Media releases
Westpac backs 22 young Australians with Asian Exchange Scholarship
12 October 2016
22 young Australians will embark on a six month exchange in Asia in early 2017 to advance their expertise and networks in the region, thanks to the Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship.
The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship is offered in partnership with eight Australian universities and is valued at $10,000 per student and enables them to study at a leading Asian university in Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing or Shanghai.
Ranging from social entrepreneurs, scientists, economists, environmentalists and engineers, the 22 undergraduate students are all passionate young Australians keen to expand their knowledge and connections in Asia. They will each complete volunteering, internship or intensive language courses to learn more about the Asian culture and way of life.
The University of Sydney student Jordan Jolly, studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Space Mechatronics) and a Bachelor of Arts (Chinese Major) is one of the students awarded the Westpac Scholarship and has accepted an exchange at Peking University, Beijing.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to do an internship within a field I hope to move into in the future, while learning a lot from our Asian counterparts in both a technological and cultural sense.
“Through marrying my love for Chinese language with engineering, I hope to gain the skills that will enable me to link the Chinese space industry with Australia and give me a unique focused understanding on the future of Australian Space innovation,” Jordan said.
The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship is one of five scholarships offered through the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation.
Susan Bannigan, CEO of the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, said the scholarship supports undergraduates who are passionate about making a contribution to Australia’s success in Asia.
“We’re excited to announce our 22 scholars and look forward to supporting them on their journey as they immerse themselves into the Asian culture, markets and languages and build long-lasting business and cultural connections.
“The Foundation is determined to build a cohort of Asia-literate future leaders, and that’s why we’re excited to offer a further 40 scholarships for exchange in Semester 2, 2017 and increase the value of the next round of scholarships to $12,000. The new scholarship is about more than just an exchange, and will feature a new 10 month bespoke Leadership Development Program,” said Susan.
Applications are now open for Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarships for Semester 2, 2017. For more information go to www.westpac.com.au/200years
Media contact
Dianne Edwards
Group Media Relations, Westpac
M. 0421 623 014