Su Mrat explains that the scholarship support made the transition smooth:

“Australia Awards helped us so much, from accommodation to settling in, everything was so well-organised. We felt genuinely welcomed and embraced by the Australian community. We were also lucky to have Australian friends we’d worked with in the past in Myanmar who helped us find a place to live.”

Deciding where to study took time. “It actually took me months,” she laughs. “First, it was about the course. The Master of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne offered a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. After thoroughly exploring the subjects, I realised how relevant it was to my goals. I even found academic expertise connected to Myanmar, which made it feel right.” Personal connections and an active Myanmar student network in Melbourne sealed the decision.

Su Mrat served as MC at the Australia Awards Scholar Club Networking and Welcoming Event.

Su Mrat’s Australia Awards Scholarship experience was an academic and personal transformation. “Studying development studies was the right decision,” Su Mrat says. “At a time when so much is happening in Myanmar, I’ve been able to critically understand our country’s challenges through conceptual theories of development and governance.” Even from afar, she recognises the ways regional and international engagement connect to Myanmar’s realities. While being away from home is hard, she believes it deepened her perspective:

“Distance doesn’t mean disengagement – there are still ways to contribute.”

Australia surprised her with its diversity. “I expected Australia to be mostly white,” Su Mrat laughs, “but was delighted to find an incredible celebration of multiculturalism and diversity.” She was amazed by how vibrant and colourful everything is. “From Italian to Greek food scenes, to Indian,Thai and Myanmar cultural festivals, it’s been one of the most enjoyable parts of living here.”

The local primary school system was another highlight. “My son attended a wonderful school across the road from our home. Coming from a Buddhist country, we hesitated about choosing a Catholic school but discovered a strong sense of community and shared values.”

In June 2025, Su Mrat attended the Australia Awards Myanmar Professional Linkages Workshop – Staying Connected, which transformed her view of using LinkedIn to share her scholarship stories. “In Myanmar, social media feels personal, not professional. The workshop showed me how to build networks and engage meaningfully.” Her newfound confidence, proactive outreach, and a strong LinkedIn presence helped her secure a professional internship with the Humanitarian Advisory Group.

Su Mrat attended the Professional Linkages Workshop in Melbourne, 2025.

Su Mrat’s proudest highlight in Australia is her experience mentoring new Australia Awards scholars. “Over the past year I’ve mentored eleven scholars from different countries, including Myanmar, Nepal, Indonesia and Pacific countries. It’s meaningful work – listening, supporting, and guiding others to success.”

“Explore everything that the Australia Awards experience has to offer – the people, the conversations, the challenges. There’s so much opportunity, so try new things!”

“I came to Australia with a commitment to strengthening environmental governance and advancing justice for Indigenous communities,” says the scholar, a proud Kachin and Christian from Myanmar. “That purpose continues to guide everything I do; in my studies, my volunteer work, and in how I connect with people here in Australia.”

At ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy, Hla Doi has deepened his understanding of how environmental policy connects to human development: “I’ve learned how governance structures, sustainability goals, and policy practice must all work together to create meaningful change.” His dedication earned him a GPA of 5.33 out of 7.

“Academic excellence, for me, is not just about grades, it’s about growth and contribution – it shows how engaged I am with the issues and ideas in my studies.”

Beyond the classroom, Canberra became a second home. “Living in Canberra has been an incredible blessing. It’s not only an excellent academic environment, but also a welcoming community that embraces diversity and faith.”

Hla volunteers at All Saints Anglican Church in Ainslie and serves as Mission Coordinator at Hallelujah International Church (HIC) organising worship and outreach programs. Earlier this year, he took on a leadership role coordinating a mission trip to Melbourne and Bendigo. “We visited several churches to share messages of encouragement and to strengthen intercultural fellowship,” he explains. “It was an inspiring experience, and we witnessed how faith can connect people from very different backgrounds.”

Hla Doi celebrates his heritage through actively participating in events like Thingyan, Myanmar’s New Year Water Festival, hosted by the ANU College of Asia & the Pacific and the ANU Myanmar Students’ Association (ANUMSA). He also proudly represented Myanmar at Toad Hall’s Multicultural Festival, joining other Myanmar students to prepare food and showcase their culture. “The festival was a beautiful reflection of community life at ANU,” he said. “There’s a real sense of global connection here and people are curious, open-hearted, and respectful of different cultures.”

