Australia Awards South and West Asia

With more than seven years of leadership experience in the Bangladesh Civil Service, Tamanna Rahman Jyoti is now pursuing a Master of Data Science at Monash University. As a Scholar Ambassador, she wants to champion women’s empowerment and build an inclusive scholar community where everyone—regardless of gender, ability or background—feels they belong, and to show how technical knowledge can strengthen public service delivery.

Having spent most of her career in public service, Tamanna believes that work only counts if it genuinely reaches people. Her move into data science builds directly on her governance career. She is developing skills in machine learning, statistics and analytics that she plans to apply to public policy—using data to inform policy design, monitor implementation and improve services for citizens.

Md Samsuddin Reza is currently undertaking a Master of Public Policy and Governance at the University of New South Wales. His academic interests include public policy, governance, inclusive development, public sector reform and improving access to government services for marginalised communities.

Before commencing his studies in Australia, Reza served as a Senior Assistant Secretary in the Government of Bangladesh. As a member of the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Cadre, he has worked in field administration, land management, executive magistracy, public-sector training and policy implementation. He has also contributed to the professional development of government officials through his work at the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy.

For Samsuddin, being selected as a Scholar Ambassador is both an honour and an opportunity to represent the values, diversity and shared aspirations of Australia Awards scholars. The application process strengthened his confidence, communication skills and understanding of how authentic personal stories can build meaningful connections. He looks forward to supporting other scholars, sharing the impact of Australia Awards, and contributing to stronger relationships between Australia and the region.

Zarrin Tasnim Tasin is currently pursuing a Master of Environmental Policy and Management at Adelaide University. With over five years of diverse field-level experience in policy implementation in the public sector, she has a strong appreciation for continuous learning, cross-cultural engagement and broadening her professional perspective through international education. She is inspired by those who encourage her to explore new possibilities and motivate her to push beyond her comfort zone.

Zarrin joined the Scholar Ambassador program to make the most of her opportunity as a scholar while giving back to the Australia Awards community. She looks forward to developing her leadership skills, building meaningful connections, and bringing scholars together under one umbrella to foster unity, collaboration and growth. Beyond this role, she is committed to using the knowledge and expertise she gains to address complex environmental challenges and create lasting change once she returns to Bangladesh.

Tashi Dawa is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Inclusive and Special Education at Monash University. A schoolteacher, educator and researcher, he is passionate about advancing inclusive education, strengthening research-informed teaching practices and creating equitable learning opportunities for children with diverse learning needs. His professional interests include literacy, educational leadership and teacher professional development. He believes that education, collaboration and community service are powerful drivers of positive social change.

As a Scholar Ambassador, Tashi is committed to fostering an inclusive and connected scholar community where scholars can exchange ideas, build meaningful professional networks and learn from one another’s diverse experiences. He hopes to strengthen cross-cultural understanding, amplify scholars’ voices and inspire collaboration across the region. He aims to deepen his expertise in inclusive education and, upon returning to Bhutan, contribute to strengthening inclusive policies, building educators’ capacity and improving educational opportunities for all learners.

To Tashi, being selected as a Scholar Ambassador is both a privilege and a responsibility. It inspires him to foster collaboration, celebrate diversity and strengthen connections within the scholar community.

Tashi Dema is currently pursuing a Master of Business at the University of Queensland, majoring in Supply Chain Management. Before coming to Australia, she worked in Bhutan’s aviation sector, where she gained experience in operations, stakeholder coordination and service delivery. Her professional background helped develop her leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying practical ways to improve organisational effectiveness.

Tashi has participated in Australia Awards leadership training, excelled in a university leadership course, and actively volunteered through university events and her daughter’s school.

As a Scholar Ambassador, Tashi hopes to help new scholars feel welcomed, connected and supported, just as she was when she first arrived in Australia.

Mariyam Nuhaa is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Queensland. She has over eight years of experience in marketing communications, complemented by a background in psychology, along with teaching experience at the tertiary level. She is interested in how strategic communication, advocacy and research can strengthen public services, empower communities and create positive social impact.

