Meet Mauritius Alumni Ambassador – Kevin Koonjul

Mauritius Alumni Ambassador – Kevin Koonjul

Master of Arts in Sustainable Urban and Regional Planning, Murdoch University, 2013

How have your studies in Australia impacted on your organization?

The experience gained during my studies in Australia has been very useful for me in my role as Head, Land use Planning Department at the Municipal Council of Vacoas Phoenix. Some of the units studied during my course have impacted a lot in my decision-making with regards to applications for development and managing the office. I often apply the system-thinking techniques and leadership skills acquired to proactively take decisions when it comes to the welfare of my organization.

What development issues in Africa are you most concerned about and how are you contributing to addressing these issues?

As a Professional Planner my main focus is on sustainable development within the building industry. Africa faces a lot of difficulties in implementing sustainable development solutions and particularly finding means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In order to address these issues, I have used my experience acquired in Australia to:

• Encourage people to conserve and use building resources efficiently
• Encourage the use of renewable resources and energy
• Educate and create awareness among the citizen of Mauritius about how the building sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions
• Discuss solutions to these problems and what impact it can have on our ecosystem if no action are initiated

What was your most memorable experience in Australia?

Attending the Western Australia Planning Congress organized by the Planning Institute of Australia. I got the opportunity to meet and share experiences with professional planners including several who are globally recognized. I also treasure being involved in the weekly activities organized by the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute.

Why should someone from Mauritius apply for an Australia Award?

Australia Awards are prestigious scholarships that provide Awardees the opportunity to choose among the best universities in Australia and the chance to live and study in some of the world’s best cities. Australia has the third highest number of international students and since Mauritius is a multicultural country, Mauritian Awardees will feel close to home and can easily adapt to studying in Australia.