Centre's First-Ever Master's Degree Graduates

Edward O'Daly

26 July 2006

A Thai customs officer is one of the first people in the world to receive a Master of International Customs Law and Administration.

International affairs officer at Thailand's customs HQ in Bangkok, Wunwimon Puengpradit, joined Australians Clay Kerswell and Alan Murray at today's ceremony at yesterday's ceremony at Parliament House.

The trio become the world's first graduates in the field having studied at the University's trailblazing Centre for Customs and Excise Studies. The centre's chief executive David Widdowson said he was delighted to see the first masters recipients graduate.

"While a number of students have already achieved a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, these three students are the first to receive the master's award," Professor Widdowson said.  

"It's a real milestone not only for the University and the centre, but also for the international profession of customs management."

Ms Puengpradit, fellow graduates Alan Murray and Clay Kerswell, and

Professor David Widdowson

Photo: Catharine Verrills

Centre for Customs and Excise Medal winner Ms Puengpradit said she had enjoyed the course and paid tribute to the centre's staff.

"It was a good choice to come here: the course was relevant to my work and I will be able to use the knowledge I gained here to help develop our administration in Thailand," she said.

However her colleagues will have to a wait a little longer to feel the full effect of her new skills as she intends to stay on at the University to complete a professional doctorate at the Centre for Research in Public Sector Management.

In addition to the three master's degrees the centre awarded three graduate diplomas and five graduate certificates at the ceremony.