A practising mental health nurse from Singapore has completed a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) conversion degree at Curtin University with the help of an Australian Imperial Force’s (AIF) Malaya Nursing Scholarship.
Mr Jia Wang is the 63rd recipient of the Scholarship and the 33rd student Curtin has supported.
The prestigious scholarship is the official war memorial to the 8th Division of the Australian Army, which was formed to serve in World War II as as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force , and the AIF Malaya.
It recognises the help and friendship that was given to the Australian prisoners of war during their captivity by members of the local Malayan and Singaporean community.
Managed by the Australian Red Cross, the scholarship was created in 1947 and has enabled many nurses from Malaysia and Singapore to advance their educational qualifications in Australia.
Mr Wang, who is currently based in Bentley, said he was honoured to receive the distinguished scholarship.
“It has been an amazing experience to complete the conversion degree in Perth, Australia,” Mr Wang said.
“I’ve met people from all over the world, have advanced my nursing skills and learnt to take a team-based approach to providing care.
“Some of the highlights include working with the Red Cross and celebrating World Red Cross Day.
“Volunteering at the Waminda Care Centre, an aged care facility, was also a great experience.
“I enjoyed caring for the residents, arranging group activities such as bingo, and organising a day out for residents to the Fish Market Reserve.”
Curtin’s School of Nursing and Midwifery has offered the AIF Malaya Nursing Scholarship since 1988. The scholarship fully funds successful candidates so that they can complete the one-year Bachelor of Science (Nursing) conversion degree at Curtin on a full-time basis.
Mr Wang’s achievement of completing the conversion degree was recognised at a special celebration ceremony held at Curtin’s Bentley campus.
Photo available upon request:
Conrad Ermert, Chair of the AIF Malaya Nursing Scholarship Board, presents Mr Wang with his certificate of completion.
Contact:
Kristy Jones, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 9085, Mobile: 0402 517 300, Email: k.jones@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
