Westpac Bicentennial Foundation unites with Western Sydney University and Murdoch University to support the next generation of technology-capable leaders.
27 August 2018
Westpac Bicentennial Foundation today announced new partnerships with Western Sydney University and Murdoch University to support the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship, alongside three existing partners – University of Wollongong, RMIT and Queensland University of Technology.
Designed to support young Australians with a desire to create positive change through exploring their passion for technology, 35 scholarships will be awarded each year across the five universities to support their tertiary studies in technology-related disciplines. Recipients will receive $5,000 per year over five years, as well as internship opportunities, and ongoing access to networks and people who can help them develop their leadership potential.
According to Susan Bannigan, CEO of Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, this scholarship aims to support the next generation of technology-capable leaders passionate about technology and developing their leadership skills to enable change.
“The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is about creating opportunities for creative, future-focused young Australians from all backgrounds. We want to attract people who are curious and excited about the power of technology and how this can help shape a brighter future for all Australians.”
“Western Sydney University and Murdoch University are distinctively diverse and student- centred universities, shaping students that have the ability to contribute as global citizens.”
Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen said the partnership would provide valuable opportunities for students across multiple disciplines to develop industry-relevant perspectives and capabilities that would set them up to become technology leaders and innovators of the future.
“Aligned with our University ethos, built on a free thinking tradition, the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships will encourage our talented students to apply their knowledge to address current problems and make a real difference to our society,” Professor Leinonen said.
According to Angelo Kourtis, Western Sydney University Vice-President (People and Advancement), Western Sydney University shares the vision of Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, that Western students, alongside the Westpac Scholars, will shape a better future for all Australians, and drive Australia’s economy.
“It is our vision to secure success for our students through innovation and discovery in a dynamic and technology-enabled world, and partnering with Westpac Bicentennial Foundation on the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship Program could not have come at a more auspicious time. Western Sydney University now has two technologically-advanced city campuses in the heart of Western Sydney, and will continue to be a major catalyst in regional development”
“The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship Program is designed for students who are passionate about the power of technology, and together with our programs that are the frontier of Australian technology education, we will create the entrepreneur leaders of the future.”
The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is one of five programs offered by Westpac Bicentennial Foundation.
Western Sydney University Alumni, Shakif Shakur received a post-graduate scholarship through the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation earlier this year. He is currently a Conjoint Associate Lecturer with Western Sydney University’s School of Medicine and completing his post-graduate studies at the University of New South Wales.
“A Westpac Bicentennial Foundation scholarship is so much more than just funding. It is a stepping stone to connect and collaborate with some of Australia’s brightest and most innovative minds.”
All Westpac Bicentennial Foundation scholarship recipients gain lifelong membership to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network. Growing by 100 scholars every year, forever, this network is designed to create opportunities for like-minded individuals to connect and collaborate to solve some of Australia’s biggest problems.
Applications for 2019 Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships are now open. For more information visit www.westpac.com.au/scholarships.