Australian Embassy
Thailand

Press Release 2015 - NCP2016

      Thailand to welcome 153 Australian New Colombo Plan students in 2016

 

4 December 2015

One hundred and fifty three New Colombo Plan scholars will study in Thailand under the 2016 round of the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan.

“I am delighted Thailand will welcome 153 of Australia’s best and brightest undergraduate students as New Colombo Plan scholars to live, study and undertake internships in Thailand,” Australia’s Ambassador to Thailand HE Mr Paul Robilliard said.

Among 153 students, five have received the New Colombo Plan scholarships while the rest will be visiting Thailand under New Colombo Plan mobility program. The five students are:

  • Ms Grace Blake, a bachelor of Visual Arts at the Australian National University who will undertake a mentorship with senior staff member at Chiang Mai University’s media arts and design department;
     
  • Mr Thomas Da Jose, a bachelor of Engineering at University of Technology, Sydney, who will be hosted by Chulalongkorn University;
     
  • Ms Sara Khamkoed, a bachelor of Visual Arts at Southern Cross University who will study at Mahidol University and is planning to complete an artist residency in Chiang Mai; 
     
  • Mr Justin Whittle, a bachelor of Natural Science from Western Sydney University who will undertake a mentorship and research on Entomophagy  at Kasetsart University; and
     
  • Ms Catherine Yen, a bachelor of Philosophy (Asia Pacific Studies) who will be hosted by Thammasat University and undertake internship with Prachathai.
     

“The strong interest of Australian students in studying in Thailand reflects the bonds of friendship and opportunity that exist between Australia and Thailand,” Australia’s Ambassador said.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said New Colombo Plan scholars act as ambassadors for their community during their studies.

“This talented group of students will be impressive young ambassadors for Australia in the Indo-Pacific region, as they undertake studies, gain industry experience and learn about another culture while fostering friendships and networks that will last a lifetime,” Minister Bishop said.

The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific by supporting Australian undergraduate students to study and undertake internships in the region.

The Australian Government has committed $100 million in new funding over five years to implement the New Colombo Plan.

For more information on the New Colombo Plan, visit www.dfat.gov.au/new-colombo-plan or follow @NewColomboPlan on Twitter.

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