Latest news with #Vik
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Coimbatore showing strong interest in international collaboration: Austrade official
Vik Singh Vik Singh Vik Singh Vik Singh Vik Singh 1 2 COIMBATORE: Coimbatore is the ninth city in India where the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is expanding its flagship sectors, an Austrade official said on Thursday. 'Coimbatore is showing strong interest in international collaboration. It is especially so in the case of educational institutions,' Vik Singh, trade and investment commissioner for Austrade, South Asia, said during an interaction with TOI. 'Indian students are attracted to studies related to technology and business, but allied health and psychology have always topped the priorities. Also, there's a good mix of other streams as well, like journalism and architecture,' he said. He said the scope of AI-based studies was also on the rise. 'The academic system of Australia focuses on the work-integrated learning method. The students will work while pursuing their studies. There are students who opt to stay back in Australia post work, and a few return to their home country.' There is an exclusive offer for Indian students that based on their eligibility, one more year of stay is granted. 'For instance, if they are eligible for two years, then it is upgraded to three years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Similarly, it could be 3+1 years, 4+1 years or 6+1 years.' He specified that the work opportunities are very transparent. The skilled occupation list ranges in various fields, including plumbing, videography, surgery and others. Any eligible candidate can reach out to opt for employment on the list. Earlier, while interacting students of the GRD Institutions, Vik said nearly 1.30 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in Australia. He spoke about opportunities in Australia. Students raised queries on post-work opportunities, visa processing, accommodation, fee structure and other opportunities in Australia, all of which were addressed. As part of his two-day visit to Coimbatore, Vik will inaugurate the Festival of Australia at Residency Hotel on Friday. The festival brings together Australia's top-quality institutions, and nearly 20 universities will put up stalls where parents, along with students, can drop by for enquiries on admissions. Further, retail and other trade partners will come together to showcase Australia's premium food and beverage products to Indian consumers. 'The festival will feature an exclusive supermarket that introduces the Indian market to various Australian products. The festival includes a master class,' he said.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sioux Falls school board approves $356M budget for fiscal year 2026
The Sioux Falls School District Board of Education tentatively approved a budget for fiscal year 2026 on Monday night. The full tax-supported fund budget includes more than $356 million in revenues and expenditures, with a majority from the general fund, including $232 million in general fund revenue and $235 million in general fund expenses. District business manager Todd Vik noted this budget includes $3.1 million in budget cuts as federal pandemic relief funds expire. These cuts were previously discussed in work sessions on March 26 and April 2. Board members voted to halve a $106,000 cut to the School Bus Inc. budget that was initially proposed in prior work sessions on the budget. That funding amount was originally given to SBI for pandemic-related costs from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. The remaining half of the SBI cut will likely be seen in the fiscal year 2027 budget. School board president Carly Reiter said she felt strongly that SBI was a good partner to the district and wanted to spread the cuts out over two years to allow them to adjust their hiring and attrition. No public comments were heard on the budget during its hearing. Superintendent Jane Stavem noted the board will make a final vote approving the budget in July or August. Reiter noted committees for the fiscal year 2027 budget will start to meet in November. Vik said future projected efficiencies – or future rates the district may have to cut by – include 1.5% in fiscal year 2027, 1% in fiscal year 2028 and half a percent thereafter. More: Sioux Falls School District continues to weigh $3 million in budget cuts Homeowners will see their school levy decrease by 17 cents in 2026, Vik projected, adding that the average school property tax bill for homes in the district is expected to drop 3.3% next year. A 'budget message' attached to the budget notes that former Gov. Kristi Noem proposed a 1.25% increase in state aid to education that was adopted by the South Dakota Legislature. 'While this funding reality makes it difficult to raise teacher pay and support the growing needs of students, the Sioux Falls School District worked to build another fiscally responsible budget,' the message states. 'Public education is the backbone of strong communities, and, despite funding woes, the district is committed to providing the highest-quality education to all students.' This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls school board approves $356M budget for fiscal year 2026
