Exploring the Indo-Pacific: Jing Wang’s New Colombo Plan Journey
For Monash Law student Jing Wang, the New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship has been more than an academic opportunity, it’s been a gateway to international networks, cultural immersion, and career-defining experiences.
Currently in his fourth year of a double degree in Law and Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Jing has his sights set on a career in international commercial law and diplomacy.
“I would love to practice as a lawyer, specifically in international commercial law,” he said.
“But also I have an interest in diplomacy and international relations. I can definitely see opportunities to kind of marry these two interests”.
Left: Mr. Simon Farbenbloom, Minister Counseller (Economic) at the Australia Embassy in Beijing Location: Australian Embassy in Beijing, China
Applying for the New Colombo Plan Scholarship as a law student
The NCP application process is rigorous, involving two rounds of written submissions and interviews at both university and federal levels.
“You first submit an application to Monash Abroad. Then successful candidates will be nominated to DFAT,” Jing explained.
“We didn’t hear back about the scholarship’s final outcome until November or December last year”.
Jing’s motivation to apply stemmed from his growing interest in the Indo-Pacific region and his experience studying in Taiwan on a Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship.
“It was that experience that really made me realise, oh, I might want to further develop my career in Asia,” he said.
The Benefits of International Study for law students
Jing highlighted four key benefits of the NCP scholarship: language acquisition, academic enrichment, professional networking, and cultural sensitivity.
“I really enjoy speaking Chinese and learning about people from different backgrounds,” he said.
“If somebody wants to learn Korean, Japanese or any other language spoken in the Indo Pacifc, the language environment is something that Australia can’t offer”.
Academically, Jing was able to pursue niche subjects in international arbitration at Tsinghua University in Beijing with his New Colombo Plan scholarship.
“They had subjects such as investment arbitration, enforcement of arbitral awards, international arbitration in Asia. These are very advanced niche subjects that aren’t always available at my alma mater”.
Middle: Professor Teresa Cheng and Professor Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler
Class photo at Tsinghua University International Arbitration and Dispute Settlement (IADS) Program Location: Tsinghua University School of Law, Beijing, China
Professionally, the scholarship opened doors to global law firms.
Jing completed an internship with international law firm Freshfields in Singapore, where he got to work on cross-border diputes with colleagues across various locations and jurisdictions.
“Singapore is an international hub for arbitration, so being able to apply my studies at Tsinghua immediately in practice was extremely rewarding. The Partner I worked for was also Australian and was very supportive of the NCP program”.
Singapore 60th National Day Celebration Location: Freshfields, Singapore
“I also got to connect with partners from an international US law firm across different locations. I ended up having a steak lunch with the partner in Taipei,” he recalled.
Culturally, Jing emphasised the importance of adapting communication styles when studying and working internationally..
“Australians can be direct and blunt in the way we interact. But sometimes in Asia you have to adjust how you network,” he said.
Seamless Support from Monash Abroad
Jing praised Monash’s international partnerships and support systems for making his New Colombo Plan scholarship an unforgettable experience.
“Monash has partnerships with the best law schools in the Indo Pacific and globally. It’s a very seamless process,” he said.
He also noted that students can choose independent study abroad options, with NCP funding available for visiting student fees.
“Either way you are covered, and you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket”.
A Memorable Ceremony in Canberra
The New Colombo Plan scholarship actually begins on Australian soil, with a special ceremony in our capital city.
Jing attended the NCP award ceremony in Canberra on 5 February, where he met high-profile figures including Minister Penny Wong and David Olsson AM, President of the Australia China Business Council.
“He’s also an international director at King & Wood Mallesons in Hong Kong. He’s someone I think of as an inspiration when I think about marrying legal and business relations”.
Left: Mr. David Olsson AM Location: Canberra, Australia
Language Learning and Mooting Success with the New Colombo Plan
Jing’s scholarship enabled him to study Cantonese at Beijing Language and Cultural University.
“I rode a share-bike to undertake Cantonese language classes after classes at Tsinghua. It was very easy to organise,” he said.
He also excelled in international mooting competitions, while competing in English, rather than Cantonese.
“We won the national championship in Chengdu and reached the international quarter finals in Frankfurt,” he said.
More recently, he competed in Shenzhen for a separate moot and qualified for the international rounds in Boston.
17th Frankfurt Investment Arbitration Moot in Chengdu, Location: Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Right: Team from University of Chicago, USA 17th Frankfurt Investment Arbitration Moot Location: Noerr (law firm), Frankfurt, Germany
Advice for Future Applicants to New Colombo Plan
Jing encourages future applicants to be specific and consistent. It’s important to ask yourself some key questions.
“In what way is IndoPacific uniquely important to you? That’s what you want to demonstrate,” he advised.
“The point of an NCP program is you want to be part of the local community… build meaningful connections”.
He also stressed the importance of applying, even if you’re uncertain about your ability to succeed in your application.
“I have friends who didn’t think they were good enough, but if you don’t apply, there's even less of a chance you get a scholarship than if you do”.
“There’s great support available from Monash Abroad and past scholars. All it takes is for you to apply,” he said.