National First Nations Ambassador
Jaiden McGregor
University: Charles Darwin University
NCP Host Location: China
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jaiden-mcgregor-a961ba202/
Jaiden is currently completing his final year of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in both Global Humanities and Society and Culture.
Born and bred in Darwin on Larrakia country, Jaiden has a passion for the community around him and the opportunities Darwin and Northern Australia hold for the future.
In 2019 Jaiden travelled to Wuhu, China, through an NCP Mobility Grant, where he undertook an extensive language intensive course at Anhui University that developed his character tenfold. From travelling the peaks of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) to being invited on Wuhu's first ever self-driving car tour of the city.
Applying the experiences from his journey and his pathway in education and academia, Jaiden hopes to help young people realise their potential and passion for learning. Aiming to break the barriers that so many young Australians face, he wants to challenge the status quo of education to help create a place of growth for everyone.
Australian Capital Territory
Genevieve Websdale
University: Australian National University
NCP Host Location: Indonesia
Program: Mobility
Genevieve is completing a Master of Public Health (Advanced) at the Australian National University, following graduation from a Bachelor of Science in 2021. Genevieve has a keen interest in public health and is currently interning with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Health Directorate, where she is working on a data-linkage project that investigates food security in the ACT.
Toward the end of her undergraduate degree, Genevieve received an NCP Mobility Grant to complete a Public Health Study Tour through Australian Consortium for 'In-Country' Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) Indonesia. This provided an amazing opportunity for her to learn how Indonesia's public health system worked, and to gain an understanding of cross-cultural approaches to health and medicine.
Genevieve is passionate about health equity and is working to understand the impact that social determinants can have on health and wellbeing. She is looking forward to a future career in public health and medicine, where she hopes to advocate for a change in the way our social welfare and health systems are structured so they can better support those who need it most.
New South Wales
Grace Corcoran
University: Australian Catholic University
NCP Host Location: Federated States of Micronesia
Program: Scholarship
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/grace-corcoran-melbourne/
While undertaking a Bachelor of Applied Public Health and Global Studies at the Australian Catholic University, Grace was named the 2018 NCP Fellow to the Federated States of Micronesia. During her NCP Scholarship, Grace worked in women's empowerment in the Maldives, public health and health promotion in Sri Lanka and law and human rights in the Philippines. During her semester at the College of Micronesia, Grace helped organise the inaugural Pride Walk in Pohnpei and volunteered at the Pohnpei Public Health Hospital.
Through the NCP Scholarship, Grace developed a passion for, and commitment to, strengthening Australia's engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. Grace now works as the Diplomacy Project Coordinator at Asialink, an Australian centre for creative engagement with Asia. Grace is also a member of Amnesty International's Activist Leadership Committee in Victoria and is completing a Master of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne.
Joshua Santos
University: Macquarie University
NCP Host Location: Vietnam
Program: Scholar and Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshuapdsantos/
Joshua graduated from a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) / Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at Macquarie University having completed its' multi-award-winning Global Leadership Program with merit. He is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper for Sydney and currently sits as a GenWest Committee Member with the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue.
Joshua is a 2020 NCP scholar to Vietnam and the recipient of several NCP Mobility Grants alongside further sponsorship from the Asia Society. His extensive experience in the Indo-Pacific includes semester exchange at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand in 2018, an Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program in 2019, and. a virtual internship with the ASEAN Foundation and participation in the Hacker Exchange (HEX) Discovery Asia-Pacific Virtual Innovation Program in 2020. In 2021, Joshua also fulfilled a short-term virtual exchange at Fudan University in China to study International Trade and Chinese Studies.
Joshua's experience with the NCP has opened many doors; from landing a Product Marketing Graduate opportunity for Canva's first-ever Launchpad Program, to completing his 2022 tenure as NCP Alumni Ambassador. Joshua is passionate about social impact and seeks to contribute to the areas of intercultural diversity, health and wellbeing, responsible technology, and innovative skills-building for young people.
Jackson McNulty
University: University of Sydney
NCP Host Location: India
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-mcnulty-934209248/
Jackson has recently completed his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies in Political Economy and International Business from the University of Sydney. He volunteers regularly with Conservation Volunteers Australia, helping clean up Australia's waterways.
Jackson completed his NCP Mobility Grant at St. Xavier's College in Mumbai, India in 2019. Jackson's time abroad highlighted the important relationship that Australia has with India and the need to nurture this moving forward.
