Salt Creek Scholarship Laureate 2024
Zhongning (Rain) Lai
Zhongning (“Rain”) Lai moved to Warrnambool from China with his parents about 7 years ago. In Warrnambool he attended secondary school at Brauer College where he graduated as Dux in 2023 with an ATAR of 99.1, the highest score in all of south-west Victoria.
When Rain arrived in Australia, he spoke no English whatsoever. Undoubtedly, Rain is an outstanding student. He is hardworking and committed not only to his studies but to all that he applies himself including overcoming the language barrier. Rain’s accomplishments are diverse and manifold: he was elected school captain by his peers in his final year in 2023; was a Victorian gold medalist in jujitsu in 2022; is an alumni of the National Mathematics Summer School and has even developed a school-based debating competition.
After losing a close friend and obtaining permanent residency in Australia a few years ago, Rain determined to “work and live a life that he would not regret”. Aside from his accomplishments at school and in martial arts, Rain has met many people who inspire him and has decided to dedicate his life to giving back to the communities around him. Rain already has experience as a volunteer and has demonstrated a willingness to give back to his community by providing free classes in Judo to primary school students over the past few years.
Rain was described by a former English teacher as “an unconditionally honest and decent person, courteous in his behaviour, perceptive in his thinking and intrinsically motivated to achieve his best”. It’s no surprise then that Rain has been accepted into Monash University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Masters accelerated pathway. He will be living at Monash Urban Community in Clayton. While Rain has not an exact career goal in mind at this time, he plans to make the most of any opportunities that arise and ultimately pursue an engineering role that interests him and which allows him to be involved in regional development.
After meeting Rain for just 5 minutes, it is evident that he loves life and is passionate about pursuing excellence. Clearly, Rain is not going to let life’s opportunities pass him by.
Rain is the very worthy recipient of the 6th Salt Creek Scholarship.
Where are they now
SEPTEMBER 2025
It still feels like yesterday that I received this scholarship. Being chosen as a Salt Creek Scholar felt like a huge honour and responsibility. At first, I was shocked and thrilled, and then, as it sank in, I became even more determined in my goals.
Living in a studio apartment has been a privilege and a challenge. Over the past two years, I have learnt what it truly means to be independent — from cooking and cleaning to managing groceries and laundry. Managing all these aspects of life alongside studying was demanding, at times frustrating. Still, in the end, it made me realise how fortunate I had been and strengthened my determination once again.
In my first year, I became Secretary of the Monash Judo Club and worked on a range of engineering projects, including a traffic light system and a cantilever bridge. I also represented Monash at University Nationals, helping the team win its first-ever gold medal in Judo.
In my second year, I joined Monash Connected Autonomous Vehicles, an engineering student team. I initially led a group to develop a fully functional radio-controlled car, and was later promoted to sub-team lead, where I designed a power distribution board for the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition.
In my spare time, I work as a maths tutor for students preparing for scholarships and expanding their knowledge. Tutoring feels like one of the best ways I can give back, just as this scholarship once supported me.
None of these experiences would have been possible without the Salt Creek Scholarship. Words cannot fully capture my gratitude, but I hope my actions and achievements reflect how much it means to me. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue building my skills in engineering and contributing to communities both locally and beyond.
Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Masters accelerated pathway
Institution: Monash University
In residence: Clayton Urban Community, Monash University
Career Goal: To pursue an interesting engineering role which allows him to be involved in regional development
Education History: Brauer College