Nepal | Gribesh Dhakal

Originally from Nepal, Gribesh was eager to deepen his expertise after completing his Bachelor’s in Computing Science and Engineering. He attended international education fairs, visited consultancies, and explored world-class education opportunities within Australia, USA, Canada, and other nations. 

“I chose Sydney, Australia for its assurance of quality education, professional learning programs, globally recognized courses, and internationally accredited degrees. Australia's peaceful environment, friendly communities, low crime rates, and favourable weather provided an ideal setting for both academic pursuits and personal growth.”

Having specialised in Machine Learning during his undergraduate studies, Gribesh sought a Master of Artificial Intelligence.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) distinguished itself by offering a dedicated Master of Artificial Intelligence, unlike other universities that primarily offered AI/machine learning (ML) courses as an elective. Upon analysing the course outlines, I was impressed by UTS’ strong emphasis on practical, industry-aligned education. UTS’ Master of Artificial Intelligence provides a blend of advanced technical knowledge and real-world applications, especially in areas like Computer Vision, which perfectly aligned with my career goals.

Upon enrolment at UTS, Gribesh received the Postgraduate Academic Excellence International Scholarship which would cover a portion of his tuition fees.

“This scholarship not only recognized my previous academic achievements but also provided significant financial support, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns.”

Gribesh was also drawn to UTS for its unique, hands-on learning opportunities which provided him with professional development and real-world work experience all before graduation. 

“UTS not only provided me with advanced technical knowledge but also emphasized real-world applications. I had the opportunity to work on industry-aligned projects, particularly in areas of Deep Learning and Computer Vision, which allowed me to apply what I was learning in the classroom to solve practical problems. For example, I worked on a Bushfire Detection System that used computer vision models to identify early signs of bushfires from images. This project was especially meaningful, given Australia's vulnerability to bushfires, and showcased the real-world impact AI can have in disaster prevention.”

Projects that were based on real-world scenarios equipped Gribesh with a wide range of skills that he actively uses in his career as a Software Engineer.

“I gained strong proficiency in AI/ML model development, along with experience in data preprocessing, training, and model optimisation. Working on real-world projects sharpened my problem-solving skills, as I learned how to approach complex technical challenges with practical, industry-ready solutions.”

UTS’ leading state-of-the art facilities provided Gribesh with access to the newest cutting-edge technology for his studies. 

“I utilised the Intelligent Drone Lab, where I gained hands-on experience with JetRacer AI Kit, drone technology, and its applications in AI-driven projects. I also learned to use the GPU-based server (High Performance Computers) for running deep learning models, which required significant computational power.”

Gribesh took full advantage of his access to technology, world-class academic instructors, and professional networking opportunities during his time at UTS. He worked closely with Professor Nabin Sharma who served as his supervisor on industry projects.

“One of the most impactful experiences was working with the UTS Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute and VADR Media to develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) for a Chess Anti-Cheat System. This project allowed me to apply my AI/machine learning knowledge to a real-world challenge, and the collaboration with these institutions provided invaluable insights into industry practices. I had the privilege of working on CrocSpotter and SharkSpotter with Ripper Corp., focusing on wildlife monitoring and safety. These projects not only honed my technical skills but also highlighted the importance of AI in wildlife conservation and safety, demonstrating the broader impact of technology on society. 

These experiences not only connected me with industry professionals but also inspired me to continually innovate and apply my skills in meaningful ways. They were instrumental in shaping my career and demonstrated the incredible opportunities UTS provides to students who are eager to engage with the industry and make a tangible impact.”

This industry experience helped Gribesh secure a part-time job at Bright Engineering during his studies. After graduation, Gribesh seamlessly transitioned to a fulltime role at Bright. Today, Gribesh works in Sydney for Luxury Escapes, one of the world's fastest-growing travel companies. As a Software Engineer, Gribesh utilises his expertise in AI to develop data-driven marketing initiatives, manage campaigns, and other activities using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.