Fourteen Griffith University students will expand their knowledge and experience of countries across the Indo-Pacific region supported by New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarships.
The students will travel to different destinations including South Korea, Indonesia, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Nepal, Malaysia and Japan.
Following their passions, they will explore a range of pressing topics such as plastic waste, body image, connecting communities through vocal music, sustainable manufacturing, financial inclusion, and robotics in aged care.
Student Academy of Excellence Manager Dr Rhys Cooper said students would broaden their perspectives and develop a rich understanding of the regions.
"Congratulations to all 2026 NCP scholars, who have dedicated significant effort to reach this milestone, and are preparing for an unforgettable journey in countries across the Indo-Pacific region," Dr Cooper said.
The 2026 Griffith University New Colombo Plan scholars are:
Rishel Reyes, Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Yonsei University, South Korea)
Matthew Day, Bachelor of Business (Honours) (Parahyangan Catholic University, Indonesia)
Harmony-tree Hansen, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Environmental Science (Parahyangan Catholic University, Indonesia)
Louise Whittaker, Bachelor of Music (Seoul National University, South Korea)
Jonathon Cornish, Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (Beijing Foreign Studies University, People's Republic of China)
Alana Pereira, Bachelor of Design (Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong)
Luca Foley, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan)
Imogen Wood, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations (Tribhuvan University, Nepal)
Piper Stock, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations (University of Malaya, Malaysia)
Riley Sonter, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce (Akita International University, Japan)
Hannah Blain, Bachelor of Music (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)
Alice Gascoigne-Pees, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, India)
Sana Faris, Bachelor of Computer Science (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia)
Roree Winkel, Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (Komazawa University, Japan)
Griffith alumnus chosen to lead the Northern Territory NCP Alumni Network
Amongst the first-ever cohort to be awarded an NCP scholarship, Griffith alumnus Courtney Organ traveled to Japan in 2015, and graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Business (Honours) and the University Medal.
Ms Organ was recently appointed the inaugural Northern Territory Alumni Lead for the New Colombo Plan, marking an important step in the evolution of the program's alumni network.
The appointment reflected the enduring commitment of Griffith alumni in supporting the next generation of NCP participants and fostering Australia's connections across the Indo-Pacific.
"As the alumni community matures, there is a real opportunity to support professionals who are further into their careers to stay engaged and strengthen long-term partnerships," Ms Organ said.
The NCP initiative is Funded by the Australian Government and enables undergraduates to strengthen their understanding of the Indo-Pacific region through internships, courses and mentorships.
