The people and partnerships that help shape the future of The University of Western Australia on a global scale were honoured at a recent event.
Held as part of Global Engagement Month, the inaugural Global Engagement Gala saw staff, students, alumni, institutional partners, diplomatic representatives, government and industry leaders celebrate and recognise the relationships and contributions that help connect UWA to the world.
Image: The Honourable Dr Tony Buti MLA, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) Professor Jennifer Howell and UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma.
The evening reflected the breadth of UWA's global engagement including international education programs, research collaboration, industry linkages, government and diplomatic engagement and connection with our alumni network.
The event opened with a Welcome to Country from Robyn Collard and her grandson Tryse Rioli, followed by welcome remarks from UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma.
“Tonight is a reminder that our global ambitions are only ever realised through people,” Professor Chakma said. “Every partnership we build starts with someone choosing to work with us and this evening is our chance to say thank you.”
Guests included The Honourable Dr Tony Buti MLA, Attorney General, Minister for Corrective Services, Commerce, Tertiary and International Education, The Right Honourable Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds, Professor Sharath Sriram, and consulate officials representing nations including India, Japan, Indonesia and the United States.
International partners from India, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan travelled to Perth to join the celebration, including Professor Widodo, Rector of the University of Brawijaya.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) Professor Jennifer Howell said the gala was an opportunity to recognise the people and partnerships behind UWA's global engagement successes.
“Global Engagement is about more than internationalisation. It is about how we advance UWA's ambitions globally while contributing to WA's economic, research and diplomatic interests,” Professor Howell said.
“The achievements we celebrate are shared achievements, made possible through strong partnerships across government, industry, academia, the diplomatic community and UWA itself.”
Professor Howell also highlighted UWA's most significant international developments, including the new campuses in India.
Image: Winners of the inaugural UWA Global Excellence Awards .
The inaugural UWA Global Excellence Awards highlighted the ways members of the UWA community contribute to the University's global mission.
Professional Staff Award
Mayumi Inui, International Student Support Coordinator, was recognised for her leadership, initiative and commitment to supporting UWA's international community and advancing global engagement.
Student Award
Khairul Shah Nizamuddin, a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health candidate, and Ting Wang, a Master of Strategic Communication student, were recognised for their academic achievement, leadership and contribution to international and intercultural engagement at UWA.
Academic/Research Award
Professor Kevin Pfleger, Director of Biomedical and Health Innovation, was recognised for his international achievements in research, global collaboration and advancing UWA's reputation and impact.
Alumni Award
Dr Stephen Choo, Chair of the Advisory Board at The Asia Centre at UWA, was recognised for his achievements, leadership and service, including his contribution to strengthening UWA's global reputation and networks.