Jackson is interested in the environment and the preservation of Australia's biodiversity. He is also passionate about supporting First Nations people and will start at the National Indigenous Australians Agency in 2023.
Torryn Ebejer
University: University of New England
NCP Host Location: Malaysia
Program: Scholar
Torryn completed studies in Psychology online through the University of New England. His thesis looked at language changes on Reddit across major Australian cities during COVID-19. Throughout study, Torryn volunteered widely in community-based organisations, emergency services, and for development causes.
His desire to learn about different models of multiculturalism and interfaith dialogue led Torryn to apply for – and be awarded – an NCP Scholarship. He hopes to bring the experiences from working, studying, and living in Malaysia to the practice of psychology in Australia.
As a student in regional NSW, Torryn saw a stark contrast in the opportunities and expectations between his metropolitan and regional peers. He believes in equal opportunity for all and joined the NCP Alumni Ambassador program to help bring the transformative opportunity of the NCP to more regional and rural students.
Nancy Cai
University: University of New South Wales
NCP Host Location: Singapore
Program: Scholar
Nancy studied a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Bachelor of Laws double degree at the University of New South Wales. She currently volunteers with the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership and is excited about her second year as an NCP Alumni Ambassador.
Nancy studied at the National Taiwan University (NTU) from 2019 to 2020 as an NCP scholar. She studied Traditional Chinese part-time while enrolled with the NTU Law Faculty. Nancy is interested in business and policy to advance prosperity and wellbeing. She likes to volunteer and read to understand how public and private actors could work in harmony for the greater good.
Nancy hopes to continue learning from the NCP community and encourage students to see the benefits of Indo-Pacific immersion.
Jordan Barnes
University: University of New South Wales
NCP Host Location: Indonesia
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-barnes-a59091221/
Jordan graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and International Relations, with a particular focus on international human rights law. He currently works for Woolworths Group as part of its Human Rights team.
Through an NCP Mobility Grant, Jordan undertook a virtual practicum with the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies in 2021, which involved intensive studies in Indonesian law, language and culture. As part of the practicum, Jordan interned with the Centre for International Law Studies at Universitas Jakarta, participating in research on comparative international maritime law and enforcement.
Jordan is passionate about promoting corporate human rights responsibility in the Indo-Pacific.
Kelsey Gray
University: University of Newcastle
NCP Host Location: Singapore
Program: Scholar
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kelseylgray1999/
Kelsey completed a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Science at the University of Newcastle, graduating with the University Medal in 2021. Having started her career as a graduate lawyer, she now works at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as an Adviser within the climate change team.
Kelsey's passion for international affairs and climate diplomacy was sparked by an early adventure in her studies when she represented Australia as a Youth Delegate at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP23).
After being awarded an NCP Scholarship in 2019, she completed a semester exchange at Nanyang Technological University and interned across Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste. Highlights of her NCP program included interning at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia-Pacific, providing research assistance for the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law, and volunteering with not-for-profit environmental organisations.
Kelsey is passionate about climate diplomacy and is enjoying working at the intersection of international affairs, climate change and public policy. She aspires to represent Australia as a climate negotiator, where she hopes to secure meaningful climate action on a national and international stage.
Simon Truong
University: University of Technology, Sydney
NCP Host Location: Vietnam
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/simontruong99/
Simon recently completed the combined Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws program at the University of Technology Sydney. Simon undertook an International Management Field Study to Vietnam through an NCP Mobility Grant. During his time in Vietnam, he developed deep cultural insight into the educational, business, governmental and non-governmental spheres of Vietnam's rapidly changing society.
Simon is passionate about Australia's role in the Indo-Pacific and its relationship with key stakeholders such as Vietnam. Simon was a delegate for the 2021 Australia-Vietnam Young Leadership dialogue and is currently serving as Co-Chair of the Steering Committee.
Simon currently works at IBM Consulting as a Lead Operational Risk Architect and has a keen interest in governance, risk and compliance and its enabling qualities to build sustainable, effective, and accountable institutions in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific.
Haakon Britt
University: University of Wollongong
NCP Host Location: Singapore
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/haakon-britt-a5931518b/
Haakon is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) / Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) double degree at the University of Wollongong (UOW). He is currently the President of the UOW Mechanical Engineering Society and has been involved in the club for four years.
