Exceptional scholars set to strengthen ties in the Pacific

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

Four exemplary University of Newcastle (UON) undergraduate students have been honoured with a prestigious New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship, a unique initiative from the Australian Government to strengthen ties between Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

New Colombo Plan Scholars

In 2017, the four NCP scholars will head to Singapore, Korea, Malaysia and Cambodia to undertake both study and a working internship, in an effort to enhance relationships between Australia and the Indo-Pacific, as well as enrich their learning experience.

UON’s Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Advancement, Winnie Eley, said the New Colombo program was an excellent opportunity for University’s outstanding scholars to develop their knowledge and skills in a global context.

“We are incredibly proud of our chosen scholars, who have shown an incredible commitment to enhancing their global awareness. Experience in this area will add immense value to their careers, as well as deepen UON’s connections overseas.

“The New Colombo program is a vital initiative to ensure we facilitate great relationships with the Indo-Pacific as we continue to move into a global sharing economy, where international experience is fundamental to the growth of our nation,” Mrs Eley said.

The key goals of the NCP are to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia, deepen Australia’s people-to-people and institutional relationships with the region, establish study in the Indo-Pacific as a rite of passage for Australian undergrads and increase the number of work-ready Australian graduates with diverse working experience.

The four scholars will undertake work and study in their respective fields, which include town planning, traditional arts, waste management and renewables.

The scholarships were presented to successful recipients by the Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training at the NCP scholarships presentation dinner in Canberra on Monday 28 November.

UON’s 2017 NCP scholars are:

  • Jessica Birch-Critchley, Bachelor of Arts – Pannasastra University (Siem Reap Campus), Cambodia
  • Georgia Holt, Bachelor of Environmental Engineering – Taylors University, Malaysia
  • Adam Kennedy, Bachelor of Development Studies – National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • Samuel Lumley, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business – Korea University, Korea

Related news