Australia Awards South and West Asia

Md. Sakibur Rahman Bhuiyan, known as Sakib, enjoys writing about contemporary issues and sharing his thoughts on social media, with aspirations of contributing to mainstream media in the future. He is an avid reader of non-fiction and a keen follower of political analysis. Music is a constant companion in his life, and since coming to Australia he has developed a passion for cooking traditional dishes from his home country. He is also a proud cat lover.

Joining the Scholar Ambassador program represents a meaningful opportunity for Sakib to represent Bangladesh, connect with fellow scholars and exchange ideas. He aims to gather insights from South Asian and Mongolian scholars at the University of Sydney and, upon returning home, foster stronger people-to-people ties between Australia and Bangladesh.

Nahid Nawrin Sultana is an Australia Awards scholar from Bangladesh, currently undertaking a Master of Environmental Science (Environmental Management) at the University of Western Australia. She is deeply committed to sustainability, climate action and global citizenship. Her passions include travel, personal wellbeing and community volunteerism.

As a 2025–26 Scholar Ambassador, Nahid is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding, supporting fellow scholars and raising awareness of environmental issues. She has a strong focus on inclusive leadership and believes in the power of storytelling and community engagement to drive positive change.

Md. Turab Hossain, known as Turab, is an Australia Awards scholar from Bangladesh currently studying a Master of Data Science at Monash University. He enjoys simplifying complex systems—whether through coding, public service or organising community events. Turab is also an avid cyclist and enjoys exploring new places.

As a Scholar Ambassador, Turab is committed to helping new scholars feel connected, supported and well-informed about their Australia Awards Scholarship. He strives to ensure that no scholar feels detached or alone during their journey.

Sherab Jatsho is an education professional from Bhutan, currently pursuing a Master of Educational Leadership at Monash University. He is passionate about leadership, inclusivity and giving back to the community that has shaped his journey. He aspires to foster enduring connections, promote cross-cultural understanding and encourage professional growth among scholars from South Asia and Mongolia. As an ardent lifelong learner, he values reading, the pursuit of new knowledge and meaningful engagement with like-minded individuals.

Mohamed Nimal, known as Nimal, is an Australia Awards scholar from Maldives currently pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy at Flinders University in Adelaide. He has a deep appreciation for old architecture and traditional art, as well as the powerful human stories they both embody.

Outside of his academic pursuits, Nimal finds purpose in community service and giving back. As a Scholar Ambassador, he is passionate about sharing ideas and amplifying voices within Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia’s scholar community. His greatest motivation is the prospect of making a lasting impact through meaningful connections and collaborative efforts.

Nyamtsetseg Gantulga, known as Nyamka, is currently studying her second year of a Master of Economics at the University of Queensland. She was inspired to become a Scholar Ambassador by a desire to share her personal experiences and benefit others. She is looking forward to having an impact in the role by helping scholars connect and build meaningful networks. These connections lay the foundation for lasting friendships and professional relationships, united by a shared vision and purpose.

Nyamka’s hobbies include table tennis, Mongolian traditional dance and daily meditation. She approaches life with creativity and a problem-solving mindset. Nyamka takes pride in staying organised and ensuring that projects run smoothly, always guided by a strong sense of responsibility.

Rita Baramu is a development professional and writer from Nepal, currently studying a Master of Technology Governance at the Australian National University. As an indigenous Baramu woman, Rita is a passionate advocate for the rights of Indigenous people, women and marginalised communities. She is also committed to bringing a gender equality, disability and social inclusion lens to the Scholar Ambassador program for 2025–26. In her free time, Rita enjoys decoding pop culture and news to stay relevant and informed.

Shristi Oliya is currently pursuing a Master of Engineering Science (Biomedical Engineering) at the University of New South Wales. She is passionate about enhancing healthcare access through innovative medical technologies and effective regulatory policies.

As a Scholar Ambassador, Shristi embraces the opportunity to connect with scholars from diverse disciplines and cultures, while strengthening her leadership, communication and advocacy skills. She views this role as a valuable platform to reflect on her ambitions, recognise her strengths and draw inspiration from her journey—growing into both a changemaker and a bridge between science and society.

Beyond academic study, Shristi enjoys hiking, creative writing, dancing and literature. After she has graduated and returned to Nepal, she plans to help shape inclusive health technology policies and advocate for accessible, equitable and safe medical solutions.

Wirdah Kaif is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy and Management at the University of Melbourne. With over nine years of diverse experience across the private and public sectors, she has established herself as a committed advocate for gender equity, reproductive rights and mental health. Beyond her academic commitments, Wirdah is a nature enthusiast, poet and passionate traveller, and can often be found exploring new places on trams, trains or buses.

Wirdah channels her passion for learning and driving positive change through her Australia Awards Scholarship. As a dedicated Scholar Ambassador, she is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive Australia Awards community—one where scholars celebrate each other’s successes and build lifelong connections.

Kirithikka Baherathan is an Australia Awards scholar from Sri Lanka, currently pursuing a Master of Education at Flinders University. Her passion for travelling and exploring new places and cuisines played a key role in her choice of Australia as her academic destination.

Through the Australia Awards Scholarship, Kirithikka has gained valuable knowledge, skills and professional networks that continue to shape her career. Enriched by her experiences in Adelaide and with Australia Awards, she chose to become a Scholar Ambassador to support fellow and future scholars in making the most of the opportunities available to them.

Kirithikka is committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive scholar community and believes in the power of unity to create a better world for all.