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| Photo Source: Social Media/Jamuna Gurung |
Early Life and Background
Jamuna Gurung was born in the Lamjung District of Nepal, where she was raised in a modest and traditional Nepali family. Her early years were marked by limited resources and opportunities, especially for girls. However, even in her childhood, Jamuna demonstrated a strong determination to pursue education and make a difference in society. Growing up in a rural setting, she faced the systemic challenges common in developing countries but always dreamed of achieving something greater and uplifting others through education and social impact.
Migration to Australia and Education
In 1991, Jamuna Gurung moved to Australia with a desire to pursue higher education and build a better life. She enrolled at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, where she completed a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Marketing and Management. It was during this period that she met her future husband and business partner, Dr. Shesh Ghale.
Their shared values, commitment to education, and entrepreneurial spirit led to the foundation of what would become one of the most respected private education institutions in Australia.
Co-Founding Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT)
In 1996, Jamuna Gurung and Shesh Ghale co-founded the Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT), with a vision to provide high-quality higher education to international students, especially those coming from Asia. Jamuna played a pivotal role in shaping the institution's academic quality, strategic growth, and administrative management.
As Managing Director, she oversaw the development of MIT’s Melbourne and Sydney campuses, introduced competitive academic programs, and ensured the institute maintained its commitment to excellence. MIT grew to become one of Australia’s top-rated private colleges, known for supporting thousands of international students.
Business Expansion and Real Estate Ventures
In addition to education, Jamuna Gurung and her husband have diversified into the real estate sector in Australia, significantly increasing their wealth. Their ventures include investment in premium properties, commercial developments, and other business opportunities that helped them reach billionaire status.
Their combined success has placed them among the top entrepreneurs of South Asian origin in Australia, and they became the first billionaires in the global Nepali diaspora.
Net Worth and Rich List Rankings
Jamuna Gurung and Shesh Ghale have been consistently featured in Australian rich lists over the years:
| Year | Net Worth (AUD) | Forbes/BRW Rich 200 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | $335 million | — |
| 2015 | $528 million | 99 |
| 2016 | $586 million | 105 |
| 2017 | $647 million | 101 |
| 2018 | $876 million | 81 |
| 2019 | $1.18 billion | 78 |
| 2020 | $994 million | 105 |
| 2021 | $1.01 billion | 111 |
| 2022 | $1.00 billion | 136 |
| 2023 | $900 million | 157 |
As of May 2023, their combined net worth was assessed at approximately A$900 million, according to The Australian Financial Review Rich List.
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Jamuna Gurung is widely respected for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in Nepal. She and her husband have donated millions of dollars toward education, health, disaster relief, and women empowerment programs. Following the devastating Nepal earthquake in 2015, they made substantial contributions for rescue, relief, and long-term reconstruction projects in affected areas.
They have also supported initiatives for underprivileged youth, including scholarship programs and educational infrastructure development in remote Nepali villages.
Role in the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA)
Jamuna Gurung plays an active role in the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), especially during her husband’s term as NRNA President. She served as an executive member of the Migration Welfare Fund Taskforce, aiming to support Nepali migrant workers abroad, especially in Middle Eastern countries.
Her work in the NRNA has been instrumental in:
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Raising funds to support disadvantaged Nepali youth
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Advocating for migrant rights
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Empowering women and promoting self-employment through skill-based education
Recognition and Achievements
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Co-Founder & Managing Director: Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT)
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First Billionaire in the Global Nepali Diaspora (with Shesh Ghale)
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Director of Marketing at MIT until 2014
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Executive Member of NRNA’s Migration Welfare Fund Taskforce
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Women Empowerment Advocate
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Community Leader in Melbourne’s Nepali and South Asian communities
Her work has inspired thousands of Nepali women, showing that global success is achievable through education, determination, and courage.
Personal Life
Jamuna Gurung is married to Dr. Shesh Ghale, with whom she shares her business and philanthropic journey. The couple has one daughter and resides in Melbourne, Australia. Despite their billionaire status, they lead a grounded life focused on community engagement and social service.
Legacy and Impact
Jamuna Gurung’s story is a beacon of inspiration not only for Nepali women but also for immigrants across the world who aspire to build something impactful in a foreign land. She exemplifies how commitment to education, social responsibility, and strategic entrepreneurship can change lives—not only of the person pursuing the dream but of thousands who benefit from their success.
Through the Melbourne Institute of Technology, her philanthropic work, and real estate ventures, she has redefined what it means to be a successful immigrant entrepreneur.
Conclusion
Jamuna Gurung stands as a powerful figure in the worlds of business, education, and philanthropy. From humble beginnings in Nepal to becoming a self-made billionaire in Australia, her journey is one of vision, resilience, and service. As an icon of female entrepreneurship and diaspora success, she continues to uplift communities, inspire future leaders, and contribute to building bridges between Nepal and the global stage.
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