Seven Griffith University students have been awarded prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarships to study at leading universities in Japan, Hong Kong and China.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop and Education Minister Mr Christopher Pyne, announced the winners of the scholarships — valued at $67,000 each.
A total of 69 scholars were selected nationally with candidates chosen based on academic excellence and community leadership skills.
The successful recipients from Griffith University are Braden Rowe, Courtney Organ, Phoebe Atkinson, Michelle Gunawan, Jonathon Glindemann, Matthew Sharp and SarahGriffin.
Griffith University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Sarah Todd congratulated the scholars, describing them as “fine ambassadors for Griffith and Australia”.
“The New Colombo Plan is an excellent initiative and these scholarships will provide our students with a terrific opportunity to enhance their cultural understanding and employment potential, and to create lasting bonds in the region,” Professor Todd said.
“It is a testament to the quality of our students and the support provided by the university.”
Matthew Sharp, 27, is studying a dual degree in Law/Criminology and Criminal Justice. He will attend University of Hong Kong.
He wants to learn more about the law and criminology system in Hong Kong.
“The New Colombo Plan will provide a fantastic opportunity to develop a unique perspective, in law and criminology in Hong Kong, while also allowing me to keep up to date with the core material being taught in Australia. My experiences to date have increased my interest not only in criminology and the law but in justice and security.”
“Having being deployed overseas with the Australian Defence Force, I have come to understand and appreciate the importance of building relationships with people of nationalities, religions and backgrounds other than my own. Developing close friendships with international students and law practitioners in Hong Kong, will be equally important, as I will have the opportunity to establish strong networks in Hong Kong that will remain throughout my career,” he said.
The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government that aims to lift knowledge of the Indo—Pacific in Australia and strengthen people-to-people and institutional relationships.
Scholars can undertake up to two semesters of study in more than 20 countries across Asia along with an internship and language study.
Griffith University scholarship winners and hostinstitutions
Matthew Sharp, Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice;University of Hong Kong
Braden Rowe, Bachelor of Business; Tsinghua University
Courtney Organ, Bachelor of Business; Akita International University
Phoebe Atkinson, Bachelor of Politics, Asian Studies and International Relations; Osaka Kyoiku Unversity
Michelle Gunawan, Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Government and International Relations; China University of Political Science and Law
Jonathon Glindemann, Bachelor of Commerce (destination Hong Kong)
SarahGriffin, Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Government and International Relations; University of Hong Kong