The students at Macquarie University have won the most coveted scholarships under the Australian Government's New Colombo Plan, an exceptional opportunity for them to expand their academic and professional horizons. The program strengthens Australia's relationships with regional neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region, offering students cross-cultural experiences, skill-building opportunities, and access to global networks.
New Colombo Plan Scholarship Opportunities are also given to the students under which they study in the host countries and then do work for their experience to flourish and improve upon the cultures from the diversified worlds and create them competent for performing in the world. Scholarships are also the result of a series of activities related to University engagement in creating opportunities for international outreach.
According to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Macquarie University, Professor Rorden Wilkinson, "These scholarships represent the great talent of our students and the commitment to fostering international cooperation in education. Placed in new cultural environments and in direct contact with different realities, these students will be better prepared to contribute to a future in which the world is more and more interconnected".
Among them, Amy Aquilina is a student undergoing a Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Cognitive and Brain Sciences. She will be going to Singapore to study Mandarin at Nanyang Technological University. In addition, she will take part in a cultural exchange program in Japan, where she will teach students English and stay immersed in new cultural experiences while developing her professional work.
Manav Khatri is a student doing both a Bachelor of Applied Finance and a Bachelor of Economics, and he is off to Japan to study at Waseda University. His program also includes a mentorship with Justin Hayhurst, the Australian Ambassador to Japan, giving him a unique insight into international diplomacy.
Krystal Lau, enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce (Business Information Systems), will participate in a Ministry of National Development internship and mentorship in Singapore, while studying at the University of Hong Kong. This opportunity will help her build a strong foundation for her future career in business and technology.
Megha Mahesh is studying for both a Bachelor of Information Technology in Cyber Security and a Bachelor of Security Studies. She will be learning Hindi at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Additionally, she will participate in internships with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the Tech for Good Institute.
Zara Oong will study Mandarin and Cantonese at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology while pursuing her Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Bachelor of Information Technology (Artificial Intelligence). She will also undertake internships with Hong Kong Univisual Intelligent Technology and Macquarie Group Hong Kong, where she will gain practical experience in AI and business.
William Pitts will study a Bachelor of Security Studies and a Bachelor of Laws with travel to India at OP Jindal Global University to undertake Hindi studies. He will also work as an intern with the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People in New Delhi, in line with the stipulations for scholarly studies on international security issues and human rights.
Sachi Russell, pursuing a Bachelor of Marketing and Media, will attend Waseda University in Japan to study Japanese while completing an internship at the Tokyo-based advertising agency TBWA\HAKUHODO Inc., gaining valuable exposure to international marketing practices.
Emma Teffer, who is studying Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts, will be traveling to Fiji to study Fiji Hindi at the University of the South Pacific. She will also intern with UN Women, working on global initiatives for gender equality and women's empowerment.
Such distinguished scholarships provide the students of Macquarie University with unmatched experiences that are able to shape the futures of its recipients and at the same time enhance Australia's diplomatic and cultural relationships with the Asia-Pacific region.
