Fang Xuan Koay receives $20,000 towards her studies and will serve as a Study Melbourne ambassador
Among them was Malaysian student Fang Xuan Koay, who was recognised as the International Student of the Year (Higher Education) and also received the Premier’s Award (International Student of the Year) for her advocacy work in promoting the rights of international students.
Fang, who is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, has devoted three years to the Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia during which she founded its careers arm that has assisted more than 5,000 Malaysian students in Australia prepare for future employment.
Additionally, Fang serves on the Council of International Students Australia (CISA). “We engage a wide range of stakeholders such as the federal and state governments to tell them what is important and essential for the international student’s experience,” she explains.
During her tenure as the National Secretary and Victorian representative for CISA, Fang founded the CISAmbassador, CISATalk and the International Student Leadership Program initiatives, which all aim to empower student leaders with essential skills.
“The personal development you gain from getting involved in the community is what makes you stand out from other graduates. I have learnt a lot more life skills and interpersonal relations skills outside of lecture halls than in them.”
The 22-year-old, who aspires to be an international monetary policy maker, received a prize of $10,000 towards her studies in Victoria for each of her two awards.
She will also serve as an ambassador of the Victorian Government’s Study Melbourne initiative and help promote Victoria as a leading international student destination.
“The Government is committed to cementing Victoria’s position as an international education destination and recognises the enduring value of international education and its contribution to the economic, social and cultural benefits enjoyed by the state,” said Steve Herbert, Minister for Training and Skills.
160,000 international students enroll to study in Victoria each year. Melbourne recently ranked the number one Australian city for international students and second best in the world in the 2016 Best Student Cities Index. Melbourne also achieved a perfect score in the ‘student mix’ category.
Victoria is currently the destination of choice for Malaysians furthering their academic interests in Australia. There are currently about 8,000 Malaysians studying in Melbourne, making it one of the largest South East Asian student populations there.
About the Victorian International Education Awards
Since 2013, the annual Victorian International Education Awards celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of international students in Victoria. It also recognises innovative education institutions, companies and service providers. This year, five Student Awards and seven Provider Awards were awarded, as well as two Premier’s Awards for the International Student of the Year and International Education Provider of the Year. For more information, please visit www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au.
About the Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO)
Established in 2009, the Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO) in South East Asia is operated by the State Government of Victoria to help promote Victorian education, trade and investment in the region. Through a variety of programmes and business initiatives, the VGBO assists Victorian exporters and provides assistance to South East Asian regional companies and organisations to source products and services, business introductions and investment opportunities with Victoria. For information, please visit www.invest.vic.gov.au
CONTACT: Christine Ong, +60-123-752-852), christine.ong@ceria.asia
