When Abir Hossain Khondoker arrived in Tasmania in 2024, he was beginning a new degree in a new place.
Two years later, the University of Tasmania Information and Communication Technology student has been named Technology Industry Rising Star at the 2026 TasICT Excellence Awards.
His win led a strong night for the University, with students, staff and industry partners recognised across several categories at the annual awards ceremony in Hobart on 27 June.
The University also won the Best Technology Initiative or Industry Collaboration award with TasNetworks and Amazon Web Services, while ICT students Van Nhi Pham and Yu Wang and staff member Dr Meredith Castles were named finalists in the Rising Star category.
Abir, who is in the final year of his ICT degree, has built an impressive record since arriving in Tasmania.
He has represented international students through the University of Tasmania, Study Tasmania and the City of Hobart, completed a CSIRO internship in his second year of study, and taken on a leadership role with the Tasmanian branch of the Australian Computer Society.
"I am incredibly honoured," Abir said.
"When I arrived in Tasmania in 2024, much of what I have achieved over the past two years felt impossible.
"This award belongs to the people who supported me along the way, and it has made me even more motivated to contribute to the Tasmanian community and the technology sector."
Head of the School of Information and Communication Technology Professor Nicole Herbert accepted the award on Abir's behalf at the ceremony.
Professor Herbert said Abir's recognition reflected his drive, generosity and determination to make the most of every opportunity Tasmania had offered him.
"Abir arrived here two years ago and has not stopped since," Professor Herbert said.
"He has represented the University, contributed to world class research at CSIRO, and built genuine connections across Tasmania's technology industry.
"To be named the sector's Rising Star in just his second year of study is a remarkable achievement and we are incredibly proud of him."
Professor Herbert said the breadth of recognition across the awards showed the School's growing presence in Tasmania's technology sector.
"To see our students, staff and industry partners all recognised at the same ceremony is a real statement about where the School is headed," she said.
"We are proud of every one of them."
The TasICT Excellence Awards are held annually to recognise achievement across Tasmania's technology industry, which contributes $1.1 billion to the state's economy and employs about 11,200 people.
