New Colombo Plan 2018 scholars announced

The Australian Government awarded transformative New Colombo Plan scholarships to two talented Australian undergraduates to live, study and undertake internships in Thailand in 2018.

Australian Ambassador to Thailand HE Mr Paul Robilliard said the New Colombo Plan was creating a new generation of young Australians with an understanding of Thailand and experience of living, learning and working alongside people from other cultures.

“These exceptional students come home with new perspectives, insights and skills after their life-changing experience in Thailand,” Ambassador said.

New Colombo Plan 2018 Thailand scholars include:

• Ms Jasmine Valcic (Fellow)
• Mr Liam Greinke

New Colombo Plan 2018 Thailand scholars will study a broad range of disciplines including legal and international relationships and computer sciences at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Scholars will also gain invaluable practical experience of Thailand workplaces through internships, practicums and mentorships with private sector organisations such as United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Pomelo Fashion, a fashion e-commerce start-up business in Thailand and Minor International, one of Asia’s largest hospitality and leisure companies.

Private sector engagement is important to the New Colombo Plan experience, helping scholars to develop skills in real-life situations and contributing to the creation of an Australian workforce with a deep understanding of the Indo-Pacific.

The Ambassador said the New Colombo Plan Thailand scholars are among Australia’s most talented emerging leaders, who had demonstrated academic excellence, exceptional leadership in their communities, and a firm commitment to engaging with the people of Thailand and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

“Living and learning alongside young people from other cultures will create enduring bonds of friendship and understanding, a foundation of future peace and prosperity in the region.”

After their New Colombo Plan experience, the 2018 scholars, along with 13,000 New Colombo Plan 2018 mobility students, will become part of the New Colombo Plan alumni. By the end of its fifth year, the alumni will comprise 30,000 talented young Australians with enduring connections to the Indo-Pacific region.