UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has another great news. Three of its alumni have successfully secured the highly competitive Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS). The scholarship recipients include Alifina ‘Izza SKeb Bd, apt Muhammad Buchari Sulaiman Qoudry SFarm, and dr. Alfian Nurfaizi.
The Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) is a prestigious program offered by the Australian government for graduate studies at the master’s and Ph.D. levels. This year, a total of 5,502 candidates applied for the scholarship, but only 167 were selected, making the acceptance rate just 3.04%.
Izza highlighted that the AAS program offers comprehensive support, not only during their studies but also after graduation, ensuring that scholars can significantly contribute to their home countries upon their return. This holistic approach to development was a key motivator for Izza to apply for the program.
“AAS provides an incredible opportunity to study in Australia, known for its world-class education system, while also offering access to a global network that is invaluable for career advancement and international collaboration,” she explained.
Commitment to national development
Izza intended to seize every opportunity the scholarship offers. She plans to take part in internships and research projects, and her program will allow her to engage directly with clinicians, providing hands-on experience with midwives and patients in Australia.
Furthermore, Izza aims to delve into the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in Australia, particularly in the production of plasma-derived medicines. This is especially important to her due to Indonesia’s heavy reliance on imported plasma products. With this expertise, she hopes to contribute to the country’s healthcare system upon her return.
“Once I finish my studies, I plan to return to my position at the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM RI) to help the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in East Nusa Tenggara secure GMP certification. This will enable them to produce plasma as a raw material for plasma-derived products. Additionally, I will assist in facilitating knowledge and technology transfer for Indonesia’s first plasma fractionation industry, which is expected to be completed by 2027,” she elaborated.
Author: Afifah Alfina
Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin Ariyadi Putra
