A Curtin University student whose diverse childhood fostered a passion for reliable, sustainable energy is among four young Australians headed to one of the world’s most influential economic forums, after winning a prestigious global fellowship.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Data Science student Jaswant Pendem was chosen for the Global Voices IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings Fellowship, which will see him travel to Bangkok, Thailand in October for the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.
Before the event, Jaswant will visit Canberra to take part in a briefing program with senior government leaders, policy experts, academics and parliamentarians, alongside training in policy writing, media engagement and professional networking.
Jaswant said he was excited to hear global leaders discuss major economic and development issues, with his interest in energy reliability shaped by growing up in different parts of the world.
“Reliable electricity is easy to take for granted until it’s not,” Jaswant said.
“Having lived in Brunei and Nigeria before settling in Western Australia, I saw firsthand how dependable power underpins education, healthcare and economic opportunity.”
Now in the final year of his double degree, Jaswant is researching how artificial intelligence can help manage increasingly complex energy systems.
His honours project focuses on AI-driven grid reliability, examining how electricity networks can safely integrate more solar power, battery storage and flexible demand while maintaining system stability.
Jaswant said the fellowship was an opportunity to connect technical expertise with global policy decisions.
“I’m interested in how governments, financial institutions and communities can work together to strengthen energy systems while transitioning to renewables,” he said.
“Renewable energy is only truly successful when communities can rely on the power it provides.”
Through the program, he hopes to better understand how large-scale energy and development projects are planned, assessed and funded internationally.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said Jaswant’s selection reflected the University’s focus on preparing students to tackle complex global challenges.
“Jaswant has shown strong leadership through his work on energy systems and his commitment to issues affecting communities worldwide shows a commitment to addressing large-scale issues,” Professor Hayne said.
“Focus on reliable, sustainable energy reflects the growing importance of the clean energy transition for economies and communities around the world.
“This is another example of Curtin students bringing a global outlook to their studies and being equipped to engage with international challenges and contribute to solutions on the world stage.”
Further information about Global Voices can be found online here.
