Nine Monash students selected as 2024 New Colombo Plan Scholars

Nine Monash University students have been awarded 2024 New Colombo Plan scholarships to study in the Indo-Pacific next year, develop language skills and undertake local internships with major international companies.

The students were acknowledged at an awards ceremony in Canberra on Tuesday, 5 December, and were among 150 students recognised nationally - the equal largest cohort of Monash New Colombo Plan scholars to travel to the Indo-Pacific since the initiative began in 2014.

A signature initiative of the Australian Government delivered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the New Colombo Plan promotes meaningful cultural exchange between the Indo-Pacific countries and  Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region. The Scholars, selected from across Australia, come from a diverse range of backgrounds and fields of study.

Monash’s own aspirations echo that of the New Colombo Plan. Monash is a distinctively global university with a significant network of campuses in the Indo-Pacific – in Malaysia, Indonesia, China and India – and is committed to offering students rich international learning experiences in the region.

Monash’s nine successful 2024 NCP scholars are:

  • Sarah Crockett: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts, will be studying at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia.
  • Elizabeth Vu: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts, will be studying at Seoul National University in the Republic of Korea.
  • Zeyang Zhang: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), will be studying at the National University of Singapore.
  • Hugo Boreham: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, will be studying at the National Taiwan University.
  • Nathan Tsang: Bachelor of Laws (Honours), will be studying at the University of Hong Kong.
  • Eric Wang: Diploma of Languages & Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, will be studying at Nanjing University in China.
  • Karleen Han: Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Information Technology, will be studying at Fudan University in China.
  • Tara Fleckner: Bachelor of Arts, will be studying at Osaka University in Japan.
  • Thomas White: Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, will be studying at the University of the Philippines.

NCP Fellowships

Three of our students were also recognised on the night with NCP Fellowships, which are awarded to students who display strong leadership skills. There was one Fellowship awarded for each host location, as well as  Indigenous, Climate Change, Pacific, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Fellowships awarded.

The three students were as follows:

  • ASEAN Fellowship: Thomas White (Philippines)
  • NCP Fellowship for China: Karleen Han
  • NCP Fellowship for Korea: Elizabeth Vu

Since its launch in 2014, 63 Monash students have been selected for this prestigious award. Graduates of the programs are helping to forge the next generation of leaders with vital skills, knowledge and networks to operate across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Reflecting on their upcoming experiences, some of the Monash New Colombo Plan Scholars have said:

“I feel very honoured and proud to receive a 2024 NCP Scholarship. It is humbling to be amongst so many other like-minded scholars, all of whom are keen to not only study overseas, but make a real difference in Australia’s relations with nations in the Indo-Pacific region. I am excited to work on my Mandarin and connect with people all over the globe by getting involved in the local clubs and societies at my Taiwanese host.” - Hugo Boreham, New Colombo Plan Scholar

“I am incredibly excited and proud about receiving the NCP scholarship and being able to study in China. In addition to my studies, I am planning to intern with NGOs and social enterprises, learning what they do on the ground and then bringing it back to my community in Australia and at Monash.” - Karleen Han, New Colombo Plan Scholar and China Fellow

“I believe that this will be the most incredible academic opportunity in my lifetime. I have Filipino roots, but have never been able to explore that side of my heritage. I am excited to learn more of what it means to be a Filipino-Australian, develop an international understanding of my studies and act as an Ambassador for both Australia and Monash University. I am excited to develop and establish links both institutional and personal, particularly in the areas of urban design and youth policy.” - Thomas White, New Colombo Plan Scholar and ASEAN Fellow

Learn more about the 2024 NCP Scholars and the NCP program

Learn how to apply for the New Colombo Plan Scholarship through Monash Abroad.