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2023 student winners
Meet the 2023 Victorian International Education Awards student winners selected for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Victorian community.
Premier’s Award - International Student of the Year
Sarbjeet (Sunny) Singh
Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours), Deakin University
Sunny, from India, is a dedicated advocate for community engagement and leadership and has left a lasting impact on both local and global communities. In his role as 'Campus Coordinator' for the Deakin University Student Association, Sunny organised inclusive events, such as Pride Week Celebrations, Harmony Week, and cultural festivals. His dedication to community service and outstanding efforts also earned him the Geelong City Council’s Geelong Youth Award in 2023. Serving as a Deakin University Ambassador, a Study Geelong Ambassador and an Engineers Australia Ambassador, highlights Sunny’s dedication to promoting education and professional development in Victoria.
International Student of the Year – Higher Education
Meantepy Hoeung
Bachelor of Applied Public Health, Australian Catholic University
Meantepy is from Cambodia and started her student journey in 2018 at Holmesglen Institute. Driven by a passion to serve the community through healthcare, Meantepy has made significant contributions to both the Victorian and global communities, including as an Assistant Nurse at St Vincent Public Hospital during the pandemic. Meantepy's dedication to public health prompted her transition from nursing to a Bachelor of Applied Public Health, with engagements extending to LiverWELL, where she volunteered and secured the role of a Community Educator. Meantepy is now working at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.
International Student of the Year – Research
Javiera Olivares-Rojas
Doctor of Philosophy, Monash University
Javiera from Chile has developed a strong commitment to the Victorian academic community, playing an ongoing role with STEM Sisters, including as an ambassador, and has been actively involved in groups like Future Female and Gals en Australia. Javiera participates in the Latin-American Network of Women in Conservation and will share her PhD research at the International Congress for Conservation Biology in Rwanda to contribute to discussions on conservation, policymaking, and gender equity. Javiera looks forward to making meaningful contributions, fostering connections and inspiring others in both the Victoria and globally.
International Student of the Year – English Language Training
John Wilson Carvajal Ruiz
General English, Turner English College
John came to Melbourne in 2022 from Colombia to study English and noticed the lack of awareness among Spanish-speaking international students about their rights and available services. John created a social media community to give students valuable information and support, and through his law study, gained important insights into legal matters which he knew could assist and protect the Spanish-speaking student community in Australia. John cherishes his passion for education and empowerment and encourages international students to pursue their dreams and not to hesitate to seek support from each other.
International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training
Yuying (Linda) Ding
Advanced Diploma of Accounting, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE
Linda arrived in Mildura from China and quickly fell in love with the serenity of local life. Linda used her passion for photography to promote local restaurants and share all the things she loves about Mildura on social media, attracting tourists and increasing local revenue. Studying accounting equipped her with valuable knowledge and built her confidence to work with local businesses to understand their operational and sustainability issues. Linda has helped newly arrived international students settle into their study environment and plans to continue exploring opportunities in the agricultural and food industry.
International Student of the Year – Regional
Sarbjeet (Sunny) Singh
Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours), Deakin University
Sunny, from India, is a dedicated advocate for community engagement and leadership and has left a lasting impact on both local and global communities. In his role as 'Campus Coordinator' for the Deakin University Student Association, Sunny organised inclusive events, such as Pride Week Celebrations, Harmony Week, and cultural festivals. His dedication to community service and outstanding efforts also earned him the Geelong City Council’s Geelong Youth Award in 2023. Serving as a Deakin University Ambassador, a Study Geelong Ambassador and an Engineers Australia Ambassador, highlights Sunny’s dedication to promoting education and professional development in Victoria.
International Alumnus of the Year
Abhishek Kansakar
University of Melbourne alumnus
Abhishek, from Nepal, has had an impressive trajectory as an international student, moving to Australia at 17 to study a Bachelor of Commerce. Abhishek then pursued a Master of Finance degree, graduating with first class honours before being selected into the graduate program at FTI Consulting. After winning the 2018 UniMelb Start-up Pitch Competition, Abhishek founded Electrify Infinite, a SaaS-based B2C application to simplify access to electric vehicle (EV) charger stations. As a first-generation university attendee, Abhishek advocates for Victoria’s blend of education, culture, lifestyle, and opportunities and invites aspiring students to experience the magic of the state.
2023 Student Finalists
Finalist | Category |
|---|---|
Kushal Singhal (India) | International Student of the Year – Higher Education |
Rajdeep Kaur (India) | International Student of the Year – Higher Education |
Hsiao Wei 'Michelle' Chen (Taiwan) | International Student of the Year – Research |
Jason Paolo Telles (Philippines) | International Student of the Year – Research |
Mihua Wei (China) | International Student of the Year – English Language Training |
Alejandra Tuberquia (Colombia) | International Student of the Year – English Language Training |
Thaqifatunnazurah Binte Abdul Aziz (Singapore) | International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training |
Ralph Teodoro (Philippines) | International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training |
Daniel Toritsegbogwa Onovo (Nigeria) | International Student of the Year – Regional |
Deepak Surendhra Mallya (India) | International Student of the Year – Regional |
Sakeela Mohamed Razeek (Singapore) | International Alumnus of the Year |
Muhammad Farriz Roslan (Singapore) | International Alumnus of the Year |
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