As a Scholar Ambassador, Mariyam hopes to help build a welcoming and connected scholar community where everyone feels valued and supported. She is passionate about social justice, mental health awareness and community engagement. After completing her studies, she hopes to apply her knowledge and experience to empower people, strengthen communities and contribute to positive social change in Maldives.

Outside of her studies, Mariyam enjoys exploring history and architecture, travelling, trying different cuisines, cooking, and spending time with her pet bird, Donut.

Tuvshinbagana Munkhjargal is pursuing a Master of Environmental Management and Development at the Australian National University. His studies focus on carbon markets, environmental governance and sustainable finance, with a particular interest in developing market-based solutions for climate resilience and sustainable land management in Mongolia.

Before commencing his studies, Tuvshinbagana worked in climate finance and sustainable development, collaborating with international development partners such as the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank and the Green Climate Fund. He has contributed to the design and implementation of green financing mechanisms supporting sustainable agriculture, urban development and environmental markets.

For Tuvshinbagana, becoming a Scholar Ambassador is a meaningful opportunity for him to connect with fellow Australia Awards scholars from diverse backgrounds and learn from their experiences. The training reinforced the value of leadership, collaboration and effective communication in creating positive change. He hopes to contribute by sharing his experiences while strengthening connections between scholars, alumni and future Australia Awards recipients.

Ganga Gurung is an occupational therapist from Nepal and a Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) student at Monash University. With seven years of experience in supporting children with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families, she is passionate about strengthening collaboration between health and education to improve inclusion in Nepal.

Ganga is a former Secretary of the Association of Nepal Occupational Therapists and co-founded Bloom Park Store and Bloom Park Clinic to improve access to assistive products, sensory tools and specialised services for neurodivergent children. She has also trained parents, educators and professionals while advocating for evidence-based, family-centred care and inclusive practices.

As a Scholar Ambassador, Ganga is excited to join a network of passionate individuals working to strengthen the impact and visibility of the Australia Awards community across South Asia and Mongolia. The role provides an opportunity for her to build meaningful connections, foster peer engagement, represent the values of the Australia Awards program, and contribute to an inclusive, supportive and connected scholar community.

Aarati Sunar is a public health and development professional from Nepal, currently pursuing a Master of Sustainable Development at Flinders University. She is passionate about bringing a positive and sustainable change through leadership and inclusivity among the Dalit community, of which she’s a member. She expects that her study journey in Australia will enhance her capabilities and skills in ways that will support her to contribute back to her community.

As a Scholar Ambassador, Aarati believes that effective communication and leadership can foster her own and others’ professional development. She is committed to building connections, promoting active participation and encouraging networking among fellow scholars, enabling them to make the most of their Australia Awards experience.

Syed Musa Hassan is pursuing a Master of Public Policy (Economics) at the University of Western Australia, specialising in economics, governance and public administration. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to public service, leadership and cross-cultural engagement. Musa brings a global perspective shaped by his studies, professional experience and dedication to community building. As a Scholar Ambassador, he values the opportunity to support fellow scholars and contribute to an inclusive, connected Australia Awards community.

Musa’s professional background spans senior roles in Pakistan’s public and development sectors, with a focus on strengthening small and medium enterprises, productivity enhancement, and entrepreneurial development. He has contributed to training, consultancy and institutional coordination across the economic and education sectors, and has a particular interest in youth development and skill-building programs.

Musa aims to apply his policy experience and development insights to enrich the Scholar Ambassador program and help organise meaningful activities for the scholars.

Bhagya Batugedara is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the Australian National University. With over 15 years of experience serving rural communities in Sri Lanka as a Public Sector Administrator, he has led teams through disaster management, livelihood crises and social development initiatives. Upon returning home, he aims to apply the knowledge, skills and international exposure gained through Australia Awards to implement inclusive development programs that benefit vulnerable communities. He remains committed to public service and continues to engage in voluntary and community-focused responsibilities.

Being selected as a Scholar Ambassador has been a truly rewarding opportunity for Bhagya. He hopes to help create an inclusive and supportive environment for Australia Awards scholars.