Packsy sells welcome packs for international students pre-arrival so they have everything they need to settle into their new homes quickly.

“Students from ASEAN countries are attracted by our reputation as a safe and friendly country”

It was set up by three students from Vietnam, Rita Do, Danny Trinh and Edwin Do alongside an Australian student, Andrew Cipollone.

Before the Commonwealth Government’s ASEAN-Australia Special Summit commenced on 17-18 March, the minister for trade and industry Niall Blair said the students were a great example the entrepreneurship of international students.

“Today provided a fantastic opportunity for international students and entrepreneurs in NSW, including the Packsy team, to network with ASEAN delegates,” he said.

Packsy’s welcome boxes are targeted at international students across Australia and include cookware, bedding, eating and washing utensils.

“Rita is a participant of the Global Scope program, which is supported by the NSW Government’s Study NSW to provide short-term business projects and experience for international students,” the minister added.

For Blair, ASEAN students can benefit the university, as well as benefit from the university.

The ASEAN region is NSW’s third largest source of international students with almost 55,000 enrolments – that’s 18% of our total international enrolments.

“Students from ASEAN countries are attracted by our reputation as a safe and friendly country with beautiful beaches, a great climate and strong education sector.

“With over a third (36%) of Sydney residents born overseas, including four% from ASEAN, it’s no wonder students from ASEAN countries feel at home here.”

Packsy co-founder Rita Do said the founders had developed the idea of the company out of their own experiences.

“Packsy was born from our experiences settling into Australia as international students,” she said.

“Studying at Macquarie and getting involved with its incubator program and StudyNSW’s Global Scope has been incredible.”