Corruption in China called threat to Australia’s VET reputation

Corruption in the Chinese education system could have a negative effect on the reputation of Australian training agencies and the quality of graduating students, a Griffith University researcher has warned. Dr Rakesh Gupta, a lecturer at Griffith Business School said concerns follow the agreement between Australia and China to progress the vocational education and training (VET) relationship between the two countries. “China has been hit hard by educational corruption, and the problem seems to be getting worse despite the efforts of politicians to improve fairness in terms of distributing education opportunities,” Gupta said. “There are deep social roots behind the persistent corruption in the education sector. “Most developing economies are faced with the challenges of corruption. However, what makes it striking in China is the size of the economy and the deep-rooted nature of corruption there.” The Australian Skills Quality Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Education Association for International Exchange in mid-July to strengthen efforts around quality assurance and develop a new agreement on VET skills collaboration. The MOU followed the formal signing of a free trade agreement between Australia and China in Canberra in June. In 2013, more than 35,000 people enrolled with Australian VET providers in China. More than 30 million students undertake formal VET in China, and the State Council aims to increase this number to 38.3 million by 2020 to develop a highly skilled workforce. Gupta, however, is doubtful about the integrity of the education process in China and its potential to produce highly skilled graduates, after working there during the last 12 months. “I have seen examples in China where high school English teachers find substitutes who will take an exam in place of a student for money because they know their students can't pass otherwise," Gupta said. "Nobody seems to have any ethical qualms about this. “Policymakers are addressing the issue of corruption, but do not seem to have much support from the middle sections of the power structure in tackling it. “Australia can set up education facilities there but it runs the risk of graduates not having the requisite competence and knowledge.”