Introducing Monika Chaudhary, ENZ’s new Market Manager – Sri Lanka

Tell us about your professional background

I am based at the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi, India, and work closely with education providers, key education sector and government stakeholders to grow New Zealand’s education presence in Sri Lanka.

I completed my Master of Arts in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, and worked in Project Manager roles across various community and not-for-profit organisations before transitioning into the international education space. 

I joined New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) in 2003 as an Education Marketing Executive based in New Delhi, a role that began what is now over 22 years of close and enduring involvement with New Zealand’s higher education sector. These two decades have shaped me deeply as both a professional and a person, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the sector evolve significantly.

 
Monika (centre) with the kapa haka group that supported the Prime Minister’s trade mission to India in 2025

I joined ENZ in 2015 as Market Development Manager for India, playing a key role in growing the New Zealand university sub sector through targeted strategic initiatives. Over a decade working across India, I have also supported education agents and contributed to the development of other education sub sectors.

How has the new role been so far?

I’m really enjoying the opportunity to help grow a new market for New Zealand in Sri Lanka. The recent Study with New Zealand Roadshow was a fantastic way to kick start our work in market. Across four days and seven events, we brought together 19 New Zealand education providers and connected with Sri Lankan universities, education agents, schools, and students. 

It was a huge effort, but a very rewarding start to our market-building journey.

What opportunities and challenges do you see in Sri Lanka?

Beyond student mobility, there is strong potential for Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships. Sri Lankan education institutions are increasingly interested in offering New Zealand programmes locally while creating pathways for students to continue their studies in New Zealand.

While Australia and the UK already have a strong presence in this space, New Zealand has a great opportunity to build visibility, showcase the quality of its education, and develop accessible pathway models for Sri Lankan students. Upskilling education agents will also be key to supporting sustainable growth in the market.

What will the new Project Advisor – Sri Lanka role focus on?

I am delighted that Madonna Phillip has joined us as Project Advisor on a fixed-term basis. She hit the ground running, starting in the same week as the Sri Lanka Roadshow. She will support the expansion of ENZ’s promotional activities in Sri Lanka and work closely with New Zealand government agency partners on cross-agency initiatives, including the development of an alumni network and broader collaborative programmes.

Outside of work, what do you like to do?

I enjoy challenging myself beyond my comfort zone. While I like to travel within and outside India, the pandemic had me discover new interests, including baking, painting and photography. More recently, I have also taken up gardening. But above all, dancing is something that comes naturally to me – and it’s what I enjoy the most!