First Sikh woman Parliamentarian in Australia, PAU alumna Dr Parwinder Kaur visits alma mater

Highlighting the value of “interdisciplinary learning”, she emphasised that students “should be encouraged to move across domains when aptitude permits”. Drawing from her own experience, she described how insights gained from crop science were later applied in animal genetics research, reinforcing the importance of cross-sector thinking.
Advocating the ongoing cooperation between the Indian and Australian governments, she stressed the potential for joint work in food value chains and processing, particularly in areas requiring skilled manpower. She expressed willingness to mentor entrepreneurial minds from PAU and support their journey towards building globally competitive enterprises.

Referring to strategic research fellowships and institutional mechanisms such as the Centre for Australia-India relations, which help researchers and innovators connect with suitable ecosystems, she said: “Investors require clear pathways, governments must facilitate access, and universities play a critical role in easing technology transfer through structured handholding.”

Identifying focused areas of collaboration could help channel farmer delegations, entrepreneurs and investors across both nations, supported by streamlined governmental approvals, she added.