In 2019, Haakon completed an NCP Mobility Grant in Malaysia and Singapore where he focused on gaining insights into the historical economic development of the region and where future areas of growth were likely to be, visiting multiple industry sites, including financial institutions and water treatment plants. The tour provided examples of the various work cultures and employment opportunities available within the region.
Haakon is passionate about addressing climate change with both innovative technologies and supportive policies. He wants to pursue a career in ocean renewables with a focus on energy creation via tides and climate policy.
James Delprado
University: Western Sydney University
NCP Host Location: Nepal
Program: Scholar and Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-delprado-90bb1717b/
James has a Bachelor of Anthropology and Master of Research degree from Western Sydney University. He has completed his NCP Scholarship in China and Nepal, and in 2022, he will continue his NCP journey with an internship in Tokyo.
As an anthropology student, James has been involved in several ethnographic projects around NSW and Asia. James works within the NSW prison system and enjoys his role within the Moore Park Rugby League Club. In the near future, he hopes to begin his PhD.
Mateja Vasic
University: Western Sydney University
NCP Host Location: Indonesia
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mateja-vasic-156665217/
Mateja is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying International Studies and Law at Western Sydney University. He currently works at a law firm in Sydney, volunteers at a local charity, and participates in various Australian multicultural forums.
As a 2021 NCP Mobility Grant recipient, he studied in Indonesia and interned for an Indonesian Human Rights NGO. Mateja is passionate about international law and global politics and has also completed academic studies in Japan.
Mateja is bilingual, and sspeks fluent English and German and is undertaking further language study in Indonesian and Serbian.
Northern Territory
Stuart Evans
University: Charles Darwin University
NCP Host Location: Timor Leste
Program: Mobility
Stuart's interest in biomechanics and exercise physiology developed from his competitive sporting background including long-distance running, triathlon, duathlon, cycling, and swimming. Stuart has held various positions within sporting club committees and was a student member and Charles Darwin University representative for Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and the International Society of Biomechanics in Sport.
As a qualified high school teacher, Stuart is passionate about Tottenham Hotspur, the Toronto Maple Leafs and teaching, having taught exercise diverse and health to children in Timor Leste as part of the NCP. He enjoys educating others about the physiological and psychological benefits regular physical activity provides.
Queensland
Dominic de Moura McCarthy
University: Central Queensland University
NCP Host Location: New Caledonia, Vietnam and India
Program: Scholar and Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thedommccarthy/
Dominic is studying a Bachelor of Business (Management) at Central Queensland University. He is also the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Pacific-Australia Youth Association. Dominic completed an NCP Mobility Grant in Vietnam in 2019, where he undertook a study tour exploring United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. He was the NCP Fellow for New Caledonia for 2020, where he began his program prior to COVID-19. He returned in mid-2022 to study, intern and undertake mentorships in New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Dominic has also completed an NCP Mobility virtual grant for the IndoGenius Reimagining India Study Tour.
Dominic is interested in Australia's role in the Pacific, particularly the French Pacific Territories. He aspires to work in international business, trade, and diplomacy in the future.
Anna Stirling
University: Griffith University
NCP Host Location: Singapore
Program: Scholarship
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annastirling757/
Anna is in her final year of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Government and International Relations at Griffith University. She was a 2020 NCP scholar and was able to commence her program in 2022 in Singapore, where she undertook full-time Mandarin language training and studied public policy at the National University of Singapore.
While on program Anna plans to complete an internship in a law firm in Singapore, and an internship with an NGO with focus in sex trafficking in Cambodia. Anna is interested in the role of government policy and non-for-profit organisations in advocating for the rights of the unseen and marginalised, including in the areas of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
While at university, Anna has been the recipient of four research bursaries which have allowed her to write reports on areas including trafficking in Uganda and health and domestic violence policy in Queensland.
Fletcher Findlay
University: Queensland University of Technology
NCP Host Location: Vietnam
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fletcher-findlay-90751b100/
Fletcher is an alumni member of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and has an Undergraduate degree in Secondary Education majoring in Health and Physical Education and Mathematics. He is very passionate about sport and has had the opportunity to represent QUT at the National University Games on five occasions.
Fletcher's NCP experience took him to Vietnam where he taught in four primary schools. Some takeaways included the ability to teach without language, the power of physical activity and simply how having a passion and energy for something can be so rewarding for yourself and the people that surround you.
