
government bodies. The role involves overseeing staff, promoting research, and
enhancing the student experience.
Can you share your research journey,
highlighting your areas of scholarly expertise and key milestones?
I am the Regional Vice President (SE
Asia) of the International Tourism Studies Association, Chair of the Education
Services Group, SICC, and make regular contributions to print media and
appearances on TV and radio on tourism-related matters. I serve as a volunteer
with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and
mentor Universities in Malaysia and Thailand. I actively participate as a
National Environment Agency (NEA) community engagement volunteer and in Purple
Parade activities. He is recognised as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
(FHEA) and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
I contribute to corporate governance through Board Directorship of
Singapore-based enterprises. I serve as a member of the WIL SIG under the
Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN) and am a member of the
Academy of Management, USA.
What are your recent publications and
certifications?
I am an active researcher, and my
research has been published in a wide variety of reputable publications in the
field of tourism and scholarship of learning and teaching. In particular, I am
interested in technology and the role it has as a catalyst for tourism industry
changes, Low-carbon tourism for future sustainable development, and the need
for tourism to deliver United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). My
current research interests are tourist behaviour management, resilience
planning, and scholarship in Teaching and Learning.
What is your area of specialization and
the key skills?
I specialize in academic governance,
tourism management, and higher education leadership. Key areas include
strategic planning, academic oversight, financial management, and stakeholder
engagement. My skills that have enabled career success include:
- Expertise in education regulations and frameworks
across Singapore and Australia
- Strong leadership in academic program development
and management
- Experience in internationalization, particularly in
South Asia and Greater China
- Ability to drive accreditation processes and quality
assurance
- Research skills, especially in tourism and
hospitality
- Talent for building industry partnerships and
collaborations
- Proficiency in financial planning and operational
management
- Adaptability to changing higher education landscapes
- Commitment to enhancing student experience and
academic quality
These skills have allowed me to excel
in senior academic leadership roles.
What advice would you give to the next
generation of leaders and professionals?
Always keep learning. The world changes fast, so stay curious and adaptable. Work hard, but also work smart. Find mentors and be a mentor to others. Embrace diversity and seek out different perspectives. Develop strong communication skills—they're crucial in any field. Finally, find work that you're passionate about. When you love what you do, success often follows.
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