Hla has also made the most of scholar engagement opportunities offered by Australia Awards Myanmar, joining scholars to attend the Staying Connected Professional Linkages Workshop at the University of Melbourne, the Emotional Intelligence workshop at the University of Adelaide, and he’s been selected to attend the Introduction to Futures Thinking Workshop at ANU in November.

“The scholar engagement workshop in Melbourne was one of the highlights of my Australia Awards journey. It provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on leadership, service, and community engagement. I learned that leadership is not about authority but about listening, humility, and collaboration. I remain in contact with other scholars, discussing how we can contribute to the development of our countries after studies.”

Hla Doi attended the Professional Linkages Workshop in Melbourne,2025.

Community engagement is central to Hla’s journey. He helped raise over AUD 10,000 for earthquake relief in Myanmar and regularly volunteers in gardening and environmental restoration. He has delivered lectures on climate change and geopolitics for Myanmar-based organisations, linking ANU learning to real-world challenges.

Hla has words of encouragement for scholars looking to make the most of their time on the Program:

“I encourage all scholars to embrace opportunities beyond the classroom. Workshops, internships, and volunteer initiatives not only build professional capability but also shape character and perspective.”

“These experiences have helped me grow as a communicator, mentor, and servant leader. They remind me that even small acts of service can create meaningful change when approached with sincerity and humility.”

Hla Doi explored the University of Melbourne campus during the Professional Linkages Workshop in 2025.

In Canberra, Hla’s favourite things to do include gardening at All Saints Church, joining multicultural festivals, and peaceful walks around Lake Burley Griffin. The worst thing about his host city? “The cold winter mornings!” But his new favourite food – Fonda’s Mexican in Braddon – helps take the edge off the cold.

As Hla looks to the future, his vision remains anchored in service and justice. “When I return to Myanmar, I plan to continue working on climate change adaptation, Indigenous rights, and environmental governance. I want to ensure that Indigenous worldviews and Christian values of stewardship and care for creation are reflected in national and regional policies”.

“My time at ANU has been deeply fulfilling—academically, culturally, and spiritually. Education is not an end point; it’s a responsibility to be stewarded. I feel called to use this knowledge to create change where it’s needed most.”

“An unexpected benefit of my time in Australia has been creating a connection with a group of scholars, activists and professionals as well as Myanmar diaspora in the state of Victoria,” Hein shares. “Their social support while staying away from home helps me to feel empowered to balance my study and social life in Australia.”

“The University of Melbourne is also very supportive to students in several ways, including with mentorship programs, internship opportunities, extracurricular activities, networking and cultural events, as well as multidisciplinary supports for students’ health and wellbeing.”

In 2025, Hein has had the opportunity to participate in two professional development workshops held by the Australia Awards Myanmar team; Professional Linkages Workshop; Staying Connected in Melbourne and Emotional Intelligence at Work in Adelaide. Hein highlights that the opportunity to learn Australian history and culture, build his professional skillsets, and network with Myanmar scholars from other states will set him up for undertaking a leadership role in the development of Myanmar.

“These workshops and activities add a significant value from different aspects to my current studies and my long-term career goal of becoming a global public health professional, which also requires soft skills in communication, and teamwork with people from different backgrounds.”

Hein Htet Zaw attended the Professional Linkages Workshop held in Melbourne.

“My master’s degree has taught me technical skills such as data analysis and research; conversely, these workshops complemented on building my soft power skills such as emotional management, cultural understanding, and networking. And, I have learned about different perceptions and value sets of each individual in workshops, as well as reflected on my own leadership and communication styles. I believe these applied skills and methods introduced in the workshops empowered me to transform myself to be a more emotionally-intelligent and competent professional and create healthier and more productive workplaces at every workplace I belong to.”