Fletcher hopes to eventually become a Head of Department whilst building his teaching experience coaching a variety of sports through engaging a wide variety of students. Fletcher is passionate about mental health within teenagers and strongly believes physical activity can support those struggling.
Emily Robertson
University: Queensland University of Technology
NCP Host Location: Indonesia
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emilyrobertson/
Emily is completing her fourth year of study in a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Business (Economics) at the Queensland University of Technology.
Emily was a recipient of the NCP Mobility Grant in 2021 and undertook the Law Professional Practicum by the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), with Bahasa Indonesia language studies through Atma Jaya University. While on program, Emily had the opportunity to complete an internship at Perludem (Perkumpulan untuk Pemilu dan Demokrasi). Her work allowed her to learn, present and contribute to internationally published articles about marginalised voters, access to justice and political corruption.
Emily is passionate about the relationships between Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, international economic trade policy, national security, and cross-cultural communication. She aspires to pursue a career that incorporates these interests in a legal or commercial context.
Emitis Morsali
University: University of Queensland
NCP Host Location: New Caledonia
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emitis-morsali-2b44041ab/
Emitis is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts, with a double major in Political Science and French at the University of Queensland.
In 2022, Emitis went on an NCP Mobility Grant in Noumea, New Caledonia, where she studied an intensive French course at Centre De Rencontres Et D'echanges Internationaux Du Pacifique (CREIPAC). Through her travel, she was able to immerse herself in New Caledonia's native culture and natural beauty and strengthen her French language abilities.
Emitis is greatly interested in international law and the mechanics of its enforcement and practical application in the international realm. She aspires to pursue a career in this field as a barrister.
Joshua Grice
University: University of Queensland
NCP Host Location: Singapore
Program: Scholarship
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-grice-5a6a161b3/
Joshua studies a dual degree in Economics (Quantitative Methods) and Arts (History) at the University of Queensland, where he will graduate after completing Economics Honours in 2023. A 2021 NCP scholar, Joshua postponed his experience and deferred his final undergraduate semester to work full-time during the pandemic. He has recently completed his NCP Program with an exchange at the National University of Singapore after borders reopened.
Alongside his studies, Joshua interned in KPMG's Infrastructure Advisory team, pursued Mandarin language training, volunteered in a local secondary school, and has travelled to Vietnam. He has made many new friends through a local faith community and a variety of college sports clubs. Joshua values meeting new people and making the most of every opportunity.
With a range of work experiences across not-for-profit think tanks, private consulting, academic research, and the public sector, Joshua is excited to pursue a career in domestic public policy and global economic development. Serving as a coach, tutor, youth leader and camp director in his spare time, he is passionate about young people and the power of education.
South Australia
Tami Brass
University: University of South Australia
NCP Host Location: Philippines
Program: Mobility
Tami recently graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). She is currently undertaking a PhD in Education, whilst continuing to support commencing university students as a UniMentor and UniMentor Leader.
As a recipient of the 2019 NCP Mobility Grant, Tami attended a study tour to the Philippines focused on empowering the wellbeing and resilience of disadvantaged communities. By attending the University of Philippines, the University of Southern Philippines, as well as visiting various agencies, displaced communities and working alongside Buhay International Vision and Empowerment Incorporated (B.I.V.E. Inc.), Tami obtained a greater understanding of the various complexities and challenges encountered by Filipino communities.
Having made meaningful connections through her NCP experience, Tami is inspired and passionate about supporting the wellbeing of children and youth from diverse backgrounds. As an NCP Alumni Ambassador, her desire is to strengthen the bi-lateral relationship between Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Tasmania
Ayden Cleghorn
University: University of Tasmania
NCP Host Location: Vanuatu
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aydencleghorn/
Ayden is a Mechanical Engineer graduate from the University of Tasmania. He is a musician, cinephile, lover of science, nature, and anthropology. As part of his NCP Mobility Grant, Ayden attended the Engineers Without Borders Digital Design Summit in Vanuatu. The experiences he had proved invaluable in reengaging him with study and bolstered his confidence leading into his last year of his undergraduate study.
He aspires to continue working in Humanitarian Engineering and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goal six, because everybody deserves a fair go.
