Overview:
Three Pacific scholars preparing to study in Australia under the Australia Awards program are sharing deeply personal journeys that connect education with service, sustainability and community impact. From economics and agriculture to civil engineering, their stories reflect a common purpose: gaining knowledge abroad to give back home.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
Koror, Palau (December 29, 2025)— Three Pacific scholars heading to Australia on Australia Awards scholarships emphasized blending personal passions with community service in recent reflections.
Klei Andreas, pursuing a Bachelor of Economics at the University of Adelaide, connected his number-crunching comfort with environmental passion. “Growing up in Palau, I’ve seen how closely our economy and natural environment are connected, and how important it is to find development approaches that protect both,” Andreas said.
His interests in sustainable finance and development economics aim to support long-term growth while preserving islands. “After completing my studies, I hope to return home, contribute to Palau’s sustainable development efforts, and use what I’ve learned to support my community and inspire young people to see education as one way to create real change,” he said.
Andreas is thrilled about Australian university life and diverse perspectives but nervous about independent living, especially cooking. “I’m probably most nervous about adjusting to living independently — especially cooking for myself, since I’ve relied on my family a lot back home,” she said. her tip: “Stay grounded in your faith or values, and at the same time be very clear about your purpose. Know why you want to study, how it connects to your country’s development, and how you plan to give back. Being genuine and intentional really matters, and I think that comes through when you speak from experience.”
Emengel Singich, a scholar at the intersection of farming, science, teaching and motherhood, described her drive: “My life sits at the intersection of farming, science, teaching, and motherhood. My children, my students, and my community are at the center of everything I do.”
She highlighted the power of grounding science in traditional knowledge gained from working the land, in the lab and classroom. “Studying in Australia will help me strengthen those skills and perspectives, and I plan to bring it all back home to continue teaching, mentoring, and continuing working within the community,” Singich said.
Singich expressed excitement about learning in a new environment and meeting like-minded agriculture experts for academic and personal growth. She also admitted nerves about leaving her children and community, viewing it as a sacrifice that keeps her focused. “Everything I’m doing is for them and for the future I want to help build back home,” she said. Her advice: “Be honest about your why. Center your story on the people you serve and how you plan to give back. When your purpose is clear, the rest will follow.”
Dee-Raya Antonio, studying civil engineering, drew inspiration from family and work. “My inspiration comes from a lot of people around me who have been involved in projects of their own (initially it was my grandfather as a carpenter, my mother with a great interest in architecture and a talent for drawing, and most recently the engineering team I have been working with in my most recent job),” Antonio said.
She plans to merge design thinking with Palau’s island challenges for sustainable development. “I hope to learn the skills and principles of this field and combine it with the conditions a small island state like Palau has in order to gain better understanding of the type of sustainable development needed for the future,” Antonio said.
Excited about independent living abroad after a family-centered life, she frets over distance from loved ones, especially her daughter. “I’m excited to live abroad independently, as it is a big change of pace for me having lived here with family my whole life. Yet I’m simultaneously nervous about being far from everyone I know and being far from the community I am familiar with, especially my daughter,” she said. Her counsel: “Take time to look into the institutions and the details of the courses they offer, as well as the type of environment you’d like to study in. Comparing the information gathered from your own research to what suits you best will narrow down certain choices, and give insight to better understand what you are preparing for.”