Australia Awards scholar Asyraf Bin Zulkipli, known as Ash, has spent the past year studying a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Adelaide University, with ambitions to become a trauma-informed counsellor.
Through an internship with Orygen, a world-leading youth mental health research organisation, Ash gained practical experience that has led to valuable learning experiences and tangible outcomes. As he reflects, “Some of the most formative experiences have happened far beyond the classroom.”
Beginning with behind-the-scenes work organising stakeholder meetings and contributing to policy recommendations, Ash’s role quickly expanded. He went on to plan and facilitate a self-care workshop for alumni and was one of three interns selected to travel to Melbourne to participate in meetings and working sessions.
The internship also provided opportunities to engage directly with communities and policymakers. From Adelaide, Ash contributed to discussions with government and NGO representatives in Brunei.
Working alongside colleagues, Ash helped design and deliver a workshop to strengthen mental health advocacy skills among community organisations, peer supporters and young advocates.
This work culminated in the Brunei Mental Health Policy Lab 2026, bringing together ministry officials, community leaders and individuals with lived experience.
Reflecting on the impact, Ash shared his enthusiasm: “Genuinely, I cannot contain my enthusiasm for what this means for my country’s mental health landscape going forward.”
