Students and researchers from Kenya, India and rural Vietnam are among those celebrated last night at the 2010 Queensland Education and Training International (QETI) Awards for Excellence.

The awards highlight the Queensland Government's strong commitment to forming new international partnerships, strengthening relationships and exploring opportunities for trade through international education and training.

"Among our QETI Award winners in 2010 are the first Rotary World Peace Fellow from Kenya(1), a student who takes a hands-on approach to hygiene for the world's poor(2), and a Chemical Engineer who was listed among the Top 50 Most Inspiring Chinese in the World(3)," Parliamentary Secretary for Trade Michael Choi said.

"I found the stories of our winners particularly inspiring. Some of them have endured extreme difficulty and hardship, yet remain positive and endeavour to make the world a better place. We are lucky to have people of this calibre in Queensland.

"The Awards also highlight best practice within Queensland education institutions and organisations, making our international students welcome, building their social networks and providing a great student experience in Queensland.

"International education and training makes an important contribution to Queensland's economy and cultural fabric," he said.

"Education and training is the State's fourth largest export sector, and largest services export sector. In 2009 more than 102 000 international students from over 160 countries chose Queensland as their study destination. These students support over 17 000 full-time equivalent jobs in our State.

"The lasting relationships formed, and cultural understanding gained through these students is invaluable and have the potential to create far-reaching benefits for all involved, including future business links."

"Queensland has earned a reputation for providing international students with high-quality, innovative education and training in a safe and welcoming environment.

The 22 winners of the 2010 Queensland Education and Training International Awards for Excellence are:

International Student of the Year 2010 - Research
Miss Manaswini Sivaramakrishnan, Queensland University of Technology

International Student of the Year 2010 - Higher Education
Mr Joseph Hongoh, The University of Queensland (1)

International Student of the Year 2010 - Vocational Education and Training
Ms Maryna Fyshtyk, Charlton Brown

International Student of the Year 2010 - Schools
Mr K'Chin, St James College

Outstanding International Student Support 2010 - Higher Education
Griffith University

Outstanding International Student Support 2010 - Vocational Education and Training
International Education Services

Outstanding International Student Support 2010- Schools
Balmoral State High School

Outstanding International Student Support 2010 - ELICOS
Extension Studies International, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland

Outstanding Pathway Provider 2010
The PGA International Golf Institute

Excellence in Outward Mobility 2010
Griffith Business School, Griffith University

Queensland Student Ambassador of the Year 2010
Ms Sigrid Ryan, Griffith University (2)

Outstanding Work Placement Program 2010
Charlton Brown

Outstanding Industry Support 2010
Study Brisbane, Brisbane Marketing

Best Practice in International Collaboration 2010 - Research
Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland

Best Practice in International Collaboration 2010 - Higher Education
Griffith University

Best Practice in International Collaboration 2010 - Vocational Education and Training
Australia-Pacific Technical College, Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE

Best Practice in International Collaboration 2010 - ELICOS
Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland

International Alumnus of the Year 2010 - Research
Professor Max Lu, The University of Queensland (3)

International Alumnus of the Year 2010 - Higher Education
Professor Huy Nga Nguyen, Griffith University

International Alumnus of the Year 2010 - Vocational Education and Training
Mr Jack Quan Liu, Southbank Institute of Technology

International Alumnus of the Year 2010 - Schools
Mr Xiao Winson Chen, Corinda State High School

Outstanding Professional Contribution 2010
Mr Ian Wells, Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE

Source: Mysunshinecoast.com.au