KP Sharma
A total of 24 alumni of the prestigious Australia Awards, who recently completed their studies in Australia, gathered in Thimphu for a day-long reintegration workshop yesterday.
The Australia Awards, funded by the Australian Government, are international scholarships and short courses designed to support Bhutan’s development through human resource investment.
The workshop formally welcomed the returning alumni, celebrating their achievements and providing a platform to share reintegration experiences.
The event also introduced them to opportunities and activities available through the Bhutan Australia Alumni Association and the Women in Leadership Network.
Representatives from the Royal Government of Bhutan offered an overview of Bhutan’s developmental goals, objectives, and strategies, linking these ambitions to the alumni’s potential contributions in the 13th plan.
The ambassador of Australia to Bhutan, Philip Green OAM, highlighted the deep bond between Australia and Bhutan, which he said is evidenced by His Majesty the King’s recent official visit to Australia.
Reflecting on the scholarship programme’s history, the ambassador said that from the 1960s itself, Bhutanese used to migrate to Australian cities like Perth, Canberra, and Sydney. “The most important contribution is through human resource development.”
Philip Green said that Australia’s universities, which are highly regarded internationally, play a crucial role in training human resources who can further contribute to Bhutan’s development. “We are investing through the scholarships in Bhutan based on our mutual relationship and the will to support its developmental plans.”
He also pointed out the responsibility of students to return home and apply the skills they have acquired, given the large number of Bhutanese studying in Australia.
The commissioner of Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), Baburam Sherpa, highlighted the importance of Bhutanese students studying in Australia, which, he said, enriches learning and overall development that would significantly benefit the country.
Commissioner Baburam Sherpa said that alumni returning especially in a time when Bhutan is hit by a high attrition rate, is a great relief for the country.
He said that the Australian Award connects the citizens through shared values, friendship, and mutual growth.
Several alumni shared challenges faced upon reintegrating into the civil service, such as losing their parent ministry due to the transformation and being transferred to a different ministry where they did not expect to be in.
Some expressed dissatisfaction with certain RCSC policies that hinder professional growth and excellence in various ways.