International students and organisations that have championed campus multiculturalism, driven environmental initiatives, promoted health and wellbeing, and supported students with food and essential items in the wake of COVID-19 are among the six winners of the 2021 NSW International Student Awards.
The winners of the awards were announced at a virtual ceremony broadcast from the Museum of Contemporary Art to over 400 attendees, recognising the contribution of international students, education providers, businesses and community organisations from across the state.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the winners were selected from an outstanding field of finalists.
“These are individuals who put their community’s needs ahead of their own and who have shown leadership and courage to overcome all the challenges of 2021,” Mr Ayres said.
The event celebrated individuals across four categories:
- Higher Education – Ho Yin (Joshua) Wan (Hong Kong, University of Sydney)
- Schools – Qiufei (Frank) Lai (China, Epping Boys High School)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) – Phaeng Xaphokhame (Laos, TAFE NSW National Environment Centre)
- English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) – Bruno Prats de Oliveira (Brazil, Navitas English Sydney)
“These contributions and achievements are even more noteworthy when you consider that COVID-19 meant they were unable to return to their home countries in 2021.”
The Minister also congratulated the two winners of the NSW International Student Community Engagement Awards. Addison Road Community Organisation’s ‘Solidarity & Aid with International Students’ initiative was awarded the Business and Community category award and Cabramatta High School’s ‘International Student Support Program’ was recognised in the Education Providers category.
To read more about the 2021 award finalists and winners visit study.sydney.
