About Us

Dr Brian Fairman has worked in vocational education and training settings in Australia and abroad for over thirty years, including 15 years in Asia and the Pacific developing; teaching and training interventions in vocational education, initiating an ‘English Language Centre’ and vocational education and training programs with many Indonesian universities, training providers and institutions including Muhammadiyah Foundation-Indonesia.

Dr Fairman has advised the Minister of Education Timor-Leste on the development of a vocational training system and has implemented many educational leadership programs for senior staff in Timor-Leste and Indonesia.

Assoc. Prof. Abdullah Helmy has worked in the Indonesian vocational training sector for more than thirty years and is currently advising the Ministry of Education and Culture Republic of Indonesia on the revitalization of the vocational training sector. Dr Abdullah Helmy has worked at the State Polytechnic in Malang for many decades and has developed ‘partnerships’ and ‘engagement models’ for working with Industry which have gained national and international recognition across the vocational training sector.

Professor Hurriyet Babacan has a distinguished career over the last 25 years with a proven track record of achievement in senior leadership and strategic management roles. She has a distinguished record in scholarship in research, teaching and learning and community and professional service. Prof Babacan has been recognised for her work through a number of awards including Order of Australia 2014 (AM) for her outstanding contribution, as academic and author, and for furthering multicultural community, education and social policy.

Associate Professor James Sillitoe has a Doctorate in Physical Chemistry, an Honours Degree in Science, a Degree in Cultural Studies, a Diploma of Applied Chemistry and a Diploma of Education. He has been a Senior Research Advisor at Victoria University, Federation University Australia and Deakin University, and has supervised many Masters and PhD theses by research, exegesis and publication. He currently acts as a critic, editor and advisor for research staff, assisting in research publications and applications for competitive funding..

Prof. Dr. Payaman Simanjuntak has received 3 awards from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, namely, Satyalencana Wira Karya in Human Resource Development (1990), Satyalencana Karya Satya (1991), and Bintang Jasa Utama (1997).
Prof. Dr. Simanjuntak has been active in several Indonesian councils; National Research Council, National Productivity Council, National Training Council, and was the Chairman of Indonesian Human Resources Development Association. He also served as Vice President of International Vocational Education and Training (IVETA). Dr Simanjuntak represented the Indonesian Government at the Governing Body of the ILO for 4 terms.

Pak Soeparto has more than thirty years experience developing and managing vocational training interventions in Indonesia with; universities, government instrumentalities and vocational schools. Pak Soeparto managed capacity building programs in vocational education for Indonesia government agencies, through foreign donors and philanthropic institutes. Pak Soeparto is a specialist in the design of curriculum and training materials for vocational education.

Mr Bruce Riseley has more than thirty years experience in community and vocational education, particularly with young and disadvantaged youth. Mr Riseley has managed community education providers in Australia and Indonesia and he has extensive experience in provide strategic direction to businesses, membership associations, and community organisations.