The connection is exemplified by Conor Murphy, one of Murdoch’s Regional Managers for international recruitment, who not only has embraced Bhutan’s people, has developed a true understanding and appreciation of the philosophies fundamental to Bhutanese culture. 

He has visited Bhutan 18 times in 12 years. 

Bhutan is a magical and unique destination. There is nowhere on earth like it. The people I've met there are intrinsic to these special memories and connections,” Mr Murphy said.

“Bhutan may have one of the smallest populations in the world (roughly 750,000 people) and be physically sandwiched between two powerhouse nations (India and China) yet, Bhutan’s Royal family continues to lead the world in a mindful and sustainable way, from establishing Gross National Happiness to the vision of building a self-sufficient and completely sustainable, Mindfulness City.” 

Mr Murphy said there were many parallels between the tiny nation and university he represents. 

“Murdoch is proudly unique so it’s no surprise we have become great friends with Bhutan because there are so many synergies, we have similar values and aren’t afraid to be different,” he said. 

Murdoch’s efforts in Bhutan – delivering partnerships, scholarships and other opportunities – are shaped by the University’s strategic themes (Sustainability; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and First Nations) and by Bhutan’s pillars for Gross National Happiness with consideration to the future direction of the country with the Mindfulness City. 

“Bhutan’s history is wonderous and magical. To immerse yourself into the teachings over thousands of years, you must allow your mind’s capacity to exceed your known limitations,” Mr Murphy said. 

“Once Bhutan became a Kingdom in the early 1900’s, the preservation of this culture and tradition has been matched by the country’s demonstrable dedication to supporting the environment and longevity of the world. Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world.  

Not all leaders need be the biggest.” 

 
This mindset was evident at Murdoch when the Federal Government introduced changes to Post Study Work Visas for international students earlier this year. With a large cohort of Bhutanese students set to graduate mid-year, Murdoch’s teaching staff set about completing marking of their final papers before the end of June. 

This action resulted in the students being eligible to apply for a four-year Post Study Work Visa instead of two years had their marks not been in by June 30, and demonstrated Murdoch’s appreciation for its students and the lengths it goes to support them. 

This support extends beyond the campus. One of the guiding principles behind Murdoch’s international recruitment efforts has been to focus on 'giving back'. 

In 2019 a partnership was formed between Murdoch and the Bhutan Youth Development Fund, the personal mission of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tseyring Pem Wangchuck. From shared values and purpose came the curation of community focused projects through the New Colombo Plan and the creation of Murdoch's 50 per cent scholarship which was recently extended until 2027.  

Murdoch’s Bhutan International Team, comprising Mr Murphy and three in-country staff Koonden Wandga, Karma Choden and Kinga Tshong, was recently nominated for the Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award - Professional Staff 2024 in recognition of the team's performance and engagement beyond standard roles and responsibilities.  

Among the projects the team has brought to life are the Trongsa Penlop (King's) PhD Scholarship valued around $250,000, five 50 per cent undergraduate scholarships since 2022, and $100,000 raised to establish a place-based learning school through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. 

Mr Murphy said none would have been possible without the unwavering support of the University’s senior leaders. 

“Seeing the leadership championing these projects instils an undeniable level of purpose, belief in what is possible and ultimately a sense of fulfilment in what can be a precarious world,” he said. 

“No matter how small we may be, we each have the potential to make a difference - a drop of water may just be a drop, but the ripples go far and wide.” 

Header Image: Conor Murphy with Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Bhutan.