2024 WA Outstanding Individual Contribution to International Education Award

The CISWA WA Outstanding Individual Contribution to International Education Award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the enhancement of international education in the State. The achievements will have improved the experience of international students and/or the development of the sector in WA.

In choosing the recipient of the award regard is given not only to the nominee’s achievements in the year immediately prior to the award but also to their achievements and on-going contribution to the experience of international students in WA and/or to the success of the international education industry.

This award is sponsored by CISWA, and the winner is presented with a certificate and trophy.

2024 WA Outstanding Individual Contribution to International Education Award

Awardee: Mr Pankaj Pathak

Sponsor: Council for International Students of Western Australia (CISWA)

Pankaj’s journey in international education is inspiring. Arriving in Perth as an international student in 2001, he experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities faced by those studying far from home. This personal journey has fuelled his extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of international students and advancing the international education sector.

From founding the International Student Association at the University of Notre Dame to serving as the General Secretary of the National Liaison Committee, Pankaj has been a tireless advocate for student rights and well-being. His leadership has shaped vital reforms, seeking to ensure fairness and integrity in international education policies.

Currently as Managing Director and CEO of Phoenix Academy, Pankaj has taken the institution to new heights. Under his leadership, Phoenix Academy has supported thousands of students, implemented innovative programs, and introduced cutting-edge learning management systems that expand accessibility and flexibility for students worldwide. As Managing Director of WA Technical Vocational Education Training (WATVET) Consortium, his efforts have been instrumental in securing substantial funding for initiatives that strengthen Western Australia’s global reputation in education.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pankaj’s influence as a mentor, advocate, and community leader is profound. As Chair of WAPETIA and a Board Member of StudyPerth, he continues to shape policies and inspire future leaders in education.

Pankaj’s visionary leadership, relentless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to excellence embody the essence of this award. His contributions have not only transformed lives but also elevated Western Australia’s position and recognition as a hub for international education.

Photo: Celia Cornwell, President of CISWA presents Pankaj with his award.

2024 Key Dates

  • 23rd September– Applications Open
  • 1st November – Applications Close (5pm)
  • 20th November – Judging Completed
  • 5th December – All award winners announced at StudyPerth AGM and End of Year Event

Selection Criteria

The Selection Panel will consider some or all of the following in the context of Western Australia:

  • Contribution to the experience of international students through innovative practices and/or on-going support.
  • Contribution to the success of the international education industry through leadership and/or the introduction of innovative practices.
  • Contribution to international education in WA through training, development and leadership of others involved in supporting international students and/or in growing the industry.
  • The extent to which their example has inspired and been followed by others.

Selection Criteria – Outstanding Individual – any questions about the criteria or process please email info@ciswa.com

*Please note, this award may not be presented every year, depending on the quality and suitability of the submissions received.

This award is proudly sponsored by

2022 WINNER: Dr Kevin McKenna

Kevin has had a long and highly successful involvement with Western Australia’s international higher education activities. His contribution began in the 1990s, while working as an academic at Curtin Business School (CBS).

In the late 1990s, Kevin was responsible for the planning and direction of Curtin Business School including its numerous offshore operations. He worked to diversify CBS’s international activities, negotiating joint programs with partners in Singapore, Kuching (Malaysia) and Taiwan, managing market research for China and new initiatives in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Macau, Pakistan and Sarawak (Malaysia).

In August 1999 Kevin took the role of Executive Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor for the development of Curtin’s new campus at Sarawak. After five years in Sarawak, Kevin returned to Perth and continued to develop CBS international programs.

In 2006, Professor McKenna became Pro Vice-Chancellor (and then Deputy Vice-Chancellor) International for Curtin University. In 2008, Kevin established the Curtin Singapore campus, which has been highly successful. Kevin retired from Curtin University in 2009.

In 2008 Kevin became President of the Council for International Students of Western Australia, a position he held – in a voluntary capacity – until early 2022. He has led CISWA through a period of transitioning away from providing “pastoral care” to students – this being a role now fully embraced by the students’ host institutions – to being focused on staff development for the benefit of international students in WA. Kevin remains an Executive Committee member, focusing not only on continuity for CISWA but also on devoting his energy to the continued education of staff who work with international students.