Welcome Back Event
Posted: 20 September 2016
A Welcome Back event was held on 14 September, 2016 for graduates who completed their postgraduate studies in the first half of 2016. One of the 24 graduates completed a PhD, researching primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Mongolia. The other graduates completed Master’s courses, specializing in Commerce, International Business, Public Health, Environmental Policy & Management, Development Practice and Gender Studies.
His Excellency Mr John Langtry, Australian Ambassador to Mongolia and Mr Batkhuyag, Division Head of Treasury Department at the Ministry of Finance representing the Government of Mongolia made opening remarks. Ambassador Langtry congratulated the graduates on successfully completing their postgraduate studies in Australia. He also shared information on upcoming events being organized through the Australian, such as the Australia Education Fair and Global Alumni Network meeting. He encouraged them to participate in these events. The Ambassador explained the temporary suspension of applications for Australia Awards caused by the reduction in budget allocations. He also mentioned the benefits graduates can gain from the Mozzies, especially in building and expanding networks with other graduates and between the two countries.
He concluded by wishing the graduates future success in applying the knowledge and skills gained from their postgraduate studies in Australia
Mr Batkhuyag from the Ministry of Finance welcomed and congratulated the graduates and briefed them on the benefits of the scholarship program, focusing on its investment in Mongolia’s human resource development and the contribution by alumni in priority development areas. He encouraged the graduates to apply their expanded knowledge and skills to benefit the country’s future development.
Representing the recently-returned graduates, Ms L. Purevdulam (Master of Environmental Management, University of Queensland), Mr Erdenebulgan (Master of Environmental Management, Flinders University) and Ms Ch. Oyun (Doctorate in Public Health, Monash University) presented on their academic achievements, research and articles during their study. They also discussed the impacts of their scholarship on their personal development and behaviors, family and children.
Kh. Nurjan, a participant of the Women’s Leadership Program, briefed the graduates on its content, activities and the benefits she gained from it. She spoke especially about the benefits she gained in relation to leadership, teamwork, refining her knowledge and skills, building confidence and developing networks.
Mozzies Executive Director, Ms Ariunaa introduced the Mozzies function, structure, activities and benefits and some of the contributions made by its members. She detailed the professional development activities conducted by the Mozzies, using funds allocated by DFAT in the last two years and delivered through the Australia Awards Mongolian program. The Re-integration Strategy was explained by Ms Enkhee, Human Resource Development & Partnerships Manager, Australia Awards Mongolia. Graduates would soon receive the Action Plan format for them to use to update the plans they submitted when they were still in Australia.
At the end of the event, the graduates shared their experiences they had in Australia including their specialized courses, research skills, family benefits and future plans and interested areas they want to pursue their academic and professional careers in the future.