PERTH students seeking commerce skills to engage with Chinese business have a new avenue open to them with the launch of a program at Murdoch Business School.
PERTH students seeking commerce skills to engage with Chinese business have a new avenue open to them with the launch of a program at Murdoch Business School.
The business school's bachelor of commerce with a major in Chinese business adds to the range of local courses designed to tap into the state's strong links with China.
Murdoch deputy vice-chancellor Gary Martin said the course had been established to support the strong business and cultural alliance between the state government, Western Australian business and China.
"As we move forward, our state's relationship with China will be even more important, and China is clearly on the map as far as both the state and federal governments are concerned," Professor Martin said.
Several universities nationwide offer subjects that teach students how to conduct business in China, although the degrees are generally wide-ranging and don't specialise in Chinese business.
UWA has a Chinese language program, where students are encouraged to take courses in Chinese business culture and politics. It is understood Curtin no longer offers its double degree in commerce and Asian studies to new students, but does have an international business strand, which covers subjects like Asian management.
The Murdoch program, which the university expects will attract 100 students a year, entails studies in contemporary China, Chinese economy and business. Students can combine those subjects with a major in areas like economics, management or hospitality in order specialise in a particular field.
Premier Colin Barnett recently said he would like to see the relationship with China progress from being simply an export market to a more embracing training and investment partnership.
The Australia China Business Council helped organise Mr Barnett's recent visit to China, in tandem with about 70 other businessmen and women, including staff from Oakajee Port and Rail who are seeking Chinese investment and customer contracts.
Professor Martin said he expected government and WA business to form relationships with prospective graduates in order to take advantage of commercial opportunities.
"WA needs to have a pool of university graduates who can respond to the opportunities presented through the state's relationship with China in an innovative and entrepreneurial way," he said.
