The New Colombia Plan Scholarship, an Australian Government initiative that has been running since 2014, aims to improve knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia and build regional relationships.
The scholarship is open to university undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and engagement in the community, and adaptability and resilience.
Lachlan Moroney
Lachlan (Lachy) Moroney is in his second year of a Bachelor of Applied Movement Sciences / Master of Physiotherapy.
He'll travel to Singapore in July and will begin a Mandarin language studies course that will last the duration of his stay. In September, Lachy will study at the Singapore Institute of Technology, completing subjects that align with his physiotherapy course.
Learning in Singapore, a medical hub in Asia renowned for excellence in health and education, Lachy hopes to gain invaluable experience interning in a hospital setting.
Early next year, he'll travel to the Philippines to engage in a Tagalog language studies course. In Melbourne, Lachy works part-time at a physiotherapy clinic owned by a physiotherapist from the Philippines.
Both Singapore and the Philippines will offer countless opportunities for my personal and professional development. By immersing myself in each country's culture and unique practices, I hope to garner a holistic form of care that I can apply to my career."
"Growing up in a family of allied health professionals and with a passion for human movement, becoming a physiotherapist has been a lifelong dream of mine… this prestigious scholarship has offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am extremely excited to make the most of it," Lachy said.
Alexandra Scott
Alexandra (Lexi) Scott, who is in her final year of a Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership, is heading to Fiji in August.
Lexi will complete two outdoor leadership subjects at the University of South Pacific, contributing course credits to her degree.
Alongside her study, she plans to complete an internship at Rosie Holidays, a leading tourism company in Fiji.
Lexi was inspired to apply during a VU study tour in Fiji. Seeing the country's unique culture and experiencing their tourist industry firsthand prompted her to apply for the New Colombia program.
Lexi aims to deepen her understanding of Fiji's approach to adventure tourism and discover how sustainable practises are embedded, including in marine conservation and farming:
I hope to learn and develop connections with the Indo-Pacific by learning about outdoor sustainability and teaching.
Lexi is set to graduate at the end of 2025 and plans to work in adventure tourism.
Duncan James
Second-year Bachelor of Education Student (P-12) Duncan James will leave for Fiji in semester 2 of 2025.
Like Lexi, Duncan will study at Suva's University of South Pacific. He'll complete subjects relevant to his degree, then plans to do a teaching placement at a primary or high school in regional Fiji.
Duncan was inspired to apply for the scholarship follwing guidance from his friend and current New Colombo Plan scholar Conor Bond, and his experience playing college basketball in the United States, which taught him to take advantage of every opportunity.
"I couldn't pass this experience up; Fiji has always been a dream location of mine, both personally and professionally. I'm so excited to meet the locals, eat the food, explore the islands, and make memories that will last a lifetime!"
Duncan also hopes to learn how Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) is taught as part of the curriculum and boost his understanding about how the Australian education system can improve.
I believe that the current lack of Indigenous Australian curriculum - from primary through to secondary school years - needs to improve. I feel I wasn't taught enough of this through my school years, and I'd like to contribute to changing this in the future, on a curriculum level.
"I also hope to learn how Fijian teachers and schools adapt and navigate the geographical challenges that come with being in regional/remote circumstances," Duncan said.
