The University of Newcastle, Australia

University of Newcastle student Vishnu Vigneswaran has been praised for his dedication to others and tireless community efforts, at the 2012 NSW International Student Festival.

Mr Vigneswaran was a finalist in the Higher Education category of the NSW 2012 International Student Awards, presented today in Sydney.

The University’s International Office nominated 28-year-old Mr Vigneswaran for his outstanding peer support, cultural promotion and advocacy for the rights of international students.

The nuclear medicine student from Malaysia said a desire to help people had driven him to dedicate his spare time to various volunteer services.

“I like bringing together people from different cultures and hosting community events as a way to help Australians and Malaysians better understand each other,” Mr Vigneswaran said.

“I enjoy assisting international students as they adapt to life in Newcastle, by connecting them with support services and encouraging them to become involved in campus life.

“I believe it is important for international students to enjoy their time studying abroad, and leave Australia with lifelong friends and happy memories.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations) Professor Kevin McConkey applauded Mr Vigneswaran’s commitment to the university community.

“His efforts to increase cultural understanding in the local community are inspirational,” Professor McConkey said.

“The university is proud to support such an exemplary role model for domestic and international students.”

Mr Vigneswaren is studying a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine).

He is President of the University of Newcastle’s Malaysian Youth Society; a member of the national Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia; a Newcastle University Student Association (NUSA) council member; and serves on the Council of International Students Australia, the peak national body for international students, as welfare officer.