Australia Awards has launched the second round of Alumni Conference Grants, offering the Alumni community in Solomon Islands exciting opportunities to further their professional and leadership development aspirations.
The grant is designed to build professional networks and gain exposure to emerging sectors and industries in Australia.
Applications are now open and will close on 26 October. The initiative provides funding for individual alumni to attend conferences in Australia between November 2025 and May 2026.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the initiative reflects the importance of professional and leadership development for individual alumni members.
“Australia Awards alumni are leaders in their fields, and this grant provides them with an opportunity to share their expertise, strengthen professional networks, and make a critical contribution to development in Solomon Islands,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“By supporting this initiative, we hope to encourage the kind of collaboration and exchange of knowledge that will make a real difference.”
One alumnus who has already benefited from similar opportunities is Fredson Tanikoba. Mr Tanikoba attended the RISK 2025 conference hosted by Engineers Australia and the Risk Engineering Society in Australia earlier this year, supported by an Alumni Grant.
Mr Tanikoba described the experience as both enriching and inspiring.
“The conference presented a unique opportunity to engage with professionals and companies on current research, technological advancements, and best practices in risk management, while also offering exposure to global perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches,” mr Tanikoba said.
“My participation not only deepened my understanding of risk management strategies but also gave me the opportunity to build new professional connections.”
Mr. Tanikoba completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia, and now works with Reeves International, where he applies his knowledge and skills to practical projects here in Solomon Islands.
The Alumni Conference Grant is part of the wider Australia Awards Alumni Program, which operates across the Pacific and globally to maintain professional connections, encourage collaboration, and enable alumni to apply their skills to social and economic development initiatives in their countries.
Applications for the Alumni Conference Grant are now open until 26 October 2025.
To apply, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ConferenceSupportFundingLate2025-2026
