At a recent Murdoch University graduation in Western Australia, a moment of unexpected humour captured the audience’s attention.
During the ceremony, the moderator called out: “Sonam Choden”… followed by another “Sonam Choden”… and yet another Sonam Choden. The pattern continued with Sangay Choden, then Tashi Choden—each name repeated multiple times.
It is reported that even the Chancellor, academics, and attendees couldn’t hold back their laughter, with the moment going viral on social media.
One user joked, “12 Sonam Choden in a row at the graduation award—that’s the power of Bhutanese in Aussie universities! 😂 Felt like an award ceremony at RTC, Thimphu.” Another quipped,
“Murdoch University will be named Choden’s University here after! Hats off to all Chodens for making it through!”
The repetition reflects a uniquely Bhutanese tradition: without family surnames, many share identical names. “It happens only in Bhutan,” explained Inside Bhutan on Instagram.
One social media user noted the practical side of shared Bhutanese names, explaining that immigration systems can get confused when multiple applicants share the same name and date of birth, leading to delays and stress for those waiting.
Bhutan, home to roughly 791,524 people, has 35,000 Bhutanese living in Australia. This includes more than 14,000 international students enrolled. These communities help strengthen bilateral ties through education, culture, and people-to-people links.
Murdoch University has developed a special relationship with Bhutan beyond formal partnerships. Last year, Conor Murphy, Murdoch’s Regional Manager for international recruitment, highlighted the shared values between the tiny Himalayan kingdom and the university.
“Murdoch is proudly unique, so it’s no surprise we have become great friends with Bhutan.”
Murdoch’s initiatives include scholarships, community projects, and partnerships aligned with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness principles. Notable programs include the Trongsa Penlop (King’s) PhD Scholarship valued at $250,000, five 50 per cent undergraduate scholarships, and $100,000 raised to establish a place-based learning school.
Beyond the humour, the laughter at Murdoch University’s graduation highlighted the vibrancy of Bhutanese culture and the strong connections between the university and its international students.
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