Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced the two Year 12 students who have been named as the recipients of the inaugural Asia Languages Student Award, Jiaying Lin from Morley Senior High School and Jasmine Efendi from Rossmoyne Senior High School.
Recipients will complete a one-month in-country placement in Japan and Beijing respectively to improve their language skills and complement their university studies.
The new award is a partnership between the Department of Education and the Sangora Education Foundation and is for students who have completed an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank Asian language course.
It delivers on the McGowan Government election commitment to introduce a program to provide assistance for students who complete an ATAR course in selected Asian languages to undertake a one-month 'in-country' placement.
Language is fundamental to understanding target markets and developing confidence to pursue the vast opportunities available in Asia.
This placement is part of WA's first Asian Engagement Strategy which focuses on supporting relationships, knowledge and skills to grow trade and investment with Asian markets.
The strategy also promotes Asian literacy as a core part of the future-focused WA curriculum and aims to build student knowledge, skills, understanding and cultural awareness about the State's closest neighbours.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"We've always encouraged students from other countries to come and learn alongside our local students.
"It brings another element to WA students' education and helps them to build international relationships and become global citizens.
"We recognise the benefits for students, families and the broader State by strengthening our relationships with Asia.
"I want to congratulate the inaugural recipients of the Asia Languages Student Award and wish them all the best when they embark on their exciting study placement abroad next year."
As stated by Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley:
"WA recently launched the State's first-ever Asian Engagement Strategy which is designed to support the relationships, knowledge and skills necessary to grow trade and investment with Asian markets, diversify and expand our economy and create jobs.
"The strategy has four key planks - one of which is Supporting Asia literacy and capability with a commitment to Asian language capabilities, socio-cultural and institutional literacy that is required for long-term engagement and success in Asian markets.
"It is great to see that we are already beginning to implement this important aspect of the strategy by supporting this education program."
