LONDON – Pakistani Australian engineer who helps refugees start their ownbusiness in Australia has been awarded Commonwealth Young Person of theYear at a forum in London’s QE2 Centre on Tuesday.
Eighteen months after launching the programme, Usman Iftikhar has beenawarded Commonwealth’s highest honour for young achievers.
He was presented with the award by Commonwealth’s newly appointed youthambassador Prince Harry.
Iftikhar, who represented Australia at the forum, conceptualisedthe idea ofhelpingrefugees and migrants find job opportunities based on his ownstruggle after moving to Australia in 213.
Born in Pakistan, Iftikhar completed his Bachelor’s degree from GIKInstitute of Engineering Sciences & Technology and then moved to Australiato do his Master’s in engineering management.