Indeed, many things are happening around the world. The year 2025 is already slipping away from our hands, and it has been a challenging year for many countries from Trump’s tariffs, to rapid changes driven by AI and emerging technologies, and global conflicts that have cost thousands of innocent lives. Conversely, several interesting and inspiring developments are unfolding around us.
For the past three days (3rd–5th December), I found myself fully absorbed in a Facebook livestream from the Royal University of Bhutan. It featured an insightful knowledge-sharing event called the "3rd Australia-Bhutan Research Conference". Despite my tight schedule, I made it a point to listen to all the scholars, researchers, and academicians mostly from Bhutan and some from Australia share their perspectives.
I do not regret spending my time listening. The program was well structured and well coordinated. Many moments made me pause and think, "Wow!" Our Bhutanese friends and scholars have accomplished remarkable work, not only within Bhutan but also in a highly developed country like Australia.
As we have transformed from medieval ideas now to global perspectives, I'm quite sure that almost every Bhutanese perhaps 99%, is familiar with Australia. I'm certain that even my parents, who never attended school, know about this country.
I was particularly drawn to the sessions on artificial intelligence, generative AI, and other technologies influencing our education and health sectors. I was equally impressed by research shared on health, well-being, nature, medicine, and more. The depth of studies conducted by Bhutanese researchers, often in collaboration with international experts especially from Australia was truly inspiring.
Listening to the Vice Chancellor of RUB was a highlight. He is someone whose wisdom and leadership I deeply admire, a figure I have always looked up to for guidance and personal transformation. I also appreciate the Ambassador of Bhutan to Australia for envisioning and coordinating this event, recognising that for our country to progress, research must become part of the DNA of every sector and ministry.
I had been waiting for such a program for a long time to strengthen my own research skills. Through this conference, I gained valuable knowledge and insights, and I deeply appreciate the commitment of the entire team and all our Bhutanese researchers. Their work benefits not just themselves, but Bhutan and the wider world in many meaningful ways.
Please continue this excellent work.
I was especially happy to listen to the President of Paro College of Education, who shared thoughtful reflections on Bhutan’s education landscape, particularly primary education. His examples of transforming teaching, promoting kindness, and personally supporting students by printing storybooks from his own pocket were deeply touching. His words reminded me of my own teaching days, where small acts of sharing with my students often warmed my heart. His message echoed my own lived experiences.
There are, however, a few things we can improve for future high-level exchange programs: better microphones or technology support, clearer audio for online viewers, and perhaps stronger time management.
I would like to thank everyone involved in organizing such a meaningful event. We genuinely need these platforms often. I look forward to more in the future. This should not be the last but rather the beginning of a strong, knowledge-based exchange system. Our government and various agencies could also adopt some of the research findings presented, especially those with potential for business, innovation, and national development.
Bhutan is known for mindfulness, well-being, and more tolerant people, while Australia has so much in their advancement and technology.
