A revolutionary new AI-driven phone app that supports migrants and refugees improve their English language skills and employability has won a prestigious award.
The ‘MyAMES Chat app’, developed by tech company Getmee in partnership with migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, has won the ‘Government’ category award at the TechDiversity Awards 2025, while also being recognised in the Education & Government Category.
The app is a groundbreaking digital coaching tool that is revolutionising foundation skills education. It provides personalised, real-time support in English language learning, literacy, communication, interview preparation, and soft skills development.
Targeted at English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and participants in migrant education and employment programs, the app improves digital literacy, confidence, and workforce readiness.
The app has delivered measurable outcomes through improved employability and communication skills, greater educator efficiency by complementing classroom teaching and enhanced government outcomes and contract performance.
It bridges education and employment pathways across VET, pre-accredited, and accredited training programs.
Accepting the award, CEO and Founder of Getmee Balendran Thavarajah, a former refugee himself, said it was pleasing to be able to make positive difference in the lives of other refugees and migrants.
He said the award affirms the potential of AI-driven tools in government-led initiatives.
“MyAMES Chat demonstrates how digital innovation can be harnessed to achieve both social impact and system efficiency, setting a new standard for how government can engage diverse communities through technology,” Mr Thavarajah said.
“This win is more than recognition. It is proof that technology, when designed inclusively, can transform lives and deliver real outcomes for communities and government alike,” he said.
Mr Thavarajah shared his personal journey, from refugee to technology founder, a story that deeply resonated with attendees and highlighted the transformative power of diversity in driving meaningful innovation.
“My journey is proof that when we embrace diversity, we unlock innovation that changes lives. MyAMES Chat shows how AI can break barriers and build bridges to employment for thousands of learners,” Mr Thavarajah said.
AMES Australia CEO Melinda Collinson said the app afforded added flexibility to newly arrived migrants and refugees studying English.
“It augments the support they get from the AMES Australia Skilled Professional Migrant Program (SPMP) teachers. It means they can study in their own time and at their own convenience. It will also help them acquire digital skills.
“The app will help the students find work commensurate with their skills and qualifications more quickly. This will produce a dividend for the broader economy, which is currently suffering from a skills shortage.
“It is an extension of work we have been doing over many years in supporting newly arrived migrants and refugees re-establish their professional careers in Australia.
“Our Skilled Professional Migrant Program has been assisting professionals from overseas to find pathways to jobs that are commensurate with their qualifications and experience through coaching and career counselling was well as through networking and mentoring opportunities,” Ms Collinson said.
The TechDiversity Awards, now in their 10th year, celebrate and amplify Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Australia’s tech workforce, spotlighting initiatives that are shaping DEI futures.
The awards celebrate organisations and leaders advancing DEI through technology. With over 100 nominations reviewed in 2025, the Awards continue to spotlight initiatives that create pathways for underrepresented groups and showcase the role of technology in shaping a fairer future.
For images, interviews and more information please contact AMES Australia Media Advisor, Laurie Nowell at nowelll@ames.net.au on 03 9938 4031 or 0498 196 500.