Welcome Back Event for Australia Awards Alumni
Posted: 20 March 2016
A Welcome Back Event was held on 10 March 2016 for recent Australia Awards graduates. The event was attended by representatives from the Governments of Australia and Mongolia, employers and alumni from the 2015 2nd intake.
His Excellency Mr. John Langtry, Australian Ambassador to Mongolia and Mr Gantsogt, State Secretary, Ministry of Finance made opening remarks. His Excellency Mr Langtry congratulated the graduates on successfully completing their postgraduate studies in Australia and highlighted the key objectives and benefits of the program to Mongolia’s development. He also explained the reduced aid funding to Mongolia and its impact on the Program budget and thanked employers who came to the event in support of their employees.
State Secretary, Mr Gantsogt welcomed and congratulated the graduates and briefed them on the benefits of the scholarship program, using the group of alumni at the Ministry as an example. He also provided information on Mozzies, especially its benefits and importance to building a bridge between the two countries.
Ms B. Tsendsuren, Master of Environmental and Resource Economics from The Australian National University, Mr G. Bat-Orshikh, Master of Finance and Economics from the University of Adelaide and Mr B. Munkhtuya, Master of Development Practice from the University of Queensland made presentations on different aspects of studying, living and working experiences. They outlined their new academic knowledge, courses attended, research undertaken, people-to-people relationships and culture in Australia. They also suggested ways to improve scholarship benefits.
Ms B. Bayarmaa, who participated in both the in-Mongolia and in-Australia components of Women Leadership Program, reflected on her experiences with the Program. She especially focused on how her skills and knowledge were enhanced and the focus on developing confidence-building and networking skills. She encouraged the graduates to participate in the Program.
Graduates shared their knowledge, skills and work experiences and provided advice and suggestions on incorporating internships as part of the scholarships program. The HRD & Partnerships Manager, Ms Enkhee Lunden introduced and explained the Program Re-integration Strategy and other alumni networking activities.
Closing the event, Country Program Manager, Ms Tsetsgee Yundendorj hoped the alumni successful reintegrated to their workplaces and Mongolia generally, with many personal and professional achievements. She shared recent news of an alumnus in the private sector who applied his communication, management, English, marketing and other skills to translate and publish a comprehensive guide on muscle development; one in the series of six books. She encouraged the graduates to aspire to similar achievements.