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Robin Khuda’s $100 Million Donation to Boost Women in STEM

Robin Khuda's $100 Million Donation to Boost Women in STEM

Tech founder Robin Khuda has made history with a $100 million donation to the University of Sydney. This is the largest philanthropic gift to the university and marks a significant effort to boost the representation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The donation aims to create a long-term, sustainable impact on young girls, particularly from Western Sydney, and equip them with the necessary skills for careers in the tech industry.

Also Read: AirTrunk Rewards Staff with $65,000 Bonuses After $24 Billion Sale

A Bold Vision for Diversity in Tech

Robin, founder of the booming data centre business AirTrunk, has a clear vision. His goal is to tackle the gender imbalance in technology by creating opportunities for women in a sector where they are historically underrepresented. After struggling to find qualified staff for AirTrunk’s data centres, Khuda saw the need for change. The gender gap in tech is well-documented, and Khuda was determined to contribute to its closure.

His solution? To invest in women from Western Sydney through an innovative and multi-phase educational program at the University of Sydney. Khuda’s gift funds a 20-year initiative aimed at inspiring and supporting girls in STEM from high school to university and beyond.

Figure 1: Robin Khuda alongside Sydney University students Anandikaa Rames (on the left) and Loretta Payne. Photo by Louie Douvis.

The Khuda Family Foundation Outreach Program

Khuda’s $100 million donation funds the Family Foundation Outreach Program, which is the first stage of the initiative. The outreach program targets high school students, aiming to generate sustained interest in STEM subjects among both boys and girls. It will focus on building awareness and excitement for STEM from an early age, ensuring that students are exposed to these subjects before they make important career choices.

The Khuda Academy for Girls

The second stage of the program, the Academy, is a more targeted initiative aimed specifically at female students in Years 11 and 12. Once fully implemented, the academy will provide academic and financial support to over 1,200 girls. These students will also receive a guaranteed place at the University of Sydney, provided they meet the required criteria.

The Khuda Academy focuses on academic excellence in STEM subjects and offers mentorship from university students. The program’s ultimate goal is to increase the number of women who pursue higher education in technology fields, creating a stronger, more diverse future workforce for Australia’s tech industry.

Khuda Scholars: A Long-Term Commitment

The third phase of the program, known as the Khuda Scholars, aims to support up to 300 graduates over the next 20 years. This phase provides scholarship funds, specialized mentoring, and academic support throughout their undergraduate studies. Khuda Scholars will receive an accommodation stipend of $25,000 to help reduce travel times from Western Sydney to the University of Sydney. Additionally, they will receive an annual living expenses payment of $8,500.

Khuda’s long-term vision is to build a strong network of female STEM professionals who can then serve as role models and mentors for future generations. The program will not only help students succeed academically but also ensure they thrive in their professional careers.

Closing the Gender Gap in Tech

Khuda’s efforts to recruit more women into technology are already showing results. After implementing concerted efforts to hire more women at AirTrunk, the company now boasts a 38% female workforce. Khuda notes that it remains challenging to find candidates with the relevant background in tech, and even more so for women. Many women, despite studying STEM subjects, often choose to work outside the tech sector.

“The pipeline is very leaky,” Khuda said. “We can do more as a nation, and as a city, to encourage women to take up STEM and prosper in their lives.”

A Personal Connection to Western Sydney

Khuda has a personal connection to Western Sydney. He moved to Westmead as a penniless international student before pursuing an accounting degree at the University of Technology Sydney. Khuda then went on to establish his first two hyperscale data centres in Sydney’s west before expanding AirTrunk into Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan.

He understands the value of education and the impact it can have on transforming lives. “If you invest in education, it bears fruit later on,” Khuda said.

The Largest Single Donation in Sydney University’s History

The donation is the largest single philanthropic gift ever received by the University of Sydney, surpassing previous records. Mark Scott, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney, expressed his gratitude for Khuda’s generosity. “It’s a remarkable act of generosity that is highly targeted to the nation’s future,” Scott said.

Khuda chose the University of Sydney because of its outstanding academic reputation, despite having strong connections to local institutions like the University of Western Sydney and UTS. He believes that graduates from this program will be well-equipped for successful careers in one of the world’s leading universities.

Looking Forward: A Better Future for Women in STEM

With a focus on Western Sydney, this program is set to make a significant difference to the future of women in STEM. As the program rolls out across partner high schools from 2027, the impact of Khuda’s $100 million donation will be felt for generations to come. His efforts represent a clear commitment to diversity and creating pathways for women in a field where they have traditionally been underrepresented.

Khuda’s vision for a more inclusive, diverse tech industry has already started to take shape with the success of AirTrunk and the launch of his philanthropic initiatives. This groundbreaking donation is a testament to his dedication to making a positive societal impact and ensuring a brighter future for women in tech.

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