What are your most memorable experiences living and studying in Australia?

My daily cycling routine around Lake Burley Griffin was so memorable because it offered me refuge from the pressures of society and the noise of the world. Every after class, I usually spend an hour or so cycling from ANU to around the Parliament and appreciate nature, its cold breeze and raw beauty. I spent about 30mins meditating while watching cockatoos, kangaroos, and sunsets. And simple as it may but it was through these little moments of silence that I have become more appreciative, more thankful, more blissful about life, and more mindful about the present.



Kent Snow
Kent Snow

During semestral breaks, I took time to explore other states and nearby countries, and it was my visit to the Snowy Mountains where I tried first time skiing. Despite the icy snow however, my friends challenged me to endure the weather topless. I succeeded of course, but only for a minute - never a boring time while in Australia.

Kent Speech
Kent Speech

On a more serious note, I was given the privilege to deliver a speech before the Australian academic and diplomatic communities during the launching of the strategic plan of the Crawford School of Public Policy. I spoke after Australia’s former foreign minister and in the sidelines of this occasion, I took the chance to reinforce ASEAN’s strength as a block to promote regional security and economic development.

What makes Australia a good place for postgraduate education?

Kent Group
Kent Group

Australia is home to world-class educational institutions. While I was at ANU, my lecturers were seasoned academics, former ministers and high-ranking officials who have spent decades in public policy. Hence, you have direct access to their institutional knowledge, practical know-how in handling crises, and the situations they were facing that led them to enact those policies during their time in government. Yet they were not intimidating, the classroom vibe was collegial, informal, and very conducive for learning. We have libraries open 24/7 and security guards that could bring you home during the wee hours of the night.



Kent with other AAS
Kent with other AAS

Prior learning is recognized in Australia, which means that you get credit when your work experience is relevant to your degree. You have access to innovative research facilities and diverse cultural backgrounds. In our class alone, it feels you are in the halls of the UN as you see many races, colors, and hear many languages, all sharing one goal – to learn, expand knowledge, and improve quality of life.

As a Filipino scholar, what are you most proud of?

Kent Solo Pic
Kent Solo Pic

I am proud that Filipinos in general are recognized as enablers of friendships and long-lasting relationships. We love to open conversations even to complete strangers, and offer our help when needed. Our cohort arrived in Canberra the day after new year, which means we were the first to explore the campus. Hence, when other students arrived the following week, we were the ones who guided them and helped them settled in their new environment. Despite my awful talent in cooking, I was able to offer food to another foreign student who travelled more than 2 days to reach Canberra, and since then, we became very good friends. She liked my semi-burned adobo but I guess she was just really hungry that time.

Give one word to describe your Australia Awards journey.

Kent biking
Kent biking

Holistic. My Australia Awards Journey has enriched not only my technical skills but also contributed immensely on my spiritual growth, mental health, financial stability, positive outlook, attitude, and quality of life.

Now that you're back, how are you making a difference in your field/community?

I am actively promoting sustainability particularly in the area of economic development. Through my office and in partnership with the Global Reporting Initiative, we are promoting sustainability reporting in the Philippines by starting with publicly-listed companies under the Securities and Exchange Commission then replicating such formula with companies in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. Ultimately, in the coming years, we hope that sustainability is embedded in all sectors of Philippine society – academe, government, and private companies especially our MSMEs.




Kent Marjur Primor completed his Master of Public Policy from the Australian National University in 2019.