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Alumnus from Bhutan highlights professional development opportunities during his Scholarship

Posted: 15 January 2025

Bhutan, Alumni, Impact,

Tenzin Dorji from Bhutan recently completed his Master of Engineering Technology (Renewable Energy and Electrical Power Systems) at Federation University Australia in Victoria, with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship. Tenzin is Deputy Executive Engineer (Electrical) at the Druk Green Power Corporation Limited in Bhutan. As a new alumnus, Tenzin shares below his Scholarship experience in his own words, highlighting the professional and networking opportunities he received and the positive impact they have had on his career and life.

As an Australia Awards scholar, I had the privilege of participating in various professional development opportunities, symposiums and networking events across multiple states in Australia, including in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra. These engagements significantly enriched both my personal and professional growth by fostering lifelong connections and networks. Beyond the academic learning at my university, these experiences offered unique opportunities to enhance my Scholarship journey. They have equipped me with valuable insights and skills that I am eager to integrate back in Bhutan, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and electrical power systems.

As part of my professional development during my Scholarship, I interned for three months with Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) Australia, the Australian branch of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, globally recognised for its advocacy of corporate sustainability. During my time there, I gained deep insights into how Australian businesses promote sustainable practices and innovation, and address critical environmental, social and economic challenges. It was a unique opportunity to engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared vision of sustainable business.

Tenzin (far left) pictured with other Australia Awards scholars from South Asia and Mongolia and Alice Tamang, Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia’s Indigenous Engagement Adviser, at the Scholars Symposium in Melbourne in November 2023.

It was also an inspiring experience to work with the BCSD Australia team, including its CEO, because BCSD Australia’s focus on sustainable and equitable socioeconomic development aligns with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index. This made my internship experience so relevant and purposeful with regard to supporting the development of Bhutan’s renewable energy sector.

I particularly gained valuable insights into renewable energy policies, their implementation and the challenges associated with integrating them into modern power systems. Through reviews of policies and hands-on projects, I developed a better understanding of the technology–policy–market dynamics in renewable energy. In the process, this experience enhanced my technical skills and critical thinking, and delivered actionable insights that equipped me to effectively contribute to sustainable power system management in Bhutan’s energy sector.

In another example of my professional development, I participated in the Australia Awards Clean Energy Innovation thematic event in Sydney on 14–15 March 2024. The event was organised by Australia Awards in collaboration with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) for scholars in the field of clean energy.

Tenzin (third from right) participating in the Clean Energy Innovation thematic event in Sydney.

Several keynote speakers at the event, from industry leaders to UNSW professors, highlighted the significance of transitioning into clean and renewable energy resources. Notably, Professor Martin Green, Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics, spoke about the ‘Story of solar success’, while Dr Georgios Konstantinou spoke about ‘Delivering a power system that can integrate close to 100% renewable energy’. They both believe that transitioning to clean energy resources is achievable and is the future of energy systems. The most engaging moments among the scholars were the panel discussions and conversations exploring opportunities for collaboration across the region towards clean energy transitions.

During the event, I visited UNSW’s solar industrial research facility and hydrogen laboratory, where I had the opportunity to discover, learn, and interact with university students and specialised professors. This visit helped me to understand that Bhutan has high potential to diversify energy systems into solar photovoltaics and green hydrogen fuel cells. Thanks to the Clean Energy thematic event, I had the valuable opportunity to engage with experts and learn more about the available prospects across transformational areas, including clean energy fuels, grid decarbonisation, transport electrification, energy storage and climate change mitigation. This forum significantly enhanced my understanding of the potential for real impacts in the transition to a clean energy future.

On 10–12 September 2024, I also participated in a three-day professional communication, presentation and networking program organised by Australia Awards Myanmar, in collaboration with the University of Adelaide. During this training, I gained in-depth professional communication skills and knowledge in writing, presentation, coaching, networking and personal branding.

Tenzin (second row, third from left) attending the three-day professional communication program together with Australia Awards scholars from Myanmar, Mongolia and Sri Lanka and David Rawlings (first row, far right) from the Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) unit at the University of Adelaide.

It was also a remarkable opportunity to network and collaborate with scholars from Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Mongolia. In addition, the program supported amazing social excursions to visit parks and see kangaroos and koalas, enjoy a Salvador Dali sculpture exhibition, and experience the beauty of Port Willunga beach.

Participating in this event boosted my confidence in key communication skills when dealing with professional matters ranging from team coordination to stakeholder presentations. These skills will equip me to be a better leader in my field of the power sector upon returning to Bhutan.

Additionally, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Scholars Forum in Canberra, with the theme of ‘Working towards a gender-equal world’, organised by Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia. The event was a transformative and enriching experience. I interacted with the keynote speakers and stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the education sector and non-government organisations, as well as scholars from South Asia and Mongolia. The forum addressed critical topics on women’s leadership, intersectionality and inclusion of gender equality in any development activities.

Tenzin (third from left) featured with other scholars from Bhutan at the 2024 Scholars Forum in Canberra.

The forum reinforced my commitment to consider the inclusion of women in leadership and address intersectionality in the power sector workforce to drive systematic change and make it more diverse and innovative. The program inspired me to consider the integration of gender equality and intersectionality in my Development Impact and Linkages Plan related to the power sector in my home country. After working nearly a decade in the power sector and observing the scarcity of women leaders in my organisation, this event reminded me about the significance of gender inclusivity and how equity can strengthen community engagement, foster collaborations and enhance the effectiveness of any organisation.