"In September this year, I attended the 6th Annual Asia Pro Bono Conference, to participate and represent the UQ Pro Bono Centre. The conference was held over 3 days in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The theme of the conference this year was ‘Strengthening Pro Bono Culture: Unity and Diversity’, and was a truly collaborative and invigorating experience to be a part of. Legal service providers including practitioners, students and academics converged from dozens of countries in Asia and beyond, from firms, universities, NGOs and other organisations.
The week-long conference was an incredible experience, and a unique opportunity to learn about pro bono work from entirely new perspectives, and put our experience as students and volunteers in Australia into the global context. I was lucky enough to receive a UQ Employability Grant for this trip. Without this grant there is no way I could have afforded to attend the conference. The $1000 grant covered my travel costs, and part of the conference attendance fee. Relieving some of the financial pressure of the trip meant that I did not have to think twice before accepting the offer to attend, for which I am so grateful.
The conference enabled me to connect with professionals from across the Asia Pacific region, forge friendships, and gain an understanding of employment options that I did not even know existed. I learnt a great deal about Pro Bono work options, and international, cross-cultural employment options in particular. Undoubtedly this experience enhanced my professional skills, and will be a hugely beneficial one as I graduate from UQ and enter the workforce in the coming months."
Clare Scrine
