The Hamer Scholars Award Night last night saw 41 Victorians receive $15,000 to undertake intensive language study in China, Indonesia, Japan or Korea.
Presented by Victoria's Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula, and co-hosted by Global Victoria and Asia Society Australia, this year's Hamers bring the total number of scholarship recipients to more than 300 since they were first awarded in 2012.
Coming from a broad range of industry sectors such as science, engineering, startup founders, technicians and teachers, this year's Hamer Scholars will undertake months-long cultural immersion in countries that are among Victoria's top 10 export markets for goods and are key providers of international students – our top individual export earner at $11.8 billion in 2018.
Hamer scholars increase their organisations' ability to engage in key Asian markets and communities through their advanced language skills and cultural knowledge.
Recipients include Jack Vear from Evolution Health, Sarah Jarman from Vitality Brands, Rick Creamer from William Angliss Institute of TAFE and Matthew McLean from Downunder Farmstays. The awards honour former Victorian Premier Rupert Hamer.
Building the Asia capabilities of Victorian businesses
Export-ready Victorian companies can also apply to receive up to $50,000 from the Victorian Government's Asia Gateway Voucher program to support market development activities in the region.
Helping to build Victorian businesses Asia capabilities is part of the government's drive to grow the state's economy through international trade and create jobs.
Leading national centre for engagement with Asia, Asia Society Australia will open a major base in Melbourne later this year.
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