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Two prominent TU graduates win Australian Leadership Awards
Two prominent young Thammasat University (TU) graduates, Janjira Sombatpoonsiri and Boonwara Sumano are the first two Thai recipients of the Australian Leadership Awards 2007. They both have just departed Thailand to embark upon their one-year Masters Degrees in Australia.
Launched in 2006, the Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) are a new regional award scheme within the Australian Government’s Australian Scholarships program. The purpose of ALA scholarships is to develop future leaders and enhance mutual understanding, knowledge and innovation, as well as building partnerships within the Asia-Pacific region.
Costing approximately AUD260 million (around Bt6.94 billion) over five years starting in 2007 academic year, ALA will allow approximately 3,200 students and fellows to study, train and undertake research in Australia. The scholarships and fellowships will be managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). The ALA Scholarships are for longer-term post-graduate study in Australia at Masters or Doctoral level.
This year, Janjira Sombatpoonsiri and Boonwara Sumano, who both graduated with first-class honours from the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, are the first batch of Thai potential leaders selected to receive an ALA Scholarship.
Janjira is now undertaking a Masters Degree in International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution at The University of Queensland (UQ). Prior to receiving this award, she was the coordinator and research assistant for several organisations, including the Peace Information Centre; Foundation for Democracy and Development Studies; and the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC). She was also the editor of a book on narratives from Southern violence victims “Tak Bai in the Air: the Imperceptible Memories” which was launched early this year. Janjira also paid frequent visits to the deep south to volunteer for a healing program for the violence victims.
Janjira said she chose to apply for the ALA Scholarship to study at the UQ after learning that the university hosts the Australian Centre for Peace & Conflict Studies where a number of well-known lecturers work in this field. She hopes studying there will provide her a career path to become a lecturer or researcher in an academic field that meets our country’s future needs.
As for Boonwara, she is now embarking on a Masters Degree in International Studies at The Australian National University (ANU). Aside from being a brilliant student academically, Boonwara also won the Dean’s list Award upon her graduation for being an outstanding activist. During her years in university, she was a cheerleader, student committee member of her faculty, and a volunteer for the tsunami relief camp. These experiences further developed her people and working skills that will assist her during her career.
Boonwara was working as a research trainee under Dr. Deunden Nikomborirak’s supervision at Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) before winning the ALA Scholarship. Her research touched a range of international trade issues critical for Thailand. Boonwara said studying in Australia will provide her with another perspective when considering issues of concern.
“With its proximity to the Asia Pacific, I think Australia has much expertise to offer Asian students. I hope I will be able to learn significantly from their strength in political administration and research systems,” said Boonwara.