Australia Awards scholarship recipients from South Asia and Mongolia (AASAM) participated at the Scholars Symposium in Melbourne, a flagship enrichment activity for Australia Awards scholars.
As part of the symposium, Australia Awards organized a panel discussion under the theme of Learning to Leading: Make an Impact. The panellists were Mr. Paul Stephens, former Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and current DFAT State Director for Victoria, Mrs. Pradeepa Saram, Consul General, Ms. Nayomi Kannangara, the CEO of International Women’s Development Agency and Ms. Clare Harper, Senior Manager, International Education and Study Melbourne. The panel allowed scholars to hear from speakers on their leadership journeys, strategies for driving change, and how to set themselves up for success as change makers on return to their home countries.
The AASAM program supports the implementation of Australia Awards in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, integrating long term scholarships, short courses, fellowships, Australian Professional Opportunities, alumni engagement, communications and enabling activities.
Australia Awards Scholarship recipients from Sri Lanka who have been awarded a Master’s level scholarship to study in Australia attended the symposium. Melbourne is by far the most popular destination in Australia for Sri Lankan Scholarship recipients.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka for Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania
24 November 2025