Graduating with a Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development at the University of Newcastle in 2018, Malou has always been destined for great things.

Leaving her life and job in the Philippines in order to study in Australia, Malou was supported by the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS). “It was not difficult for me to decide to leave my job in the Philippines to complete my Master’s degree in Australia because the AAS is one of the most generous scholarships in the world.

“It covers full tuition, miscellaneous fees, health insurance, a one-time establishment allowance, and a fortnightly allowance,” Malou said.

The AAS also ensures that scholars are prepared to take on the demands of the quality and system of education found in Australian by organising Introductory Academic Programs (IAP) that commence before formal classes begin.

“The Australia Awards Scholarship was a life-changing opportunity that allows one to have a memorable learning journey and forge meaningful connections that inspire each scholar to bring forth contributions that will shape their respective communities and fields for the better,” Malou said.

Before studying in Australia, Malou had been working in the humanitarian and development field for almost a decade. “I have worked in the United Nations, Red Cross, and I/NGOs in the Philippines and abroad.

“I have responded to various disaster emergencies in the Philippines. While working in the UN and Red Cross for years, I realised how important it was to focus on disaster risk reduction and establish measures to help build community resiliency,” Malou said.

By studying Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development at the University of Newcastle, Malou was accessing a world-first program, jointly developed by the United Nations, CIFAL Newcastle, and the University of Newcastle. This program ensures students develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement the new UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

“Despite my experience, studying at UON honed me to become better equipped, especially in crafting frameworks, briefs, reports, and research. When I returned to the Philippines in 2019, I felt more confident and competent in contributing new approaches in my field of work,” Malou said.

“I am better equipped with knowledge and skills in disaster risk reduction and mainstreaming Sustainable Development (SDGs). I had better ideas, a more profound thinking process, and a broader perspective in dealing with people and situations. Having classes where lecturers and fellow learners are from diverse backgrounds has influenced me to see things beyond what is.”

Malou loved that her classmates came from across the globe. “We were the epitome of diversity in terms of nationalities, professional experiences, and fields of expertise,” she said.

“I value the wealth of learning from our discussions and sharing. To date, many of the friends I met in UON remain as my valuable connections. We still share relevant news, updates, and opportunities through a common platform.”

While Malou did consider pursuing individual consultancy opportunities upon graduation, she found her way back to working for the United Nations Philippines.

“I have since been with the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator (UN RCO) in the Philippines. This was a short deployment as a National Specialist on Coordination Assistance through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV).

“I supported the RCO in its coordination efforts with the UN Country Team, worked with government partners, and engaged with other stakeholder groups. My tasks revolved mainly around information management to facilitate efficient internal and external coordination,” she said.

Looking back on her studies at the University of Newcastle, Malou considers her role as Graduate Speaker during her April 2019 Graduation Ceremony to be the climax of her study experience at the University of Newcastle.

“It was humbling to have a platform to amplify meaningful causes, share key learning, and put forth the challenge to my fellow graduates to contribute to making this world a better place,” she said.

Study a Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development

Malou Eudela `

Malou Eudela

By studying Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development at the University of Newcastle, Malou was accessing a world-first program, jointly developed by the United Nations, CIFAL Newcastle, and the University of Newcastle.

While working in the UN and Red Cross for years, I realised how important it was to focus on disaster risk reduction and establish measures to help build community resilience.