“I encourage Australia Awards Myanmar scholars to make the most of the opportunity, including joining such workshops, to co-create a learning environment and develop together as future leaders of Myanmar. I also believe every participant in these workshops has developed impactful multi-disciplinary action plans for the future Myanmar, through discussions and building strong and healthy friendship.”

Having proactively taken on volunteering in public health projects and as an event engagement coordinator at the Australia Awards Scholars Club, Hein has shared about his activities on LinkedIn and created long term connections. “I spent some of my leisure time volunteering for social causes at several student-led organisations. From these experiences, I have also strengthened networks with international students and professionals, which I believe are crucial for our future collaborative projects. I also learned about different health system challenges faced by diverse communities in Australia as well as innovative project ideas that I can adopt in Myanmar’s context.”

Hein Htet Zaw engaged in the Indigenous Storytelling activity as part of the Professional Linkages Workshop in Melbourne.

Alongside his academic achievements, Hein has maximised the opportunity to stay in such a vibrant city where he has explored beautiful beaches, coastal regions, mountain ranges, and iconic heritage buildings while learning how advanced and accessible public transport and services are for the community. Hein has also been coordinating numerous group gatherings and coordinated an itinerary of social activities following the scholar’s recent participation in the Emotional Intelligence at Work workshop, held at the University of Adelaide.

Hein’s favourite activities during his time in Australia, especially in the cultural hub of Melbourne, have been “to explore cultures and foods from different countries, and artworks of the First Nations communities.” Living in Melbourne has had some adjustments and Hein states that Melbourne’s weather is a challenge for adaptation!

So, what is Hein up to now?

“Currently, I am undertaking a professional placement at a local Think Tank organisation and leading an advocacy project for creating more equitable and efficient Australian health policies. From this, I also hope I can link my previous work experiences and current learning, while honing my skillsets in public health— both crucial for my future career aspirations.”

One benefit of selecting Brisbane as her host city is the warm weather, “it is quite similar to Myanmar. This made it easier for me to settle in and focus on my studies without the added stress of adjusting to a colder climate.”

“One unexpected part of this journey has been how quickly I adapted to life here. As I am studying abroad during a time of political instability back home, the support of UQ, the Australia Awards program, and a strong peer network, means that I have been able to grow both academically and personally”.

Swe Yee attended the Introductory Academic Program (IAP) Certificate Ceremony at the University of Queensland

“I’ve also really enjoyed beach trips, exploring nature like the Botanic Gardens and hiking, enjoying the local coffee culture, and taking part in volunteering and extracurricular activities supported by UQ and the Australia Awards. Learning Australian slang from local friends has also been a fun and memorable part of the experience! Although I came to Australia on my own, I’ve found a community that truly feels like home.”

Swe Yee has made the most of professional and personal development during her time on scholarship by attending two workshops, held in Melbourne and Adelaide, which have become turning points in her academic and professional journey.

“Participating in both workshops was one of the most valuable parts of my Australia Awards journey so far,” she reflects.

In Melbourne, the Professional Linkages Workshop provided insights into professional communications through digital storytelling and identity. For Swe Yee, as a future educator and counsellor preparing to return to crisis-affected Myanmar, the lessons were clear: communication creates change.

“We developed technical and digital storytelling skills, which are incredibly important in today’s professional landscape,” she explains. “The workshop taught me how to tell meaningful stories about my career using platforms like LinkedIn, and how to craft messages that are clear, powerful, and aligned with my future aspirations.”

In Adelaide, the focus shifted inward. The Emotional Intelligence at Work Workshop offered practical strategies to strengthen resilience, empathy, and leadership.

“We explored how emotional patterns show up in the workplace, how to regulate emotions during high-pressure situations, and how to build stronger, more empathetic relationships,” she says.

Tools like the PAUSE method, emotional mapping, and the Johari Window became frameworks she could immediately apply to both study and life.

“I’ve started applying strategies like emotional mapping, self-regulation, and the PAUSE method to manage academic stress,” she says. At the same time, her LinkedIn profile and career narratives now reflect her values and goals more strategically.

Looking ahead, these skills will underpin her career in education and counselling. “Being able to tell a clear, values-driven story is essential when working with stakeholders, whether in education, NGOs, or community leadership roles,” she notes.

