Three undergraduates from The University of Western Australia are set to pursue their study dreams in Fiji, Japan and Singapore after being named as 2024 New Colombo Plan Scholars.

UWA’s Eva Hill, Nicholas Tan and Michael Swift were named as recipients of the prestigious scholarships.

The New Colombo Plan is an Australian Government initiative to improve knowledge by providing young Australians with scholarships to study and undertake internships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Image: Michael Swift, Eva Hill and Nicholas Tan.

For 19-year-old Eva Hill from Churchlands, who is studying a Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics, the New Colombo Plan has given her a chance to spend her first semester next year at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

The former St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School student, a keen surfer and drama enthusiast, said she was passionate about the Pacific Islands and is hoping to intern at either the Australian Embassy or Pacific Islands Forum while in Fiji.

“The political systems across the Pacific Islands are quite unique as the region encompasses so many independent nations and territories, each with their own characteristics,” Eva said.

Inspired by his interest in startups, UWA Economics and Business Law student Nicholas Tan, 19, plans to travel to Japan to further his economic studies at Sophia University.

“I’d love to intern in an innovation-focused department of the Japanese government or with a health tech startup to learn how Australia and Japan can collaborate to solve problems surrounding our aging populations,” Nicholas said.

The former Christchurch Grammar School student from Nedlands said he’s also looking forward to trying the local cuisine and testing his culinary skills while in the country.

Michael Swift, a Lawrence Scholar who majors in Economics and Mathematics, will spend his time studying at the National University of Singapore.

Having just turned 18, the South Perth resident and Wesley College alumnus has already completed the entire economics major – doing so in under a year.

Passionate about using mathematical economics to help understand energy markets, Michael plans to intern at the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources.

“I’m looking forward to working with some of Singapore’s leading academics and am grateful for this opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage,” he said.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the University was proud of the scholars whose selection was a testament to their outstanding academic achievements, dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on the global community.

“This prestigious opportunity will not only enrich your own lives but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between Australia and our partner nations across the Asia-Pacific region,” Professor Chakma said.

More information about the New Colombo Plan Scholarship program is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.