Fourteen students from Griffith University have been awarded New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarships, which will allow them to expand their knowledge and gain experience in various Indo-Pacific countries.
Overview of New Colombo Plan Scholarships at Griffith University
The scholarship recipients will engage in study programs across several locations, including South Korea, Indonesia, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Nepal, Malaysia, and Japan. Their academic pursuits will address important topics such as plastic waste management, body image, community building through vocal music, sustainable manufacturing practices, financial inclusion strategies, and robotics in aged care.
Dr. Rhys Cooper, Manager of the Student Academy of Excellence, noted that the NCP aims to broaden students’ perspectives and enhance their understanding of the Indo-Pacific regions.
2026 Griffith University New Colombo Plan Scholars
The following list outlines the 2026 Griffith University New Colombo Plan scholars:
- Rishel Reyes, Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Yonsei University, South Korea)
- Matthew Day, Bachelor of Business (Honours) (Parahyangan Catholic University, Indonesia)
- Harmony-tree Hansen, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Environmental Science (Parahyangan Catholic University, Indonesia)
- Louise Whittaker, Bachelor of Music (Seoul National University, South Korea)
- Jonathon Cornish, Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (Beijing Foreign Studies University, People’s Republic of China)
- Alana Pereira, Bachelor of Design (Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong)
- Luca Foley, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan)
- Imogen Wood, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations (Tribhuvan University, Nepal)
- Piper Stock, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations (University of Malaya, Malaysia)
- Riley Sonter, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce (Akita International University, Japan)
- Hannah Blain, Bachelor of Music (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)
- Alice Gascoigne-Pees, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, India)
- Sana Faris, Bachelor of Computer Science (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia)
- Roree Winkel, Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (Komazawa University, Japan)
Additionally, Griffith University alumna Courtney Organ, a previous NCP scholarship recipient from 2015, has been appointed as the inaugural Northern Territory Alumni Lead for the New Colombo Plan alumni network. Organ, who earned a Bachelor of Business (Honours) and the University Medal in 2017, highlighted the significance of alumni support in strengthening Australia’s connections within the Indo-Pacific region.
About the New Colombo Plan
The New Colombo Plan is an initiative funded by the Australian Government, aimed at helping undergraduate students acquire a more profound understanding of the Indo-Pacific area through diverse academic and professional experiences.
Original source: Griffith University News.