“The workshops deepened both my self-awareness and my leadership confidence. They gave me practical frameworks to grow not only as a student, but also as a future professional committed to making a positive impact through education.”

The workshops were more than skill-building sessions – they helped to build connection with community, and connecting with fellow scholars, facilitators, and academics enriched the experience. “It was inspiring to learn from their different perspectives and to expand my academic and professional network,” she shares.

Swe Yee engaged in a group activity as part of the Professional Linkages Workshop in Melbourne.

Cultural immersion added another layer of meaning to seeing new cities in Australia. Melbourne’s laneways, street art, and riverside walks gave her a sense of the city’s creative heartbeat, while Adelaide offered history, art, and light. “One of the highlights was visiting Hahndorf,” she recalls, “where I enjoyed its charming streets, traditional foods, and rich cultural history.” These encounters deepened her understanding of Australia while enriching her personal growth.

Two extra-curricular experiences Swe Yee has taken on this year have helped to develop her personal growth and professional vision: volunteering at the Australia Counselling Association (ACA) National Conference 2025, and interning at the Embassy of Peru in Canberra.

“At the ACA National Conference, I took on various volunteer roles, from assisting in event organisation and welcoming guests to introducing speakers, delivering thank-you speeches, and coordinating with speakers during their presentations and workshops,” she reflects. “These experiences strengthened my confidence, enhanced my communication skills, and supported my growth both personally and professionally.”

The highlight was a keynote titled Changing the Mental Health Landscape in Myanmar. “It was timely, thought-provoking, and strongly aligned with my academic and professional interests,” she says. Beyond the sessions, the conference gave her valuable connections with counsellors, educators, and peers from across Australia.

Her internship at the Embassy of Peru has furthered her professional development in cultural diplomacy. From speech writing and event planning to conducting research, reporting on daily news, and designing educational programs for multicultural schools to showcase Peruvian culture, she has gained valuable experience in the day-to-day operations of an embassy.

“Working in a diplomatic and multicultural environment has been transformative,” she reflects. “I’ve attended national celebrations, visited Latin American embassies, and connected with diplomats and academics, including a professor from Flinders University, which may lead to future research collaboration.”

She credits earlier scholar engagement workshops for equipping her with the skills to succeed in both roles.

“The digital storytelling and networking strategies I learned in Melbourne gave me the confidence to share my story, while the emotional intelligence tools from Adelaide helped me adapt communication styles and stay grounded under pressure,” she explains.

For her, these opportunities have been about much more than resumé building. “They broadened my global perspective, deepened my intercultural understanding, and strengthened my commitment to education and international cooperation,” she says.

Her advice to other scholars venturing into their Australia Awards journey is to “Get involved. Step in and embrace every opportunity; it will enrich your personal growth, strengthen your professional path, and leave a lasting impact on your journey in Australia.”

Cracy pursued a Master of Educational Leadership at Monash University, attracted by the university’s excellent course offerings and robust support system. Despite Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, she found the quiet suburban environment of Monash perfect for her studies.

Cracy’s academic journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Initially, she faced challenges with her assignments such as learning how to properly cite sources and conduct literature reviews. However, by attending library workshops and faculty-provided training sessions, she quickly adapted to the academic environment.

“The first semester was the most challenging as I focused solely on my studies without engaging in social events. But it helped me improve a lot in research and academic writing,” she says.

The support from the Australia Awards program, including tutoring, was instrumental in her success. Cracy received invaluable guidance on preparing and writing academic assignments. This experience not only helped her stay on track but also enhanced her learning. Additionally, the academic environment in Australia, which encourages self-exploration and discussion, broadened her perspective and enhanced her learning experience.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Cracy’s journey has been the opportunity to interact with international students, especially those from the ASEAN region.

“There are more international students in my class, and I get a chance to understand different international contexts and exchange experiences with them. It has also helped me improve my social interaction skills,” she notes.

Cracy participated in several extra-curricular activities during her studies. She volunteered at her university as a mentor, providing academic and mental support to two new international students. During her final semester, she took on this role for five months and was awarded the Outstanding Mentor Award, voted by her mentees, which is a testament to her commitment to helping others.

