Award-winning international student recognised for fostering care and community for his peers

Western Sydney University warmly congratulates international student, Aashish Neupane, who has been recognised with a prestigious Study NSW International Education Award.

Aashish is an international student from Nepal studying for a Bachelor of Computer Science degree at the University. He was named Highly Commended in the Awards’ Higher Education category, at a ceremony held in Sydney.

Now in its 11th year, the NSW International Education Awards are an initiative of the NSW Government – recognising the success and contributions of international students across the state and celebrating organisations for their support for international education.

Aashish will be a familiar and friendly face to many across the University community. In addition to being a committed student, he’s a dedicated member of the University’s support teams – working hard to enhance our student experience and foster a strong sense of care and community, particularly for our international students.

Among his many activities, he is a volunteer peer mentor with the University’s MATES mentoring program, a member of our Student Services Hub, an International Student Representative on the University’s Student Representative Council, and President of the International Student Association.

Aashish was recognised for his work championing critical initiatives like mental health, peer mentoring and cross-campus collaborations, all while advocating for the rights and wellbeing of international students and working hard to foster a strong sense of belonging among the international student community.

Aashish said he is proud to receive the award.

“I am pleased and humbled to be named Highly Commended in the higher education category, and extremely honoured to be the second Nepali student from the University to be recognised with a Study NSW International Education Award,” said Aashish.

“In receiving this I also acknowledge my fellow international students and colleagues at the University who are so supportive, encouraging and equally committed and passionate about student success.”

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Western Sydney University for all the incredible support and opportunities. The university has truly become my second home.”

Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, warmly congratulated Aashish on his success.

“Inspiring student leaders like Aashish are a wonderful example of our incredibly diverse and vibrant international student community who enrich our overall student experience – passionate, highly-engaged and deeply motivated to make a difference,” said Professor Williams.

“He is just one of the many reasons why being a member of the Western student community is so special. On behalf of the University community I congratulate Aashish on this well-deserved recognition.”

ENDS

7 November 2024

Media Unit.