Victoria
Genevieve Pop
University: Deakin University
NCP Host Location: Indonesia
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-p-6a46021b6/
Genevieve is currently completing a Masters of Secondary Teaching at Deakin University. Prior to undertaking her Masters study, Genevieve completed a Bachelor of International Studies (Global Scholar), majoring in Indonesian. During her undergraduate study, Genevieve participated in an in-country language program at the end of 2019 with the assistance of an NCP Mobility Grant. Genevieve attended Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim in Malang, where she was able to fully immerse herself into the life as an Indonesian university student.
Since 2019, Genevieve has also been an active member of Deakin University's Languages Advisory Board. The Board meet annually to discuss changes and provide advice to the University on all aspects of the language courses.
Genevieve is extremely passionate about language and strengthening Australia's relationship with Indonesia. She aspires to pursue a career in teaching, with Indonesian and English as an additional language as the main foci. Genevieve has experienced the value of being bilingual first-hand and wishes to inspire others who are on their language journey.
Jade Colletti
University: Deakin University
NCP Host Location: Singapore
Program: Scholar
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jade-colletti-01b95a150/
Jade is currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts majoring in Drama at Deakin University, and Theatre Studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS). During her time at NUS, Jade has been involved in many extra-curricular activities which all focus on community engagement, value base mentorship and working with different community groups.
Jade volunteers with young children with Autism, specifically with their classwork and developing social and communication skills. She also works with youth teaching them value-based leadership skills.
In May 2023, Jade will be going with Project Matuwa to Bago City in the Philippines to engage with the local community and plan education programs for young children
Jade is very passionate about access to education and community engagement and plans. She would like to open her own Education Centre in which young children can learn English in a theatre-based environment. Jade will also be undertaking her PhD in Applied Theatre exploring the impact of drama and theatre on education.
Bianca Hendry
University: Federation University
NCP Host Location: Fiji
Program: Scholar
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-hendry-8b0165248/
Bianca is studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing, and a Bachelor of Sports Management at Federation University. She is passionate about sport development, with a strong interest in using sport as a tool to achieve social cohesion, equality, economic development, and reconciliation in disadvantaged communities.
As a 2022 NCP scholar, Bianca completed a semester of study at the University of the South Pacific Fiji and undertook an internship with the Fiji National Sports Commission, focusing on sports policies and development. As part of her studies, she also undertook part-time language training.
As one of the first scholars from Federation University, Bianca is looking forward to sharing her global insights and encouraging future cohorts to pursue an NCP Scholarship.
Samuel Chung
University: La Trobe
NCP Host Location: Singapore
Program: Scholar
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samuelchung99//p>
Sam is studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Global Studies (International Relations) and a Diploma in Languages (Chinese) at La Trobe University.
As a 2020 New Colombo Plan scholar to Singapore, Sam is excited to commence his program in 2023. When the pandemic commenced, Sam delayed his exchange plans to undertake a range of extra-curricular activities (particularly with the La Trobe Law Students' Association) to gain experiences that would allow him to take full advantage of his time overseas.
Sam is passionate about the interaction between law and international relations and is interested in a career in international law, foreign policy, diplomacy, or academia. As a 2023 NCP Alumni Ambassador, he hopes to strengthen the NCP's alumni community with a particular focus on older alumni with established careers.
Stella Le
University: Monash University
NCP Host Location: Cambodia and Vietnam
Program: Mobility
Stella is currently studying a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at Monash University. In 2021, through the NCP, Stella participated in a Virtual Mobility Program to Vietnam. Leveraging the online platform, she connected with students, healthcare workers and industry professionals in Vietnam, learning about Vietnamese healthcare system, as well as the contemporary effects of the COVID-19 pandemic from an international context.
In 2022, she was able to travel to Cambodia with an NCP Mobility Grant to participate in a collaborative healthcare program. She had the opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of Cambodia, and through working in multidisciplinary teams with local services and NGOs, gained a deeper insight into global perspectives of health.
With a strong interest in education, public health and global health, Stella hopes to continue building intercultural competency, and aspires to work and volunteer in the Indo-Pacific region in the future.
Luka Filips
University: Monash University
NCP Host Location: Indonesia
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lukafilips/
Luka is currently studying a Master of Laws at Kings College London after having studied a Bachelor of Laws (Honours IIB) and Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing Science and Management Studies) at Monash University.
