Australia Awards South and West Asia

Australia Awards Scholarships offer more than just world-class education. They provide scholars with opportunities to expand their networks and gain experiences beyond their formal studies, including through networking and learning opportunities. Australia Awards scholar Saira Qayyum from Pakistan is undertaking a Master of Entrepreneurship (Enhanced) at the University of Melbourne. Below, she highlights in her own words some of the significant learning opportunities during the Scholarship that are helping her enhance her scholar experience and networks in Australia.

My time in Australia has been an exciting blend of academic discovery, professional growth and cultural experiences. My journey has been enriched through various learning opportunities, including boot camps and conferences that have further ignited my passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.

One of the most memorable experiences was my visit to Wilpena Pound, part of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, in South Australia. The trip was an incredible mix of cultural immersion and natural beauty. Our Aboriginal guide, John Solar, introduced us to the region’s rich history, from ancient cave symbols to traditional boomerangs and medicinal plants. The traditional smoking ceremony, an ancient Aboriginal ritual, deeply connected me to the land’s spirit.

Seeing Australia’s native wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies, in its natural habitat was unforgettable. We ended the day with a breathtaking Flinders Ranges sunset. This journey was not just about sightseeing; it was an educational and emotional connection to Australia’s Indigenous culture and heritage. Meeting other Australia Awards scholars and engaging in enriching discussions added even more value to the trip.

Saira (sixth from right, standing) with other Australia Awards scholars visiting Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

On the professional front, attending the Tropical Innovation Festival was a pivotal moment for me. Thanks to a Professional Development Activity Grant offered by Australia Awards, I was able to build invaluable networks with over 18 connections spanning startups, investors, ecosystem builders, government officials and academia. The Tropical Innovation Festival was also an excellent opportunity to gain insights into investment practices, especially for sustainability startups back in Pakistan.

A visit to the Great Barrier Reef was another eye-opener, showcasing the importance of community-wide efforts to protect this natural wonder. The sustainability practices I witnessed have inspired me to implement similar models within the startups I mentor in Pakistan.

These professional engagements have exceeded my expectations. Although I understand that bridging the gap between Pakistani and Australian startup ecosystems will take time, I’m committed to advancing these communications and creating sustainable solutions in my home country.

As a business coach and mentor at the National Incubation Center in Peshawar and the Founder Institute in Islamabad, I’m always looking for ways to integrate international best practices into Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. My time in Australia has given me new tools to support startups and entrepreneurs back home, particularly through programs like the TRAM Track at the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne InnovatEd Bootcamp. These programs enabled me to refine customer discovery strategies, stakeholder mapping and value proposition development—all essential elements for any startup’s success.

While academic and professional development have been a significant focus, I’ve also taken the time to enjoy the Australian lifestyle. From snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef to meeting a koala in Cairns, my time here has been full of adventure.

Saira (far right) connecting with other Australia Awards scholars from South Asia, during her visit to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

As my time in Australia continues, I am already planning how to bring the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained from Australia back to Pakistan. From enhancing sustainability practices in startups to commercialising research for real-world impact, the lessons I’ve learnt here will shape the future of entrepreneurship in my home country.

I’m immensely grateful for the experiences and opportunities that my journey in Australia has provided. From professional development to cultural immersion, this has been a transformative chapter in my life—one that will resonate throughout my future work as I continue to support and elevate entrepreneurs in Pakistan.