Another volunteer experience involved providing tutoring support to non-English speaking students, helping them with their English language studies. Cracy’s prior experience in English language teaching was perfect for this role, and she found it rewarding to support other students. This opportunity also helped her to improve her social skills and gain more friendships. Cracy also took part in various events organised by Australia Awards Myanmar. Participating in the Professional Linkages Workshop provided her an opportunity to network with other scholars and explore First Nations culture in Australia through an immersion activity delivered at the Willum Warrain Aboriginal Corporation in Hastings, Victoria (traditional lands of the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation). Cracy also attended another scholar engagement workshop in Adelaide on Professional Communication, Presentations and Networking which she found insightful and relevant to her needs.

“The speaker was very knowledgeable. He was a great communicator and presenter”, Cracy reflects. She gained new knowledge and information from this workshop.

Cracy believes that participating in these volunteer programs and workshops offered great opportunities and learning experiences as part of her scholarship journey. Cracy advises new scholars to take time to settle in and focus on their readiness for academic life and mental well-being during the initial period of their arrival, and to reach out for support when needed. This will make it easier for them to participate in other extracurricular activities.

Looking ahead, Cracy plans to continue an existing program, potentially on an online platform, focusing on adult education and social justice. She will also consider providing English language training and teachers education. These areas have been identified as needing more attention in Myanmar according to a survey conducted together with her teammate from the community centre. Cracy also aims to improve her research and writing skills to contribute to educational resources, particularly for ethnic minorities in Myanmar.

“During my study journey, I have discovered my passion which is writing. I am eager to enhance my research and writing skills to better serve my community” she shares.

Favourite thing to do in Melbourne? Every day in Australia has been a learning experience for me. I particularly enjoy walking around the campus, appreciating the nature and quiet environment.

Least favourite thing about Melbourne? The windy and unpredictable weather.

Favourite place to eat? I am a coffee lover and like to spend my time at Cafe Corso located near the Monash campus, especially on Sundays.

Insider tip for new scholars? Connect with people in Melbourne. If you like cold weather and are a foodie and coffee lover, Melbourne is the place for you!

Pan and Vincent first met in Myanmar, where Pan was an English teacher in a Liberal Arts Program (LAP), and Vincent was one of her dedicated students. After graduation, their paths separated, but fate brought them back together. Both applied for the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship without knowing the other’s plans. They reconnected when they were both selected in 2022 and started preparing for their new adventure together.

Pan chose to study for a Master of Education at The University of Adelaide, driven by her passion for teaching. Inspired by his interest in communications and development, Vincent enrolled in a Master of International Development program at The University of Western Australia.

Even though they study in different states, Pan and Vincent have stayed in contact and maintained their friendship. They often share updates, support each other through academic challenges, and celebrate their successes together.

Both Pan and Vincent faced significant challenges in their studies. For Pan, adapting to the demands of academic writing and conducting research was tough. However, with help from her university’s writing centre and her determination, she overcame these obstacles. Vincent also found the first semester challenging, but the support and flexible learning environment at his university helped him succeed.

Their shared experiences have been a source of encouragement. Knowing that someone familiar was going through the same journey and experiencing similar challenges provided comfort and motivation. They have also volunteered together, using their skills to help with community projects, which has deepened their understanding and collaboration.

“Vincent and I frequently share updates with each other, whether it’s good news or challenges we are facing. It was incredibly encouraging and a huge relief to know that someone I know was selected for the same program and studying in the same country,” Pan shares.

Vincent visited Pan in Adelaide, and together they have travelled to Sydney and Brisbane, which further strengthened their friendship. Individually, they also explored various places in Australia, immersing themselves in the local food and cultures. Despite their travels, Adelaide remains their favourite city due to its slow pace and quiet environment, which both of them prefer.

As they transition from scholars to alumni, Pan and Vincent have big plans for the future. Pan will continue her teaching at LAP and aims to develop a new course on English language teaching, focusing on teaching methods and educational psychology to help her students in Myanmar. She also plans to continue her volunteer work, creating resources to support English language teachers in Myanmar.

