Returning Filipino scholars join Australia Global Alumni Network in the Philippines
- Connecting to a world of possibilities. Australia Global Alumni welcomes over fifty returning Australia Awards scholars to join its alumni community in the Philippines.
“One of the things that is really important to the Embassy is to stay in touch with our alumni. We share so much in common – from our experiences in Australia to our commitment to contribute to development in the Philippines. Australian Alumni are not only cherished friends of the Embassy but our partners in development,” said Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely.
The Australia Global Alumni is an Australian Government initiative to connect and engage with international students who studied in Australia. In the Philippines, the alumni community stages an annual Alumni Network Summit. The event provides alumni with new ideas, perspectives and additional motivation to use their Australian education, training, and network to reach higher goals.
Australian alumna and the summit’s 2018 conference chair Dr. Nikki Gavino, noted the importance of being part of the network. “It’s important for alumni to be a part of a network like the Australia Global Alumni. It’s a great way to keep on growing even if we’re no longer studying. We have to keep growing intellectually, socially and professionally. And engaging with other alumni and building networks is a greater way to do that,” she said.
Fresh from completing her Master of International and Development Economics from the Australian National University, Sol Francesca Cortes is pleased to become a part of the alumni community. “I am excited to join the knowledge sharing sessions and meet people in the same field with whom I can collaborate for initiatives that can help my organisation,” she said.
Likewise, new alumnus John Carlo Fernando who completed Master of Learning Sciences and Technology from the University of Sydney, looks forward to networking with fellow Filipino alumni: “I think the beauty of being a member of the Australia Global Alumni is that you get to meet like-minded people who have similar passions and with whom you share a lot of the same experiences with. It’s an exciting opportunity!”
Some of the key activities of the Australia Global Alumni in the Philippines include the Alumni Grant Scheme, Australia Alumni Excellence Awards, and the Knowledge Sharing Series, which includes learning sessions, colloquia, and summit. Filipino alumni can visit www.australiaawardsphilippines.org /alumni to join the alumni network and get updates on alumni events.
