In this week’s news roundup we speak about the clash between protesters at the University of Queensland, the lack of job opportunities for Indonesian students and South African universities that withhold certificates from students.
Lack of Job in Indonesia
Protesters clash at the University of Queensland
The Strait Times reports that clash between supporters of China’s government and protesters opposed to the Asian financial hub’s proposed extradition bill occurred at the University of Queensland.
The opposing sides chanted songs and slogans, and even verbally attacked each other. Police was called to try to calm the situation. The university statement says:
“One of the roles of universities is to enable open, respectful and lawful free speech, including debate about ideas we may not all support or agree with.”
Lack of job opportunities for Indonesian students
The Asean Post reports that Indonesia has a big problem with youth unemployment. Indonesia is the largest ASEAN economy, but this country could be running out of time to equip its students with the necessary skills and knowledge.
According to data from the World Bank, it has the largest youth unemployment in the region (15 %).
This led to the issue of brain drain, where many young Indonesians choose to leave the country and go to Singapore, Europe or Malaysia.
South African universities withhold certificates from students
iAfrica reports that the South African Union of Students (SAUS) warned universities that new protests will break out if they countine to withhold certificates from students with outstanding fees.
SAUS claims that universities refused to implement student support programs, which were designed for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Demonstrations already occurred at the Durban University of Technology and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. SAUS secretary-general at DUT Lwandile Mtsolo said:
“The issues are wide and it depends on the university and how it uses it. For example, how universities engage students.
If you look at DUT for example, there are issues at a national level that have been agreed upon, such as students that are owing money must be given their certificates but management blatantly refuses to give out the qualification to these students.”
Photo: Shutterstock
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