International students get set to put studies into practice

A student who recently won an award for his insights on carbon trading will this Friday celebrate the end of his studies with 31 other students from all over the world at Southern Cross University’s Tweed Gold Coast campus.

Indian Master of Supply Chain Management student Sid Singh, who was awarded the Queensland state prize from peak supply chain body, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), said he had learnt a lot from the course.

“I originally trained as a computer engineer, and changing career has not been easy, but finally achieving a qualification and then winning an award in my new chosen field has given me so much confidence,” said Sid.

“The lecturers not only taught us the academic theory, but they related it to the current economic situation, which gives you practical insights.

“When I learned I had won the award, I jumped from my chair – I was so thrilled. But I could never have done it without the knowledge I gained from my studies.”

The Burleigh-based graduate plans to stay in Australia and is looking forward to putting the knowledge that won him an award into practice.

“To win the award, I submitted an essay that looked at the impact of carbon trading on logistics and supply chains and made some recommendations for businesses,” said Sid.

“For example, instead of manufacturing in low cost countries, the production could eventually move back to the local market as freight costs rise.

“Companies also need to identify ways to make transportation more efficient – one detergent company has made its product more concentrated so that more can be transported at one time – therefore reducing its carbon footprint.

“As carbon trading is likely to be introduced in Australia by 2010, these ideas and knowledge will become very relevant and I hope to be well placed to make a contribution.”

Indonesian student Inca Yoshiko, who also made a change from her original career as an architect, said she was looking forward to using the knowledge gained from her Master of Convention and Event Management in her home country.

“I was sponsored to come here by my employer, which manages international exhibitions such as the Indonesia International Motor show, so I’ll be applying the skills I’ve learned there,” said Inca.

“I’ve enjoyed immersing myself in the culture here. I have mixed feelings about going back to Indonesia – I miss home but the environment in Australia is wonderful.”

The 31 students taking part in the course completion ceremony are completing courses in: Master of Tourism and Hotel Management, Master of Convention and Event Management, Master of Professional Accounting, Graduate Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management, Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration in Hotel and Tourism Management, Bachelor of Human Movement Science, Bachelor of Business in Convention and Event Tourism Management, Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration in Hotel and Tourism Management.

Media are invited to attend today, Friday November 28 at 1.15pm as international students celebrate after the course completion ceremony in the courtyard between the civic centre and Southern Cross University, Tweed Gold Coast campus, Brett Street.

International students and staff will be available for photographs and interview.

Photo: Sid Singh (high resolution image available on request)