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\u2019s most influential economic forums, after winning a prestigious global fellowship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReliable electricity is easy to take for granted until it\u2019s not,\u201d Jaswant said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHaving lived in Brunei and Nigeria before settling in Western Australia, I saw firsthand how dependable power underpins education, healthcare and economic opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now in the final year of his double degree, Jaswant is researching how artificial intelligence can help manage increasingly complex energy systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jaswant said the fellowship was an opportunity to connect technical expertise with global policy decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m interested in how governments, financial institutions and communities can work together to strengthen energy systems while transitioning to renewables,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRenewable energy is only truly successful when communities can rely on the power it provides.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through the program, he hopes to better understand how large-scale energy and development projects are planned, assessed and funded internationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n