The 2022 ACS Indigenous Scholarship has been awarded to Taimur Rind, a technical advisor with mining giant Rio Tinto who recently completed an Associate Degree in Network Engineering with the Northern Territory's Charles Darwin University.

Awarded annually by Charles Darwin University, the scholarship supports and showcases indigenous achievement in Information Technology courses with the first being awarded in 2018.

ACS President Dr Ian Oppermann congratulated Taimur on the scholarship, saying, “we are pleased Taimur Rind is the 2022 Indigenous Scholarship recipient. The award is part of ACS’ efforts to boost diversity across the IT sector and we would like to thank Charles Darwin University for administering the award.”

A former aircraft maintenance engineer, Taimur decided to embark on a degree after the birth of his son.

“I was never an academic,” said Taimur. “I failed and didn’t complete high school although I always had a passion for anything mechanical or electrical. Building engines and fixing cars with my father from a young age, I knew I wanted a career in engineering.

“At 24 years old I successfully completed an apprenticeship with Qantas Defence Services as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical). I believed that only a trade certificate was in my reach and studying engineering seemed impossible given my track record.

“After I moved back to WA, I was fortunate to get an opportunity with Rio Tinto as a Mining Systems Technician, and as my confidence and attitude grew in my studies and work, I advanced to a position as a Mining Systems Supervisor and more recently prior to graduating, I moved into a Technical Advisor role.

“When I became a father, I realised that if I wanted my son to reach for his dreams, I must also do the same. I made it my mission to complete an engineering degree. It was tough, juggling work, studies, and family life but it was well worth it and now I believe I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Dr Kannoorpatti Krishnan, Charles Darwin University’s Associate Professor – Engineering, added, “Taimur has been a brilliant CDU student, while simultaneously juggling work and family life.

“Successfully finishing his course this year is really a fantastic achievement, and his new degree will only help him to go further in his industry. The dedication he has shown in his studies I know will take him far in his career. We at CDU wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavours.”

Dr Oppermann concluded, “we hope the award helps Timur with his future studies and wish him well for the future.”