Four Monash students recognised as 2020 New Colombo Plan scholars
Four Monash undergraduate students are among the 125 New Colombo Plan (NCP) 2020 scholars who will take up exciting opportunities in the Indo-Pacific next year.
The scholars will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Indo-Pacific cultures, learn languages, further their studies and gain work experience. The scholars include:
Theo Thompson
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Diploma in Chinese Language
Theo is going to study International and Chinese Law at the China University of Political Science and Law. He will also intern with PwC in Shanghai and is a PwC scholar. Theo plans to take an internship with the biomedical research team at Wenzhou Medical University.
Jade Tam
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Law/Diploma in Chinese Language
Jade is going to study Business and Commercial Law at Tsinghua University in China. She’s planning to intern with King & Wood Mallesons and the Australian Chamber of Commerce.
Samira Lindsey
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts
Samira is going to study International Dispute Settlement and Comparative Constitutional Law at Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia. She’s planning to undertake internships with Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung in association with Herbert Smith Freehills and the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Justice.
Cindy Luo
Bachelor of Arts
Cindy is going to study Korean Language and Korean Traditional Music and Culture at Yonsei University. She’s planning to undertake an internship with an arts or journalism organisation in Korea.
Theo Thompson said discovering more about Australia’s geographical ties in the Indo-Pacific was incredibly important for collaboration.
“There’s so much to learn from the myriad cultures within our region. To be selected as an NCP scholar is a great privilege, and will allow me to make genuine international connections and exchange knowledge and skills,” he said.
Samira Lindsey said she was excited to represent Monash as she embarked on a new chapter in her undergraduate journey.
“My scholarship will begin with studies in international dispute resolution in Yogya, Indonesia, and internships with global law firms in Jakarta. Each of these experiences will create a unique opportunity for me to re-engage with my Indonesian roots and inspire other students to incorporate Indo-Pacific experiences into their career journeys,” she said.
Cindy Luo said she hoped to push herself further outside her comfort zone while on exchange.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and gaining new perspectives, which wouldn’t have otherwise been possible without Monash’s support,” she said.
The NCP selects Australia’s best and brightest undergraduates from all universities across the country. More than 60,000 awards have been made to students as part of NCP scholarships and mobility grants since 2014.