Media releases

Westpac awards 37 Asian Exchange Scholarships  

22 March 2017
 

Today Westpac Bicentennial Foundation announced its latest round of Asian Exchange Scholarship recipients, the largest cohort since inception, with 37 undergraduate students from a diverse range of disciplines, set to head abroad in August, 2017.
 

Offered in partnership with eight Australian universities, the scholarship will give recipients the opportunity to study for up to a year at a leading Asian university in Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing or Shanghai, and immerse themselves in the respective culture through volunteering, an internship or intensive language course.
 

Scholarship recipient Natalie Omond, currently studying Law, Politics and Chinese at the University of Adelaide, is highly proficient in Chinese and a strong advocate for Australia-China relations. She hopes to use her scholarship to better understand China’s legal system.
 

“Given the vast differences between our legal jurisdictions, I hope my exchange to Peking University will give me insight into the extent to which China’s legal system protects Australian business ventures, as well as how the country’s transition to rule of law will affect its political stability.”
 

This round of Scholarship recipients will also be the first to participate in a 12 month bespoke leadership development course, valued at $2,500, which is a new addition to the Scholarship offering.
 

Co-created with Common Purpose, a global leader in cross-boundary leadership development, the program will develop the students’ cultural Intelligence and will include a four-day residential in Singapore, as well as ongoing mentoring and support through Westpac Asia.
 

 According to Susan Bannigan, CEO of the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, the bespoke leadership development program adds to the uniqueness of this scholarship.
 

“The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship is more than just an exchange scholarship. It’s a program that identifies and supports undergraduates who want to actively contribute to Australia's success in Asia.”
 

“Beyond financial support, the scholarship provides recipients with experiences, leadership development and ongoing networking opportunities, so they are better equipped to reach their full potential in their chosen fields.”
 

All 37 students will also gain lifelong membership to the Westpac 100 Scholars’ alumni, joining an incredible group of inspiring leaders. 
 

“Money can help launch a vision but it takes a network of inspired and inspiring people to sustain it. That’s why every Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship recipient will be part of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network. Growing by 100 scholars a year across our five scholarship programs, this network will connect those with bold ideas to build a better future for all Australians,” Susan added.
 

The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship is one of five scholarships offered through the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation. The Foundation awarded its 200th scholar this year, as part of Westpac’s 200th anniversary.