Future leaders solving current problems
From protecting threatened species and educating the next generation about marine conservation, to fostering inclusive spaces for neurodivergent students, the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program is empowering our future leaders to take action for a better world.
Each Ma & Morley Scholars’ journey culminates with an Action Project where Scholars put the Program’s values into practice while building leadership skills and confidence. Let us introduce you to Ma & Morley Scholars, Elise Rourke, Emma Dubos and Jamie Lim who are demonstrating that meaningful change starts with creativity, passion, and the courage to lead.
Ocean care in classrooms
With her passion for marine conservation, 2022 Ma & Morley Scholar and alumna, Emma Dubos, is taking the opportunity to promote ocean literacy, environmental responsibility, and beach safety in schools and community spaces.
Emma has designed an interactive, curriculum-relevant workshop to inspire young people to protect our oceans. She hopes that teachers and community leaders will continue using her workshop package far beyond the life of her project.
Education is the most powerful tool we have for inspiring environmental stewardship. By embedding marine conservation in schools and communities, I hope to spark a lasting passion for protecting our oceans and make it easier for educators to keep these lessons going.”
2022 Ma & Morley Scholar, Emma Dubos
Building inclusive communities
For 2023 Ma & Morley Scholar, Jamie Lim, the desire to create an online peer support community for neurodivergent students at the University of Newcastle was inspired by his own experiences.
University life can be quite isolating for neurodivergent students, so my goal is to create a community where people feel understood, supported and empowered to thrive. Knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference and connecting with others who truly understand is very powerful.”
2023 Ma & Morley Scholar, Jamie Lim
Jamie is creating a private Facebook group where students can share stories, exchange tips and access resources. With plans to promote the group through University channels and invite active members to co-moderate, Jamie aims to create a self-sustaining space where students can find friendship, advice, and encouragement.
The art of conservation
2021 Ma & Morley Scholar and alumna, Elise Rourke, is turning her passion for art and conservation into a grassroots sustainability initiative using recycled textiles. Elise is creating hand-printed designs of threatened NSW species on clothing sourced from op shops.
All proceeds from the sale of Elise’s wearable art pieces will be donated to grassroots conservation efforts. In addition to fundraising, Elise hopes her works will create awareness and inspire stewardship of vulnerable and threatened species, while contributing to a circular economy by keeping textiles out of landfill.
Combining my passion for art, communication and biodiversity conservation through this project has been really rewarding. I hope my work encourages people to value our local wildlife and embrace sustainable choices while raising funds along the way.”
2021 Ma & Morley Scholar, Elise Rourke
- The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program Values
- Peace, demilitarisation, and cultural respect
- Equity and justice for all peoples
- Ethics in entrepreneurship and workers' rights
- Environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation
In 2025, the Ma & Morley family includes:
- 223 Scholars across 4 stages
- 89 Ambassadors The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program was founded through a US $20 million philanthropic commitment to the University of Newcastle by the Jack Ma Foundation to honour the remarkable friendship Jack Ma shared with Ken Morley. The Program aims to inspire, educate and cultivate the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious Australian leaders.
We are so grateful for our generous partners, Mr & Mrs Ma, the Jack Ma Foundation and the Alibaba Group, for supporting Ma & Morley Scholars to create a fairer, safer, more respectful, and sustainable world.
To find out more about the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program, please visit newcastle.edu.au/ma-morley
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.