MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Hunt
The Australian Government is working to strengthen ties with its regional neighbours with the announcement today of the inaugural round of fellowship placements for rising leaders.
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Greg Hunt, said 39 Australian organisations will host 370 fellows from 24 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
Mr Hunt said the prestigious Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship provides opportunities for leaders and other professionals to study, carry out research and complete professional development programs with host organisations in Australia.
'The Australian Government is providing $8 million for the ALA Fellowships Program, supporting the academic and professional development of men and women,' Mr Hunt said.
'They have been granted further study and work placements across the government, private industry, research and university sectors.
'The range of organisations involved highlights the strong interest by a broad cross-section of the Australian community in the development of the Asia-Pacific region.
'Fellows will gain education and experience in a diverse range of areas, including clean energy, international trade, regional security and pandemics.
'They will draw on the skills and knowledge acquired during their time in Australia to shape social and economic policy and encourage development in their own countries.
'This will help them strengthen professional linkages with organisations and individuals both in Australia and internationally,' Mr Hunt said.
The ALA Fellowships are part of the Australian Scholarships program which will double to 19,000 the number of educational opportunities available in the Asia-Pacific region over the next five years.
*See Attachments for list of successful Australian host organisations & country list. [PDF 41KB]
Media contacts:
John Deller (Mr Hunt's Office) 0400 496 596
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
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