Dawt (Nunu) Hnem Sung Sarum is the first recipient of Victoria University and City West Water's Celebrating Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Scholarship.
The scholarship is valued at up to $15,000 over three years and is aimed at supporting the education of a future female engineer.
Nunu, 19, from Caroline Springs, arrived in Australia as a refugee from Myanmar (Burma) in 2014. The only woman in her Bachelor of Engineering class, Nunu was nominated for the scholarship by one of her lecturers.
"I am delighted to receive the Celebrating Women in STEM Scholarship. It's a great encouragement to keep doing well in my studies. I'm looking forward to learning about the water industry from my mentor at City West Water," said Nunu.
The Celebrating Women in STEM Scholarship is designed to provide practical support for up to three years to an outstanding female engineering student through a cash component and active mentoring by a woman engineer at City West Water.
The program also includes mentoring support from senior City West Water Staff to three other female engineering students to help them on their career paths.
Quote attributed to Victoria University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Dawkins:
"At Victoria University, we know that the STEM field includes the best of our critical thinkers and innovators. However, STEM still has a dire under-representation of women, and we are missing out on using the immense talent that currently exists. It is critically important that we empower women to be leaders in STEM, as a gender-diverse STEM workforce is key to solving the world's complex challenges. As a proud partner of City West Water and an institution that is committed to opportunity and success, VU is excited to support this wonderful initiative in our heartland, Melbourne's West."
Quote attributed to City West Water Managing Director, David Ryan:
"City West Water is committed to improving the representation of women both in the water industry and in other STEM-related industries. The scholarship, in partnership with Victoria University, brings together women with careers at City West Water with a new generation of women just starting out in their studies and careers. Our hope is that, together, these women will foster talent, creativity and commitment to strengthen the representation of women in STEM. Congratulations Nunu, and welcome to the City West Water team. No doubt through your mentorship you will be learning a lot about our role in the west."