Luka is an active member of his local community and has worked in local government for five years providing business support for multiple service departments. He also volunteers in paralegal roles that enhance access to justice, as well as multiple mentoring and leadership roles that promote student engagement.
Luka completed the Australian Consortium for 'In-Country' Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) Law Professional Practicum (LLP) in January 2022, where he interned at Okusi Associates and studied the Indonesian language course at Atma Jaya University. During the LLP, Luka wrote an essay titled 'Culture and point of view: How socio-cultural ideologies comparatively manifest in Australia's and Indonesia's legal system' which is currently being adapted for publication in the Indonesian Journal of International and Comparative Law.
Tehana Ranatunga
University: RMIT University
NCP Host Location: Republic of Korea and Fiji
Program: Mobility
Tehana is in her final year of a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) at RMIT University and is currently employed by the City of Greater Dandenong.
With international travel opening in 2022, Tehana had the opportunity to complete two NCP Mobility Grants. Her first NCP experience involved traveling to South Korea to participate in a summer program at the Korean Advanced Institute of Technology (KAIST) where she completed the study of bioimaging principles and applications. Her next NCP experience took her to Fiji, where she participated in a research project based in the Yasawa Islands focusing on ecotoxicology work. While abroad, she enjoyed becoming a part of their extensive cultures and friendly communities.
Tehana is passionate about change and its ability to make a positive impact in the Indo-Pacific. She understands that there is a need for deeper engagement and understanding of the region and is looking forward to contributing further toward this relationship through her future endeavours.
Darren Huynh
University: RMIT University
NCP Host Location: Singapore
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/darren-huynh-817086bb/
Darren is completing a Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations) at RMIT University. He is interested in language and culture, particularly between Australia and Asia. He also works in telesales within the property sector.
In July 2022, Darren received an NCP Mobility Grant to Singapore where he undertook an entrepreneurship program learning about start-ups with a goal to culminate a pitch to an audience and board of investors.
While in Singapore, Darren visited the offices of Zendesk, Google and KPMG, and joined an early-stage start-up (Vendue Tech) in the property space. Darren is undecided about his career aspirations but remains driven by his constant fascination with communication, human development, and language. These interests have translated into pursuits of coaching, volunteering and sales.
Harrison Agbenyega
University: Swinburne University of Technology
NCP Host Location: Vietnam
Program: Mobility
Harrison is a recent graduate of Swinburne, having completed his Bachelor of Information Communication Technology (Business Systems). In 2022, Harrison completed an NCP Mobility Grant through an internship at a Japanese IT firm with a host based in Vietnam which was authorised by FPT Education Global/FPT University. During his interning, he worked on a web-based software development project using an industry-used React framework.
Harrison works as a freelance web developer and has been in the industry since 2018. Upon completion of his studies, Harrison aspires to become a business consultant, testing and software web-focused developer.
Maxine Silbert
University: University of Melbourne
NCP Host Location: China
Program: Scholar
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maxine-silbert-767a97179/
Maxine completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Philosophy) and a Diploma of Languages (Chinese) at the University of Melbourne (UM). In 2022, she started a Master of Teaching (Secondary) at UM, focusing on Humanities and English Additional Language teaching. She also works as an educator at the Museum of Chinese Australian History.
In 2019, Maxine travelled to China on an NCP Scholarship. During her program, she completed a language exchange at Shanghai Jiaotong University; undertook two education-related internships in Beijing and Shanghai; completed a long-term language study program and ran a female-empowerment seminar for the Australia-China Youth Association.
Maxine is passionate about mobilising education as a platform for cultural exchange. She is particularly interested in developing trans-national pedagogies between Australia and China.
Rosyeta Thwin
University: Victoria University
NCP Host Location: Malaysia
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rose-thwin/
Rose is in the final year of her Bachelor of Education at Victoria University, specialising in Health and Student Welfare. In 2020, Rose completed her NCP Mobility Grant at SK Dato Traoh Muara Tuang Primary School in Kuching, Malaysia. During her time in Kuching, she undertook an intensive language program, and worked alongside experienced teachers to discover, plan and implement lessons for students in the rural city.
Rose is passionate about learning innovative pedagogical strategies used in education systems across the globe; particularly trauma informed practices to cater for the diverse needs of her students. She aspires to develop her teaching practices by gaining extensive experiences in a range of teaching environments around the world.
