Scholars set to spread wings to Indo-Pacific

Four University of Adelaide undergraduates are set to expand their horizons when they take up exchanges at universities in the Indo-Pacific region under the New Colombo Plan (NCP).

Cooper Williams will be heading to Fiji, Rhys Gaylard to South Korea, Lilly Deluca to Singapore and Selina Tran is heading to Taiwan.

“Our New Colombo Plan scholars have a unique opportunity to develop their understanding of the Indo-pacific region and develop life-long connections with the people they will engage with during their exchanges,” said the University of Adelaide’s Professor Jacqueline Lo, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International).

“They will have transformational experiences in which they will exchange knowledge and ideas with their peers at the universities where they will be studying.”

Cooper, who is studying for a Bachelor of Media and International Relations, will undertake his exchange at the University of the South Pacific.

“I am excited to go to Fiji and New Caledonia and contribute and learn more about the domestic affairs in these countries and the media coverage of these areas,” he said.

“Our New Colombo Plan scholars have a unique opportunity to develop their understanding of the Indo-pacific region and develop life-long connections with the people they will engage with during their exchanges.”Professor Jacqueline Lo, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International)

“I am most passionate about media coverage of environmental threats and challenges facing the region and the potential to discover new and unique stories and experiences and share them with Australia.”

The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.

Rhys is heading to Yonsei University. He is currently studying for a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Economics.

“It is my firm belief that to build strong relations between nations, you need people who have a mutual understanding and respect for each other,” he said.

“I hope to use my passion for Korea – stemming from my half-Korean heritage – and the lessons and experiences that I take from my New Colombo Plan Scholarship, to be a link between our two nations moving forwards.

The National University of Singapore is where Lilly, who is studying for a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science, will undertake her exchange. She has been named as Fellow for Singapore under the NCP program. Fellows are encouraged to play a strong leadership role in promoting the NCP while on their scholarship program and as part of the alumni network following completion of their scholarship.

“I am especially looking forward to exploring Singapore's unique ecological environment and discovering the cross-disciplinary links between my studies in environmental science and law,” she said.

“Collaborative governance over the environment is increasingly important as we confront global challenges such as climate change.”

Selina (Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Economics and Diploma of Languages (Chinese Studies)) will undertake her exchange at the National Taiwan University.

“I am excited to be studying at a highly distinguished language learning centre to further my Mandarin Chinese fluency and deepen my understanding of East Asian culture,” she said.

“In a world that is becoming increasingly globalised, having high cultural intelligence and strong foreign language skills is vital for governments and businesses to work together effectively and achieve positive outcomes. I hope to use my NCP Scholarship experience to encourage more young Australians to learn Asian languages and gain a greater understanding of Asian culture to strengthen Australia-Asia ties.”,

Each of the students will also undertake internship components with other organisations while overseas.

NCP scholarships are open to eligible Australian undergraduates currently studying at Australian universities.