More than 250 prospective awardees attended Australia Awards Information Sessions held on the 5th and the 6th of February at Muong Thanh Hotel, Vientiane.
A dedicated session was also provided to disability advocates and prospective applicants with a disability at the Laos Australia Institute. A key presentation was made via video from alumna Somvilay Thongkhamvilay detailing the skills and experience from her Diploma of Community Services and their application in her current role in the Swiss Red Cross in Sekong Province.
Matthew Banks, First Secretary Australian Embassy and Emily Serong Director of the Laos Australia Institute attended the Information Sessions. “Having the opportunity to meet prospective Australia Awards applicants first-hand is very encouraging and to see the quality of potential future leaders who may one day make a difference here in Laos PDR” stated Ms Serong.
A very good example of Lao future leaders is Australia Awards alumnus Mr Isala Souvannasing who is Deputy Chief of Cabinet and Personal Assistant to the Secretary General of the Lao Youth Union. Mr Souvannasing, a graduate of the Canberra Institute of Technology, attended the event on Friday 5th February and provided inspiration and encouragement to other visitors.
Prospective Australia Awards PhD applicant Phetmany Xaychaleune was very pleased with the information she had obtained stating “the session I attended was very informative and useful. Clear information was provided on the requirements for each academic level, with a checklist to help applicants prepare their applications accordingly.”
The Intake 2022 application round for Australia Awards Scholarships is open until 30 April 2021. A series of further promotions are planned, including two live events hosted on Australia in Laos Facebook page and three outreach events planned in Savannakhet, Oudomxay and Champasak.
Further information on Australia Awards is available on the Australia Awards Laos website.
If you miss our last information sessions, you can watch a Facebook Live at Australia in Laos Facebook page.
