Empowering South Asia: IIHS and Deakin University’s 15-Year Journey of Excellence
The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) and Deakin University, Australia, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone—15 years of partnership that has reshaped healthcare education in South Asia. What began as a shared vision has grown into a powerful collaboration that has opened doors for thousands of young people, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to build brighter futures.
A Partnership Built on Excellence
From the very beginning, the IIHS–Deakin partnership has been grounded in academic rigor, innovation, and mutual respect. Over the past decade and a half, more than 500 students have advanced into healthcare professions through this collaboration, studying disciplines such as Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Sports Science, and Nutrition. These graduates are not only shaping their own careers but also contributing to stronger healthcare systems across South Asia.
Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities
The ripple effect of this partnership goes well beyond individual success stories. By nurturing highly skilled healthcare professionals, IIHS and Deakin have directly impacted the communities they serve. These professionals deliver better care, improve health outcomes, and play a vital role in promoting sustainable development across the region.
Driving Innovation for the Future
Looking ahead, the IIHS–Deakin collaboration continues to embrace innovation. Together, they are exploring emerging areas such as digital health, aged care leadership, interdisciplinary research, and global mobility programs. These initiatives ensure that South Asian healthcare professionals remain prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving world.
Opening Doors for the Youth of South Asia
Perhaps the most inspiring achievement of this partnership is the opportunities it has created for young people. By making world-class education accessible, IIHS and Deakin have helped students build meaningful careers in healthcare, giving them both financial security and the chance to make a difference in their communities.
A Celebration of Vision and Leadership
The 15-year milestone was marked with a special celebration at Deakin University’s Burwood Corporate Centre. Alumni, academics, and leaders gathered to honour the journey and the people behind it.
Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO and Co-Founder of IIHS, shared his gratitude to those who shaped the partnership:
“I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the pioneers and leaders who believed in the power of this partnership—Mr. Glenn Mehan, whose early vision helped initiate this collaboration, Mr. Carl Jones, who gave it academic and operational shape, Professor Maxine Duke, whose commitment to nursing education excellence was foundational, and Professor Jane den Hollander, the former Vice-Chancellor of Deakin, whose leadership supported and elevated the internationalization of Deakin’s mission.”
He also recognized the ongoing contributions of the current Deakin team, including Dr. David Austin, Dr. Stéphane Bouchoucha, and the Faculty of Health, as well as the Sri Lankan Country Office led by Ms. Dionne Gregory, for their tireless commitment to fostering excellence in education.
A Shared Vision for the Future
This partnership stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration. With a solid foundation of excellence and a shared commitment to innovation, IIHS and Deakin University are looking forward to the next chapter—one that promises even greater impact for students, communities, and the healthcare landscape of South Asia.
The 15-year journey is not just a celebration of the past—it is an inspiration for the future. Together, IIHS and Deakin will continue to empower the youth of South Asia and shape the future of healthcare education across the region.
