Cindy Huang (NCP Scholar 2014), Emma Jackson, Sharfah Mohamed (NCP Scholar 2014), Michele Robinson, Associate Director, International Relations, Macquarie International; The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Susannah Batchelder, Leonie Nahhas, Jennifer Tridgell and Elizabeth Sullivan, Senior Advisor, Macquarie International.
Cindy Huang (NCP Scholar 2014), Emma Jackson, Sharfah Mohamed (NCP Scholar 2014), Michele Robinson, Associate Director, International Relations, Macquarie International; The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Susannah Batchelder, Leonie Nahhas, Jennifer Tridgell and Elizabeth Sullivan, Senior Advisor, Macquarie International.

People

Scholarship success spells Indo Pacific study for students

Four undergraduate students will be leaving our shores next year to complete internships at various universities across the Indo Pacific region, after receiving New Colombo Plan Scholarships. Part of a program across the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Education and Training, these scholarships encourage students to follow their interests in Indo Pacific activities and affairs by studying abroad.

Having demonstrated exceptional academic talent and extra-curricular community engagement, the scholarship recipients from Macquarie include Emma Jackson, who is the Fellow for Singapore and studying Commerce & Engineering, Jennifer Tridgell, undertaking a degree in Law, Susanna Batchelder, studying Arts and Education, and Leonie Nahhas, a Psychology & Education student.

“I really cannot contain my excitement and gratitude for such an opportunity,” said Leonie, who is still coming to terms with it all.

Competing against some of the best and brightest students in Australia for the award, our applicants were supported throughout the process by a collaborative network of Macquarie staff from Macquarie International, Merit Scholars, Macquarie Abroad and the Career & Employment Service.

The students also engaged with High Commissions and business so they could display their initiative, passion and interest in a corporate setting. Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Julie Bishop MP, considers the program a great opportunity for future leaders.

“This talented group of students will be impressive young ambassadors for Australia in the Indo-Pacific region, as they undertake studies, gain industry experience and learn about another culture while fostering friendships and networks that will last a lifetime,” said Ms Bishop.

“Australia is investing in the next generation of leaders who will continue to advance and build on our important bilateral relations in the Indo-Pacific region.”

As part of the program, the students will enrol in courses at their host university, and also undertake internship placements enabling them to gain invaluable hands-on work experience. There is also the opportunity to undertake part of the program at a second destination within the region, such as India, allowing them to further expand their global network while continuing to represent Macquarie University. Scholarship recipient Jennifer says she will take full advantage of the opportunities given.

“I will immerse myself in everything. I’m ridiculously excited,” she said.