Vincent envisions using his new skills and experiences to further a career in communications and marketing. He is passionate about mentoring young people and has applied for online mentoring opportunities to support youth with their professional development and scholarship applications. Additionally, he plans to continue his volunteer work, offering technical support to community projects.

To fellow scholars, Pan and Vincent offer these words of encouragement:

“Networking in Australia is easy as support for international students is readily available, and Australia has a multicultural environment. The key is to embrace the diverse culture with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging in extracurricular activities can significantly enhance your student life and make your experience in Australia more enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Pan and Vincent maintain their friendship while building new networks during their studies. To them, staying connected, supporting each other through challenges, and exploring new experiences together are the key to creating a lasting and meaningful friendship.

For Pan:

Favourite Thing to Do in Adelaide: I like meeting international students and joining events and trips as it gives me opportunities to meet new friends and get new experiences.

Least Favourite Thing About Adelaide: Nothing so far! Adelaide is my favourite city.

Favourite Place to Eat: my favourite place is Chinatown, for its variety of food options.

Insider Tip for New Scholars: Finding accommodation can be challenging. Consider university-offered accommodation and reach out to friends for information. I am happy to share my experience if it would be helpful.

For Vincent:

Favourite Thing to Do in Perth: I enjoy hanging out with friends for outdoor activities. I love visiting the beautiful beaches in Perth, especially City Beach and Cottesloe Beach. I also like exploring Fremantle city to experience its unique culture and places.

Least Favourite Thing About Perth: Transportation options in Perth are quite limited. Buses and cars are the main modes of transport, which can make traveling from one place to another time-consuming.

Favourite Place to Eat: I enjoy having Myanmar food and hot pot. My favourite place for Myanmar food is Mango Café.

Insider Tip for New Scholars: The University of Western Australia (UWA) provides excellent support, especially in finding accommodation. I suggest connecting with current scholars or alumni to get more information and make the transition smoother. I am here to help if new scholars want to reach out.

Chosen through a competitive process to undertake an Australia Awards Myanmar Internship, Thet Thet was fortunate to receive a placement at Australia’s peak body for Sustainable Business Development. BCSD Australia’s mission is to accelerate Australia’s transition to sustainability through supporting forward-thinking businesses to be more successful. The internship took place across August and September, with Thet Thet dedicating three days a week to the organisation.

During the internship, Thet Thet gained insights into the policy review process and the importance of considering stakeholder perspectives. Additionally, by working closely with Andrew Petersen, CEO of BCSD Australia, she developed strong communication skills and learned how to manage projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of outcomes. This experience has not only enhanced her understanding of sustainable development but also provided valuable networking opportunities.

“This opportunity has been invaluable providing me with significant learning and growth in an area in which I am deeply passionate”.

The internship has been instrumental in shaping Thet Thet’s career aspirations. She plans to apply her newfound skills in sustainable projects, water management, and climate change policy for Myanmar. The practical experience gained through her internship complements her academic studies, preparing her for future challenges in the field.

“One of my areas of study is policy review, so the experience I gained from this internship program is highly relevant and has significantly contributed to my long-term career plans.”

Thet Thet is currently undertaking a Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development at the University of Newcastle. Her journey in Australia has been characterised by adapting to a new climate, navigating a different education system, and engaging with a diverse group of classmates. Her classes, a blend of in-person and online sessions, have provided her with a rich learning environment, allowing her to interact with peers from Nepal, Bangladesh, and other Asia-Pacific regions

In addition to her studies and internship, Thet Thet has been actively involved in extracurricular activities. She has volunteered with the Australia Resilience Corps, participating in events focused on disaster prevention and community engagement. Through these activities, she has had the opportunity to engage with community members, learn from their experiences, and enhance her social skills.

Thet Thet encourages fellow scholars to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities that align with their goals. Her journey underscores the importance of balancing academic commitments with practical experiences to achieve personal and professional growth. She believes that these experiences can significantly contribute to personal and professional development. She advises,

“Challenge yourself and make use of the opportunities as they arise.”

Favourite thing to do in Newcastle? Hanging out with friends and going to the beach.

Least favourite thing about Newcastle? Limited public transportation and no street food.

