December 17, 2024

Bridging borders as students selected for unique scholarship in Indo-Pacific

Six undergraduate students to take part in prestigious New Colombo Plan

When Madeleine Lysaght was travelling in Malaysian Borneo, a chance encounter with a local artisan sparked a new direction in her studies and inspired her to spend more time in the Indo-Pacific region.

“While travelling through Sarawak, I met a jewellery maker from the Bidayuh people of Western Borneo and we started talking about cultural revitalisation projects and sustainable economic growth within and determined by Indigenous communities,” said Madeleine, who is undertaking a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Wollongong (UOW).

“I began to think how could I weave these new ideas into my degree, which has now taken the form of an Honours thesis in which I will undertake the research component in Malaysia.”

Madeleine is one of six outstanding students from UOW who has been named a recipient of the 2025 New Colombo Plan Scholarships. The prestigious scholarships were announced yesterday (Monday 16 December) with the UOW cohort part of 219 scholars from around Australia.

The New Colombo Plan, a Federal Government initiative, aims to create strong relationships between Australia and Indo-Pacific nations, increase Australia’s Asia literacy, and embed First Nations diplomacy in Australia’s engagement with the region by providing students with the life-changing opportunity to study, intern, and undertake language training.

Madeleine will return to Malaysia, where she first visited on a faculty-led study tour, under her New Colombo Plan Scholarship, where she will focus on sustainable development, a key part of her Honours thesis.

“When I visited Penang, the students and staff from University Sains Malaysia were so welcoming to us and had prepared a variety of activities and lectures, which really cemented my want to come back,” she said.

“Through the New Colombo Plan program, I aim to contribute to sustainable development within Malaysia and to advance Indigenous self-determination. There are well-established organisations and leaders throughout Malaysia that have already established and continue to further these actions, and I will rely on and learn from these knowledge systems and structures."

The six New Colombo Plan recipients are drawn from across UOW’s faculties and disciplines and will travel to different countries throughout the Indo-Pacific.

• Joseph Brake, Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation/Bachelor of Laws, South Korea
• Floria Dixon, Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences (Honours) (Dean’s Scholar), Thailand
• Madeleine Lysaght, Bachelor of Arts, Malaysia
• Mackinley Page, Bachelor of Business, South Korea
• Jasmine-Maree Takchi, Bachelor of Creative Arts/Bachelor of Science, Bhutan
• Jarod Wright, Bachelor of Science (Environment), Fiji

Jarod Wright’s New Colombo Plan Scholarship will take him to the University of the South Pacific in Suva, where he will undertake subjects in sustainable development, reef ecology, language study and research skills.

He is thrilled to have the opportunity to explore his passions and gain practical experience that will complement his studies.

“As a proud Wodi Wodi man, I strongly believe in the value of Indigenous approaches to land and sea management. This experience will allow me to share my culture, connect with Fijian culture, and explore how local communities are addressing the effects of climate change,” Jarod said.

“Fiji, like all countries in the Indo-Pacific, is at the forefront of the growing climate crisis. I am eager to learn how we, as a regional community, are rising to meet these challenges and the pathways we need moving forward.

“I can’t wait to begin my New Colombo Plan journey, gaining the experience and knowledge needed to help ensure our region addresses these impacts in ways that are both scientifically sound and culturally informed.”

UOW Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Student Life) Senior Professor Sue Bennett congratulated the students on being accepted to the New Colombo Plan.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain valuable experience studying and working while immersing themselves in the intricacies of a new culture,” Professor Bennett said.

“Congratulations to Jarod, Jasmine-Maree, Mackinley, Madeleine, Joseph, and Floria on this immense honour. We know they will be outstanding ambassadors for UOW on the international stage.”

More than 40 students from UOW chosen to take part in the New Colombo Plan program since it began in 2014.

The New Colombo Plan involves a scholarship program for study of up to one year and internships or mentorships, and a flexible mobility grants program for both short and longer-term study, internships, mentorships, practicums, and research.