Western Sydney University helping to improve the lives of students in Myanmar
Western Sydney University’s support for students displaced by the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has been recognised with a prestigious international award.
Western Sydney University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Global Development and Provost of the Vietnam campus, Professor Yi-Chen Lan, recently accepted the Century Medal from the Institute of International Education (IIE), which acknowledges institutions who have made an outstanding contribution to international education.
The University was recognised for its outstanding leadership and exemplary engagement to help displaced and refugee students from Myanmar.
In partnership with IIE, it has developed a series of scholarships to give talented young students displaced by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar the opportunity to access higher education and study at the University’s Vietnam campus. The University’s Vietnam campus delivers a range of business programs in partnership with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH).
Starting in 2019 with just two students, the scholarship initiative continues to grow with another five scholarship students commencing a Bachelor of Business at the Vietnam campus this year and an additional 10 students expected to be selected shortly.
The collaboration between the three institutions is having a tremendous impact on the lives of those displaced as a result of the long-running conflict, according to Professor Lan.
“For decades the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has led people to flee, with a great number of them living in refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. Decades of continued conflict has put Myanmar and the border area in an increasingly fragile situation,” said Professor Lan.
“Accessing higher education is particularly challenging for the young people who are in these circumstances. Together with our partners IIE and UEH, we are proud to provide the opportunity for a life-changing scholarship, giving students much-needed help with the cost of tuition, as well as with living expenses and travel costs.
“We also provide hands-on, on-the-ground assistance and support, as we know it’s quite an adjustment to study abroad and get to know your surroundings, teachers and fellow students.”
Professor Lan said successfully completing university study gives displaced and refugee students the chance for a more stable and secure social and economic future.
“For over 30 years Western Sydney University has been opening up access to higher education and providing opportunities to those who have the talent, drive and ambition to succeed,” he said.
“The University community is proud to be helping the young people of Myanmar and promoting access to quality, inclusive education. Refugee and displaced students who have successfully completed their studies as part of this program have gone on to start exciting careers in other parts of the world.
“It demonstrates the transformative power of higher education – not only on the lives of individuals, but on the lives of families and communities.”
Western Sydney University was named number one in the world for its social, ecological and economic impact in the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings. This prestigious annual ranking assesses universities on their commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Students find connection abroad
Naw Ngwe Yee Win (Silver) is a recipient of Western Sydney University’s Myanmar Refugee Scholarship. A Bachelor of Business student, Silver said she is proud to study through the university’s international program at ISB-UEH.
"Studying abroad is very enjoyable. I met lots of foreigners and was able to make friends as well as got the opportunity to attend a conference in Canada. Last but not least, I am excited to continue my education in this business field, and I believe that someday I will be able to promote my community to the level that I am dreaming of.”
ENDS
24 April 2023
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