The Office of the Cultural Attaché to Australia is headed by Dr. Ali Mohammed Albishri, designated by the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education. The critical role involves overseeing not just the cultural and academic matters of SACM, but to streamline and monitor the progress of the King Abdullah Scholarship Program and other scholarships offered by other Saudi ministries and organisations. Dr. Albishri, who commenced his posting in late 2006, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He received a doctorate from the University of Ohio, specialising in Education Curriculum and Instruction. He has made the development and progress of Saudi students one of his foremost priorities and currently oversees the greatest and unprecedented expansion of the Saudi-Australian cultural and academic relationship. Dr. Albishri consolidated the role of the Cultural Mission in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and New Zealand until they were well established and now have their own functioning cultural missions.