13 September 2023

Swinburne Sarawak student represents Malaysia in YSEALI program

KUCHING – Aaron Nagai, a state scholar pursuing his Bachelor of Business (International Business) at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, has brought honour to Sarawak by being selected to represent Malaysia in the Spring 2023 YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program earlier this year.

YSEALI, which stands for ‘Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative’, is a program initiated by the United States government to strengthen leadership development and networking among youths from Southeast Asia, promoting cross-border cooperation to solve regional and global challenges. The YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program brings undergraduates or recently graduated students between the ages of 18 and 25 to the United States for a five-week institute held on the campus of a United States college or university. The program is renowned for its highly selective nature ranging from 1% to 2%.

Swinburne Sarawak’s School of Business places a notable emphasis on achieving essential learning objectives in all its business programs. These include knowledge and skills in the areas of technology innovation, sustainability, global diversity, critical thinking and problem solving, among others.

“We highly encourage our International Business students to have relevant industry and global exposure and to be able to hit the ground running at all times,” highlighted Dr Lynn Wee, Discipline Leader at the university’s School of Business.

Aaron Nagai during his time in the United States.

Aaron during his time in the United States.

Aaron, who is a Bidayuh student from Serian, said, “Swinburne has proven to be an exceptional institution, nurturing my abilities in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and practical problem-solving. This has provided me with the fundamental skills to actively participate in the YSEALI program.

“Moreover, Swinburne’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals resonates with the fellowship’s investigation of subjects such as climate change, sustainable development, renewable energy and water management. These themes collectively underscore a mutual focus on fostering innovation,” he added.

Speaking about his future career goals after he graduates, he expressed his determination to play a role in bringing positive changes to the way business is conducted in Sarawak.

“I aspire to work closely with the Sarawak government and private sector so as to drive sustainable business practices by prioritising environmental conversation and social economic growth,” said Aaron.

Aaron during his time in the United States.

Aaron during his time in the United States.

Swinburne Sarawak’s School of Business focuses on practical business education, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career path. Visit https://www.swinburne.edu.my/courses/bachelor-of-business-international-business.php to learn more about the university’s Bachelor of Business (International Business). Through this program, students will discover the importance of culture, politics, trade and business policies, time zones, economic systems, currencies and business customs, and their effects on an organisation with international interests.

Swinburne is an Australian university based in Melbourne, Australia. It is ranked among the Top 1% of universities globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and in the latest Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website (www.swinburne.edu.my), Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).

Media Enquiries

Tania Lam
Officer (Communication and Events)


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