26 November 2018: Five students from the University of Canberra received prestigious New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarships for 2019, at an awards ceremony at Parliament House this evening.
With a combined funding value of about $300,000, the scholarships will support the five students in combining international study experiences with global internship opportunities.
Brothers Jai Cornish-Martin and Malachi Murljacic are celebrating a double feat – both the Kunja men, whose mob is from South East Queensland, were chosen as scholarship recipients, from only five Indigenous applicants nationwide.
“This is a chance to broaden and deepen my cultural knowledge and intercultural communication skills, combined with an academic approach,” said Mr Cornish-Martin, who is studying for a double degree Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation.
He will head to the Hong Kong Baptist University, where he intends to immerse himself in local culture.
“In Hong Kong, there is huge economic growth and at the same time, people retain strong ties to their culture – I want to explore the intersectionality of that, and how it might be used to help my own culture,” Mr Cornish-Martin said.
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation student Mr Murljacic is currently on an exchange program at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada. He will head to the University of Bangkok for his NCP scholarship experience, with planned internships in Thailand and China.
In addition to being a scholarship recipient, Bachelor of Arts student Taylor Meers was also named Australia’s top scholar for Thailand at the ceremony.
She’ll be going to the University of Bangkok, where she’ll deepen her knowledge of global studies and international tourism; then, it’s on to Tahiti in French Polynesia for an internship in the tourism industry.
“It’s an invaluable opportunity, adding a dimension to my study experience I wouldn’t otherwise be able to recreate,” Ms Meers said. “This is experience you can’t get out of any textbook.”
Bachelor of Primary Education (Creative Arts) student Timothy Walshe will be completing an arts internship with the Oceania Dance Theatre at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, then go on to the Education University of Hong Kong.
Bachelor of Journalism student Megan Hobson has decided on the University of Hong Kong for her destination, and is planning to intern with a newspaper in the territory.
“I am really proud of all five scholarship recipients,” said Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deep Saini. “Each has demonstrated immense commitment in their respective fields, and the NCP scholarships will afford them the opportunity for enriching, life-changing international and intercultural experiences.”
Jai Cornish-Martin and Taylor Meers are available for interview on 27 November 2018, after 12pm
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Suzanne Lazaroo
0409 140 415
Suzanne.Lazaroo@canberra.edu.au
Andy Visser
0414 260 417