icon to start playing the desired text.
and
icons, where the
icon and click on it to start using the chatbot. Note that you need to wait for the website to finish loading.
My Australia Awards Story: Empowered to drive positive change
What are your most memorable experiences living and studying in Australia?
One of my most memorable experiences while living and studying in Australia was embracing new beginnings and learning how to thrive in a foreign land. The challenges of adjusting to a new environment helped me become a more resilient person, both personally and professionally. I was fortunate to have a strong academic support system composed of peers from different nationalities, which broadened my perspectives and enriched my learning experience.
I was also able to build meaningful relationships with my fellow Australia Awards scholars in Brisbane. I truly value the bond we formed I look forward to nurturing our relationships not just on a personal level, but also on professional sphere through future government engagements and collaborations.
Lastly, the travels I made with the significant people in my life gave me a sense of balance amidst academic challenges, allowing me to appreciate life more and create lasting memories beyond the university.
What makes Australia a good place for postgraduate education?
Australia is an excellent place for postgraduate study because it offers world-class universities with strong academic and research programs, many of which hold top positions in global rankings.
Beyond academics, it provides a multicultural learning environment where students from different backgrounds exchange ideas and perspectives, which greatly enriches the learning experience. Australia also emphasizes work-life balance, giving students space to pursue both academic excellence and personal growth. On top of that, Australia is a safe and welcoming country with high-quality living standards, making it easier for international students to adapt and thrive.
As Filipino scholar, what are you most proud of?
As a Filipino scholar, I am most proud of representing my country in an international academic community and proving that we can excel globally. I’m also proud that the knowledge, skills, and networks I gained in Australia can be brought back to the Philippines to support our government initiatives and contribute to development
Give one word to describe your Australia Awards journey.
Empowering!
Empowered by your Australian education, how do you plan to make a difference in your field, community, or organisation in the Philippines?
Empowered by my Australian education, I plan to carry out my Re-Entry Action Plan by developing a data analytics system for monitoring government programs and projects in Region XII. This will improve transparency, speed up decision-making, and ultimately support better development outcomes for the people in our region.
Rebecca Ruth Simtim completed her Master of Data Science from University of Queensland in 2025. She is an Economic Development Specialist II at Department of Economy, Planning and Development.
