CQU graduate Waruntip Tatiyavongchai (pictured right) now has a position with the World Health Organisation in Bangkok where she is the International Co-ordinator for the Thai Minister for Health.

The Thai graduate successfully completed a Bachelor of Business Administration program at CQU Melbourne and was among four students awarded Campus Director’s Awards for Leadership recently.

Waruntip was attracted to CQU by the opportunity to compete her degree early via the Spring-Summer term.

“I had already commenced my degree elsewhere but was keen to finish it as soon as possible so that I could return home to Thailand,” she explained.

The high calibre of staff members at CQU Melbourne also left a positive impression.

“My favourite lecturer was Warren Lawson. He was most helpful and very patient," she said.

Three other students were also awarded Campus Director’s Awards for Leadership.

Sri Lankan student Golu Hewage Deepthi Namali De Silva was a Flight Lieutenant in the Sri Lanka Air Force before coming to CQU.

She thoroughly enjoyed this role but was still looking to broaden her horizons.

Deepthi settled into campus life and grew to enjoy living in Melbourne. She was a member of the Student Association Executive and successfully completed a Master of Information Systems program.

When asked what support measures assisted with the assimilation process, the Learning Skills Unit (LSU) received high praise. “I practically lived there”, Deepthi said. “In Sri Lanka, students are spoon-fed information whereas here, we have to use our own resources. LSU provided lots of help and support. My lecturer, Rajesh Sarin was very helpful," she said.

Khim Shiong Chua, a student from Malaysia, had already completed a Bachelor’s degree at another institution in Australia. He successfully completed his Master of Business Administration at CQUMIC and is now keen to become a member of the Financial Planners Association.

“Class sizes were a distinct advantage at CQU and there was more accessibility to lecturers, especially Phil Minca," he said.

Khim has since been offered employment as an associate financial planner with a boutique financial planning company. He continues his association with CQUMIC through seeking career advice from lecturer Ken Bruce. Ken was previously the National Manager, International and Certification Standards, Financial Planning Association of Australia.

For Alan Yu Ming Chng, also from Malaysia, the introduction to CQU was via a very different path.

“I had a friend who recommended the University to me. I liked the idea of fast tracking my studies so that I could complete my degree sooner,” he said.

Alan completed a Bachelor of Information Technology and was full of praise for the teaching staff, especially John Trentini.

“John is friendly and very experienced. All staff are visible and friendly, not like other institutions where students do not have easy access to staff members," he said.

Alan’s skill for designing websites will hopefully stand him in good stead while searching for employment in the IT field.

Photo (below left): Yu Ming Alan Chng, Khim Shiong Chua and Barbara Abou-Lehaf (Campus Director).

Photo (above): Professor Paul Rodan (Head, Academic Programs), Deepthi De Silva and Warantip Tatiyavongchai.