Uluru/Ayers Rock, 5 September 2018: ACS, the professional association for Australia’s ICT sector, today announced the establishment of an endowed scholarship at Charles Darwin University intended to support and showcase Indigenous achievement in Information Technology studies.
The announcement took place onsite in Uluru/Ayers Rock and was attended by representatives from ACS, Charles Darwin University, and Mr Chanston Paech MLA.
According to ACS President Yohan Ramasundara, diversity remains a challenge in Australia’s tech industry with only 28% of workers being female, and only 12% being over 55.
“The purpose of this initiative is to showcase Indigenous achievement in Information Technology with a view towards inspiring other indigenous students into tech careers. There are some really exciting Indigenous companies delivering technology related products and services, and we really wanted to do our part in contributing to growing the ecosystem, and enabling indigenous talent to take their skills, products and services to a global market.”
This is an annual scholarship funded by the interest generated by a capital fund and intended as in perpetuity.
Mr Paech said, “I would certainly encourage those studying at Charles Darwin University in the IT fields to look at this and apply for it now and into the future. The digital age is coming so it’s critically important that remote communities are not left behind as we prepare the next generation.”
Dr Jamal El Den, Senior Research Fellow and Head of IT at Charles Darwin University said, “We are really excited that ACS has made this commitment, which is the first of its kind in Information Technology at Charles Darwin University. The scholarship will be awarded based on academic merit and demonstrated passion for pursuing a career in the field on Information Technology and will be jointly determined by the managers of the Trust and the College of Engineering, IT and the Environment.”
Mr Ramasundara concluded, “Our vision is for Australia to be a world leader in technology talent that fosters innovation and creates new forms of value. This scholarship initiative supports that vision.”
Pictured below (L-R): Dr Jamal El Den, Mr Yohan Ramasundara, Mr Warren Mundine AO, Mr Chanston Paech MLA, Mr Andrew Johnson.
Further information
Troy Steer
Director Corporate Affairs & Public Policy
M - 0417 173 740
E - troy.steer@acs.org.au
About ACS
ACS is the professional association for Australia's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. More than 42,000 ACS members work in business, education, government and the community. ACS exists to create the environment and provide the opportunities for members and partners to succeed. ACS strives for ICT professionals to be recognised as drivers of innovation in our society, relevant across all sectors, and to promote the formulation of effective policies on ICT and related matters. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.
