Vocational Education and Training Finalists
2022 NSW International Student of the Year Award
The 2022 NSW International Student Awards winners have now been announced!
Arsen Hacer Ilhan (Turkiye)
Greenwich Management College
Arsen is a Turkish student at Greenwich Management College studying an Advanced Diploma of Program Management.
Arsen brings to NSW her skills as a trained engineer and since graduating has worked in various roles and now works for a world-leading engineering consultancy. She also volunteers with Engineers Australia’s National Committee for Women in Engineering as a publication coordinator. In this role, she contributes to the quarterly newsletter, The Leaky Pen, providing guidance to readers about securing their dream job.
Arsen is a strong advocate for women in engineering, seeking to increase the number of employed female engineers in Australia. As an international student, she hopes to support fellow international engineers to overcome any obstacles that may arise when intending to move here.
Chun Hean (Nicholas) Thong (Malaysia)
Wells International College
Chun Hean (Nicholas) Thong is a Malaysian student at Wells International College studying a Diploma of Hospitality Management.
Nicholas has demonstrated his leadership skills and eagerness to make the lives of those around him easier by arriving to class early to help the trainer set up the kitchen, staying back late to pack up after class, and actively helping other students initiate their careers. Nicholas’ extensive knowledge and previous experience in Malaysia have allowed him to provide valuable feedback to the college to improve customer service and kitchen workflow.
Nicholas hopes to open his own business and is currently working on a project that aims to connect restaurants to the community by providing local charities with excess food from hospitality venues.
Rennette Angelica Calapatia (Philippines)
Australian Pacific College
Rennette is a Filipino student at Australian Pacific College studying a Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning).
Arriving in Australia in 2019, Rennette is determined to make her family proud. She has seized opportunities such as becoming an Australian Pacific College Study Buddy, interning with Coca-Cola, and regularly making blood and plasma donations to the Australian Red Cross.
Rennette participated in the APC Study Buddy program, setting up an event for new students to ensure they felt welcomed to the College. At APC, Rennette is known as a positive and energetic person who is generous with sharing her time.
After graduation, Rennette plans to find a nice job, buy a house, and start a small business, ensuring that her future family will not have to experience the financial hardships that she experienced growing up.
Meet our 2022 finalists