Western Australia
Mustafa Alhashimy
University: Curtin University
NCP Host Location: Thailand
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-alhashimy-1037041a1/
Mustafa has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) and is currently undertaking a Master of Architecture at Curtin University. In January 2019, Mustafa travelled to India on an NCP Mobility Grant to complete a project in the field of architecture and building. The goal of the project was to gain knowledge and spread awareness of rooftop solar in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) with fellow Australian and Indian young researchers under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion accredited Start-Up.
In July 2019, Mustafa participated in The Good Design Week Symposium in Kuching Malaysia at the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus. In the final year of his Bachelor studies, Mustafa was assigned as team leader in a collaborative design-build initiative for local resiliency building. This work was undertaken with students from Bangkok University through a long-term NCP Mobility Program in the Indo-Pacific region.
Mustafa is interested in the field of applied science and is looking to expand on his built environment and architecture knowledge in practical field work having learnt from local experts through his international experiences. Through previous engagement with projects abroad, Mustafa came to realise how vital collaboration skills are in fostering architectural solutions. He is determined to motivate his peers on participating in projects abroad, and seeking new experiences, along with intercultural literacy development.
Benjamin Tonkin
University: Curtin University
NCP Host Location: Cambodia
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-tonkin/
Ben is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering at Curtin University. Through the NCP Mobility Grant, Ben was able to travel to Cambodia with a team of six other engineering students with the goal to design a sustainable method of collecting safe drinking water at a school in a rural community. During his program, he contributed to the successful design of a rainwater-catchment system and ran workshops to help teach children STEM skills.
Ben spent his formative years living in remote and rural Australian communities before returning to Perth city and obtaining a place in a selective academic program. Ben has travelled extensively throughout India, South-East Asia, Europe and North America on cultural, musical and academic tours and has met people from all walks of life.
An entertaining communicator, Ben genuinely enjoys obtaining knowledge and exchanging ideas with a broad audience.
Laura Pember
University: Murdoch University
NCP Host Location: Malaysia
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-pember-390753100/
Laura is completing her final few months of an Accelerated Research Masters with Training at Murdoch University, having already completed a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, and Human Anatomy in 2019, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science (Professional Practice) in 2020.
In 2019, Laura travelled to Malaysia on an NCP Mobility Grant with the goal to collaborate with students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Undertaking an intensive two-week program, Laura had the opportunity to experience first-hand how cooperating with different peoples and cultures can bring so much to the table, enriching every aspect of individual, community, and professional life.
Laura strongly believes that diversity and accessibility are essential for progress, and that collaboration with people who have different perspectives is key for learning and growth. She hopes to increase accessibility to forensic technology and adapt scientific procedures for open-access use through her research.
Liam Love-Cooper
University: University of Western Australia
NCP Host Location: Republic of Korea
Program: Mobility
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/liamlove1/
Liam is completing a Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies and Korean Studies) at The University of Western Australia. Through the NCP, Liam was able to attend an intensive Korean language education program at Sogang University in the winter of 2021. The program gave him the opportunity to increase his knowledge of the Korean language and inspired him to undertake a Korean Studies double major.
Liam continues to be dedicated to language learning, studying Korean and Mandarin. In addition to this, he is interested in learning additional languages and increasing his understanding of Asia through his studies. He hopes to continue further education in the social sciences after completing his undergraduate degree.
Elizabeth Page
University: University of Notre Dame Australia
NCP Host Location: Myanmar
Program: Scholar
Elizabeth completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science and Behavioural Science. In 2019, she was selected as the NCP Fellow for Myanmar and spent eight months there. While on program, Elizabeth taught English to Karen refugees on the Thailand-Myanmar border, undertook an internship at VisionFund Myanmar, studied anthropology at Yangon University and learnt the Burmese language. She hopes to use the skills and experience she has gained on program to help build better health outcomes and improve health literacy for communities in South-East Asia
Elizabeth's grandmother is a Burmese migrant who came to Australia in her late teens. Through the NCP program Elizabeth was able to bring the places and people from her Nanna's stories to life and gain a deeper appreciation for the country's rich and diverse culture.
Currently, Elizabeth is studying a Master of Public Health at the University of Western Australia. She also works at her local church in youth ministry and sees the value in providing mentorship and guidance to teenagers as they deal with the struggles of growing up and finding their own identity.