Bangkok--21 Jan--Australian Embassy
Australian Ambassador congratulates Thai recipients of Endeavour Awards 2011 and launches a book on 60 years of Australian scholarship
Australian Ambassador to Thailand, James Wise, today presented Endeavour Awards to 16 high-achieving scholars and professionals from Thailand. He also officially launched “Endeavours of Excellence — 60 Years of Scholarship in South and South East Asia”.
Dating back to the commencement of the Colombo Plan more than sixty years ago, education has been an enduring feature of many of Australia’s regional relationships, including with Thailand.
Currently, the Australian Government offers Endeavour Awards, which are internationally-competitive, merit-based scholarships.
The Awards bring high-achieving students, researchers and professionals from around the world to Australia for study, research or professional development in a broad range of disciplines. The program also provides opportunities for Australians to do the same abroad.
The scholarships cover postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational and technical courses, as well as research and professional development. They are open to all fields of study.
“The Endeavour Awards facilitate the sharing of knowledge, strengthen mutual understanding between Thai and Australian scholars and build international networks, which continue long after the scholars have returned to Thailand. This leads to strong and enduring ties between our two countries,” said Ambassador James Wise.
Endeavour Award recipients come from diverse backgrounds and undertake a wide range of projects. Following are details of some of the 2011 Endeavour Awards recipients, who have received awards in different categories:
Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Postgraduate Awards (Postdoctoral Research)
Suphinya Panyasi, a lecturer at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, will conduct postdoctoral research at the University of Technology, Sydney, on the teaching of ESL (English as a Second Language) in three different settings; schools, language centres and in Adult Migrant English Program classes.
“Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international education, especially in language courses and higher education. Therefore, it can provide a perfect setting for research as well as high quality support for my study.”
Endeavour Postgraduate Awards
Siranya Rhuvattana, a legal consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers Tax and Legal Consultants Co., Ltd., is to undertake a Master of Laws Program at the University of Melbourne. She has a particular interest in the area of International Business Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
“Studying with world-class legal experts in Australia, I believe that they would pass on their in-depth knowledge from their extensive experience and the necessary guidance to allow me to connect legal theory to real-world strategies.”
Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards
Benjarat Sangsuriyan is an art teacher for young learners at U-thip School and Koolkids School. She will undertake a Diploma of Children’s Services at the Australian Institute of Early Childhood Studies (AIECS) in Queensland.
“As a student at AIECS, I will have an opportunity to be placed in a Queensland childcare services centre in its volunteer practicum placement. The Endeavour VET Award also provides an opportunity for me to take an English language training course before my diploma program. This scholarship is truly interesting and different from the others.”
Endeavour Executive Awards (Professional Development)
Onuma Kaewkla is a lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University. She will conduct research at Flinders University in South Australia relating to agricultural biotechnology to improve crop yields.
“The award will provide me with professional development in several ways including by gaining knowledge on research methodologies, research management, innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum design. These will assist to fulfil the aim of my research, to improve agricultural patterns in Thailand to be more sustainable in the future.”
For further information and a list of recipients visit the Endeavour Awards website at www.endeavour.deewr.gov.au
About the book
Endeavours of Excellence — 60 Years of Scholarship in South and South East Asia
The “Endeavours of Excellence — 60 Years of Scholarship in South and South East Asia” celebrates the education ties between Australia and its neighbours. Since the 1950s, thousands of South and South East Asian students have studied in Australian universities and other education institutes under government scholarships. From pursuing education opportunities in Australia, through to shared endeavours such as staff and student exchanges, sister schools and joint research projects, Endeavours of Excellence — over 60 years of scholarship in South and South East Asia, highlights the breadth and depth of the relationship and the achievements of many.
The book presents profiles of distinguished alumni who have made a huge impact in their countries of origin and contributed significantly to greater understanding between Australia and the regions. The book features seven Thai Australian alumni: Dr Mechai Viravaidya; Dr Narongchai Akrasanee; Mr Wittawat Soontornvinate; Ms Visootha (Nikki) Lohitnavy; Dr Salinee Antarasena; Ms Sri-anant Wanasen; and Ms Pornsakol Panikabutara.