Thailand to host 153 New Colombo Plan students from Oz
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,” Paul Robilliard, Australia’s Ambassador to Thailand, said.
Among 153 students, five have received the New Colombo Plan scholarships while the rest will visit Thailand under the New Colombo Plan mobility programme. The five students are:
Grace Blake, a bachelor of Visual Arts at the Australian National University, who will undertake a mentorship programme with senior staff at Chiang Mai University’s media arts and design department;
Thomas Da Jose, a bachelor of Engineering at the University of Technology, Sydney, will be hosted by Chulalongkorn University;
Sara Khamkoed, a bachelor of Visual Arts at Southern Cross University, will study at Mahidol University and is planning to complete an artist residency in Chiang Mai;
Justin Whittle, a bachelor of Natural Science from Western Sydney University, will undertake a mentorship and research project on entomophagy at Kasetsart University; and
Catherine Yen, a bachelor of Philosophy (Asia Pacific Studies), who will be hosted by Thammasat University and undertake an internship with Prachatai.
“The strong interest of Australian students in studying in Thailand reflects the bonds of friendship and opportunity that exist between Australia and Thailand,” Robilliard said.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said New Colombo Plan scholars act as ambassadors for their communities 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,” Bishop said.
The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian government to increase knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region by supporting Australian undergraduate students to study and undertake internships in the region.
The Australian government has committed A$100 million (Bt2.6 billion) in new funding over five years to implement the New Colombo Plan.
