Thursday 12 May 2022

• Newest recipients of Trevor Gerber SYD100 aviation scholarship announced
• Scholarship awarded every year for the next century
• Scholarship aimed at supporting under-represented groups in aviation industry

Hoang Thai Tran and Jessie Huynh have been announced as the newest recipients of the Trevor Gerber SYD100 scholarship – a four-year scholarship to study at the University of New South Wales’ (UNSW) School of Aviation.

Hoang Thai Tran, a second-year aviation management student at UNSW, is looking forward to fulfilling his dream of working in the aviation industry and becoming a commercial pilot.

“I’m thrilled to be named the new recipient of the Trever Gerber SYD100 scholarship – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m so excited to learn everything I can about the industry,” Hoang said.

“I’m passionate about aviation and have dreamed about becoming a commercial pilot since I was a kid. My parents migrated to Australia during the Vietnam war, so this scholarship means so much to me and my family and I’m grateful I get the chance to make them proud.”

A first-year BA commerce and aviation management student at UNSW, Jessie Huynh’s fascination of airports started at a young age with weekly trips to Mascot to watch planes take off and land where she dreamt of being part of the world of aviation.

“The scholarship means the world to me, it’s a huge stepping-stone in realising my dream of becoming a part of Australia’s growing aviation industry,” Jessie said.

“I believe there is unlimited potential for people from different backgrounds to make a positive impact on the aviation industry and I can’t wait to get started.” Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert highlighted the significance of the scholarship, especially during the challenges faced by COVID.

“The last two years have been extremely challenging for the aviation and tourism sectors, and we’re all keen to move on from COVID and work on the recovery,” Mr Culbert said.

“The SYD100 scholarship is our firm commitment to growing the aviation industry over the next century, bringing fresh ideas and news ways of thinking by supporting the next generation of aviation leaders.”

“Hoang and Jessie are wonderful recipients – their passion for aviation will bode well in our industry and we wish them all the very best with their studies.”
Associate Professor Brett Molesworth, Head of UNSW Aviation commented on the importance of aviation in Australia.

“While the impacts of COVID have been far reaching, the aviation industry will always play a crucial role in the state of the nation, and tomorrow’s aviation leaders will be equipped with a greater understanding of what is required to help the future of aviation,” Associate Professor Molesworth said.

“The SYD100 scholarship allows us to create greater diversity amongst our students and we’re grateful to Sydney Airport for their ongoing support and the long-term investment in the industry.”

The scholarship is aimed at supporting under-represented groups in the aviation industry and will see one full scholarship awarded every year for the next one hundred years. The scholarship was renamed the Trevor Gerber SYD100 scholarship in 2021 to honour the contribution of Sydney Airport’s former chairman, Trevor Gerber, who served on the board of the airport from 2002 to 2021.

It was launched in conjunction with Sydney Airport’s centenary celebrations in 2019, with the first scholarship awarded to Manmeet Kaur who is now in her third year of an Aviation Management degree.

Manmeet said: “The scholarship has opened up so many opportunities and I’ve felt incredibly supported in my studies and I’m looking forward to continuing learning all I can about the aviation industry and shaping my future.”

As part of its commitment to growing aviation, Sydney Airport is also developing an internship program to support previous scholarship recipients by providing valuable, hands-on experience in the aviation and tourism industry.

Notes

Honour Roll – Trevor Gerber SYD100 Scholarship 2022 – Jessie Huynh 2021 – Hoang Thai Tran 2020 – Manmeet Kaur