Favourite place to eat? Hamilton Street for its variety of food options.

What insiders tip would you give new scholars arriving in Newcastle? Prepare for a quieter city life with reasonable living costs. Find accommodation early and don’t hesitate to ask for help, as people are friendly and helpful.

Currently, Rhi is pursuing a Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management at the Australian National University. This program perfectly complements her decade-long career dedicated to creating social impact in Myanmar. Through her studies, she’s honing her skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, presentations, and evidence-based decision-making.

Rhi’s journey doesn’t stop at academics. She’s actively involved in several extracurricular activities. She volunteers for the “Empowering Social Entrepreneurship in Myanmar” project, where she leads sharing sessions to educate others about social enterprises. She’s also the co-chair of the Myanmar Chapter of Catalyst 2030, a global network working towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.

On campus, Rhi serves as a “Senior Resident,” helping new students adapt to university life and their personal lives. She mentors students in course selection and assists in their transition and adaptation through the Set4ANU Mentoring program. She also organises events like “Immersia” under the ANU Burmese Program and volunteers at the Myanmar Update.

Looking ahead, Rhi and other Australia Awards scholars are planning to host the “ASEAN Students’ Conference” in November 2024 at the Australian National University. This research-focused symposium invites Myanmar scholars to apply and present their theses, offering a fantastic opportunity to showcase research, develop public speaking skills, and expand networks.

Reflecting on her experiences, Rhi shared,

“This journey has been truly eye-opening. I’ve learned to approach problems with a fresh perspective, focusing on identifying root causes, exploring existing solutions, and considering all possible alternatives. Sometimes, we even discover that the issue we initially aimed to solve wasn’t the real problem after all.”

In her spare time, Rhi works for Uber Eats, earning some extra income while studying. She also holds a board position with the Third Story Project, a charity that creates children’s books with positive messages, written and illustrated by Myanmar artists.

In July 2024, Rhi attended the “Social Impact Summit” in Sydney. This summit aimed to foster cross-sector collaboration, share disruptive ideas, and build a community dedicated to a fair and inclusive society. It provided her with excellent networking opportunities with professionals deeply involved in the social impact sector. Among the many high-profile attendees, Rhi was thrilled to meet Tara Anderson, the CEO of Social Traders, whose work she had referenced during her studies. The chance to exchange ideas face-to-face was particularly rewarding. Funding for the summit came from the Supplementary Academic Support funding stream, and Rhi encourages fellow scholars to seek similar opportunities and make the most of available resources.

Reflecting on her journey and extracurricular pursuits, Rhi shares some valuable advice for fellow scholars. She emphasises the importance of setting clear goals and embracing a sense of community to manage a busy schedule successfully. While she finds participating in various activities relaxing, she acknowledges that this might not be the same for everyone. Rhi highlights the importance of balancing study and social life, seeking support when needed, and enjoying the unique experiences Australia has to offer.

“If the journey becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek mental health support. It’s available for students, so take advantage of it. Remember, support is there for you when facing any challenges,” she advises.

Looking ahead, once her scholarship is completed, Rhi plans to combine her passion, knowledge, skills, and networks to become a leading social enterprise consultant across Asia.

Favourite thing to do in Canberra? Walking around campus to appreciate the nature

Least favourite thing about Canberra? It is very quiet and everything closes early.

Favourite place to eat?  I feel fortunate to have friends who are excellent cooks, so I rarely eat out. However, I do love coffee whilst taking in the beautiful mountain view.

What insiders tip would you give new scholars arriving in Canberra? Prepare thoroughly before leaving Myanmar. Do what you can to improve language and cooking skills and obtaining a driver’s license to ease the transition.

Starting this November, Linn will begin his internship journey with West Moreton Health. This respected organisation is known for its comprehensive range of services, including preventative and primary healthcare, ambulance services, acute and sub-acute care, as well as specialised services such as oral health, mental health, prison health, and support for alcohol and other drug dependencies. During his internship, Linn looks forward to gaining a deeper understanding of how health and wellbeing services are managed and delivered in the region. He is excited to collaborate with international colleagues, enriching his professional experience and broadening his global perspective. Linn believes that technical knowledge alone is insufficient to tackle real-world challenges:

“Through this program, I expect to gain practical experience and enhance my interpersonal skills such as international work ethics and communication with global colleagues. This experience will be invaluable for me in the long-term, particularly in implementing universal health coverage in Myanmar.”

