La Trobe Colombo’s “AI and Future Employment Opportunities” Panel Discussion Concludes on a High Note

Mr. Upul Daranagama – Chairman, Horizon Campus; Ms. Michelle Wade – Victoria’s Commissioner to South Asia, Global Victoria, State Government of Victoria, Australia; and Mr. Theo Fernando – Managing Director, Horizon Campus, cutting the ribbon

La Trobe University, Colombo in collaboration with Study Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and La Trobe University, Australia organized a panel discussion on “AI and Future Employment Opportunities.” The event focused on providing valuable insights into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the workforce and it concluded successfully on 25th April at La Trobe University Colombo.

It brought together distinguished academics from La Trobe University, school principals, teachers, industry experts, and education leaders, who shared valuable perspectives on how artificial intelligence is transforming industries, reshaping career pathways, and creating new opportunities for the future workforce.

The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests including:

 • Michelle Wade – Victoria’s Commissioner to South Asia, Global Victoria, State Government of Victoria, Australia

• David Walker – Associate Dean, Learning & Teaching, La Trobe Business School

• Louise Lexis – Associate Dean, Learning & Teaching, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University

• Lisa Ritchie – Lecturer, School of Psychology and Public Health, and Deputy Coordinator of the Postgraduate Programs in Rehabilitation Counselling, La Trobe University

• Amit Malhotra – Senior Regional Director (South Asia and Africa), La Trobe University

• Piyush Wahi – Associate Director (South Asia & Africa), La Trobe University

Ms. Michelle Wade – Victoria’s Commissioner to South Asia, Global Victoria, State Government of Victoria, Australia, lighting the oil lamp

The discussion explored key AI topics including the future of work, emerging career opportunities, the importance of digital skills, the ethical use of AI, AI applications in business and healthcare, automation trends, and how students can prepare for an evolving global job market.

Ms. Wade, Victoria’s Commissioner to South Asia, Global Victoria, State Government of Victoria, Australia, remarked that the discussion underscored the growing importance of strong collaboration between education providers and industry stakeholders in equipping students with the skills required to navigate the opportunities emerging from artificial intelligence and the evolving world of work.

From left to right: Mr. P. Saravanan – CEO, Horizon Campus; Mr. Piyush Wahi – Associate Director (South Asia & Africa), La Trobe University, Australia; Mr. Theo Fernando – Managing Director, Horizon Campus; Ms. Michelle Wade – Victoria’s Commissioner to South Asia, Global Victoria, State Government of Victoria, Australia; Mr. Upul Daranagama – Chairman, Horizon Campus; Mr. Amit Malhotra – Senior Regional Director (South Asia and Africa);Mr. David Walker – Associate Dean, Learning & Teaching, La Trobe Business School;Ms.Anita Kumari – Trade Manager (Education-South Asia),Victorian Government Trade and Investment, State Government of Victoria, Australial; Ms. Louise Lexis – Associate Dean, Learning & Teaching, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University; Ms. Lisa Ritchie – Lecturer, School of Psychology and Public Health, and Deputy Coordinator of the Postgraduate Programs in Rehabilitation Counselling, La Trobe University

Professor Amalia Di Iorio, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Educational Partnerships), La Trobe University, said: “Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality international education through a model that is both globally aligned and locally responsive. Through this partnership, students can access La Trobe University’s academic standards alongside strong local insight, ensuring an education that is both internationally relevant and contextually grounded. At La Trobe University, Colombo, this provides a clear pathway for students to commence their degrees in Sri Lanka while developing the perspective and capabilities required to lead in an AI-driven global economy.”

The event showcased La Trobe University’s commitment to raising awareness of emerging trends and the essential skills required to excel in relevant fields, whether as a student, professional, or educator.

Panel discussion on AI & Future Employment Opportunities

La Trobe University Colombo

La Trobe University Colombo offers globally recognized higher education pathways to La Trobe University, Australia, in Business and Information Technology. Students can complete the first year of their degree in Colombo and transfer to Australia for the remaining two years.

Students enrolled in the Diploma in IT can choose majors such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or Network Engineering.

Meanwhile, students pursuing the Diploma in Business can specialize in Business Analytics, Digital Business, International Business, Event Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Management, Accounting, Finance, Enterprise, Marketing, or Human Resource Management.

La Trobe University Colombo is committed to delivering academic excellence on par with La Trobe University, Australia, ensuring students receive a globally recognized education and the skills needed to succeed in an evolving world. If you are interested to gain further information regarding the programs offered by La Trobe University Colombo Campus, call on +94 711 263 263 or visit us at 36, Alfred House Avenue, Colombo 03.

Mr. Amit Malhotra – Senior Regional Director (South Asia and Africa), La Trobe University, addressing the gathering

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