Linn Htet Oo is currently pursuing a Master of Health Economics at the University of Queensland. With extensive experiences in health sector, his aim is to develop his skills in health economics to tackle challenges like resource limitations and work towards universal health coverage in Myanmar.

In addition to his academic and internship commitments, as an ASEAN scholar, Linn also participated in the ASEAN scholarship leadership development program launched in Canberra. This program allowed him to connect with scholars from different countries, improving his communication skills and gaining new perspectives on leadership. These experiences have been instrumental in his personal and professional growth.

Based on his experiences, Linn encourages future scholars to stay active and engage in extra-curricular activities to enhance their personal and professional networks. He highlights the importance of a support network for managing stress and homesickness, emphasizing that staying active and engaged will be beneficial in the long run. Hence, he highly encourages scholars to:

“Participate in extra-curricular activities as it can provide an opportunity to enrich international experiences, expand your network and enhance your learning. So, don’t miss out on this great opportunity!”

Favourite thing to do in Brisbane? Swimming at Street Beach in South Bank and relaxing at Roma Street Parkland

Least favourite thing about Brisbane? Nothing – I am enjoying Brisbane so much!

Favourite place to eat? Pochanaa Brisbane

What insiders tip would you give new scholars arriving in Brisbane? Brisbane is a great place to live in if you enjoy nature and being outdoors

In 2023, Thaw Ni Ni Zaw arrived in Armidale, a small regional city 500kms north of Sydney to study at the University of New England. Initially, she encountered challenges with adapting to new cultural norms and adjusting to a different time zone, whilst navigating an unfamiliar education system. Studying in a regional location meant extra effort was required to establish connections and engage with other international and local scholars who shared her enthusiasm for academic collaboration.

When the opportunity to participate in the Professional Linkages Workshop arose, Thaw immediately seized the opportunity to join other Myanmar scholars for the two-day immersive activity.

First Nations Cultural Immersion Day

Of particular significance for Thaw was the First Nations Cultural Immersion Day, held at Shaw’s Creek, Yarramundi, an hour’s drive out of Sydney. Hosted by the Muru Mittigar Enterprise, this day provided insights into First Nations society and culture in Australia. Thaw appreciated the two-way knowledge sharing as a means to learn about First Nations cultures whilst also sharing some of her own culture and history. The day started with a smoking ceremony, which is the Dharug practice used to welcome people onto their Country. From this ceremony onwards Thaw experienced a feeling of connectedness and reflected that,

“for the first time of my stay in Australia, I felt most welcomed and connected to the Aboriginal community”.

Thaw felt it serendipitous to be invited to this day, as the knowledge gained has helped significantly with her studies which look at ways of working with Aboriginal Peoples. Thaw chose this topic despite her limited knowledge of and interaction with Aboriginal communities in Australia. She is interested to explore whether there are parallels between the experiences and perspectives of Australian First Nations Peoples and Myanmar First Nations peoples. If there are lessons to be learnt, this will support her work when she returns home. Having the experience of implementing the research about ethnic minority groups living in the rural areas in Myanmar allows her to be relatable with the Aboriginal Peoples while learning about their culture and history. She believes this will be helpful not only to her study but also in her career advancement after completing her study. Having this opportunity has enabled her to proceed with her study with greater confidence and cultural awareness, leading to deeper engagement with Aboriginal peoples and organisations.

Scholars Symposium

At the Symposium, Thaw participated in lively discussions, networked with scholars and subject matter experts, undertook workshops and increased professional development skills through a series of panel discussions and interactive activities.

The benefits of this experience extend beyond professional and academic opportunities, with her social networks broadening as she was able to spend time and connect with other Myanmar scholars as well as scholars from across South Asia.Therefore, she highly recommends Myanmar scholars,

“Don’t be shy, be confident and grab any possible opportunities!” to enhance professional and social development skills.