Australia for ASEAN scholarship program: leading and influencing in business and the ASEAN economy
The Australia for ASEAN scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of leaders from ASEAN member states. There are currently 100 students from ASEAN studying at universities across Australia. The initiative was announced in 2021 to mark the establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership. The scholarships enable students to study in fields that advance the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo- Pacific, ASEAN’s own vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. The scholars are studying courses related to the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo- Pacific’s four priority areas of cooperation, economic, connectivity, maritime, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Australia for ASEAN scholars also have access to a ten-month ASEAN Scholars Leadership Program – a leadership enrichment program that complements their formal studies, and helps build their skills, networks and readiness to take on leadership roles in their workplaces, communities and countries. The Leadership Program also connects emerging leaders throughout Australia and Southeast Asia, strengthening people-to-people connections. The Leadership Program was launched in August 2023 and participants have since had access to online learning and networking events, intensive leadership retreats, individual coaching, and internships. Scholars have been able to choose their own level of engagement with the leadership program, with some activities open to all scholars, and some involving a competitive application process. To learn more, or apply for the 2025 Scholarships, see dfat.gov/people- people/australia-awards/australia-asean-scholarships Here are some of our impressive Australia for ASEAN scholars:
Malaysia Shakgantan M Balakrishnan (Shak) is a Malaysian scholar studying at the University of Melbourne. He chose to study a Master of International Business with a goal of redesigning business processes and enriching the international outlook of corporations operating in Malaysia. Shak has gained invaluable insights into how to deal with project-specific constraints and analyse business challenges on a global scale. His studies have also provided him with a better understanding of what needs to be implemented in the Malaysian business environment. He has engaged with fellow Australia for ASEAN Scholars to reinforce ASEAN collaboration and seek joint approaches to addressing challenges facing the ASEAN region.
Indonesia Dinda Maharani is an Australia for ASEAN scholar from Indonesia, who previously worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Development of Economic and Finance in Jakarta. She is studying a Master of Economics at the Australian National University. Dinda chose to study economics to gain a better understanding of economic theories and economic policy making, especially regarding the green economy and renewable energy transition. Through the Leaderships Program, Dinda has undertaken an internship with ClimateWorks, an independent not- for-profit within Monash University that bridges the gap between research and climate action in Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Dinda believes collaboration between countries, especially between Australia and ASEAN Member States, is important for a better future.
Laos Through the Australia for ASEAN Scholarship program, Lounglavanh Vongxay (Loung) from Laos PDR is studying a master’s in international Trade and Development at the University of Adelaide. Her goal is to develop in-depth skills in negotiation, analysis, and policy assessment with the objective of refining and enhancing economic policies in Laos to foster a vibrant business ecosystem. Studying in Australia and participating in the program has deepened Loung’s academic insights and provided a platform to collaborate with distinguished professors and peers. She believes this synergy of knowledge is invaluable for her mission to contribute meaningfully to Laos’ economic growth.
Brunei Bruneian Australia for ASEAN scholar, Afiefah Rosle is pursuing a Master of International Business at RMIT University. Her studies have deepened her understanding of the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and the digital economy. Afiefah is eager to make a meaningful contribution to Brunei’s socioeconomic advancement and venture into consulting, with a focus on equipping Brunei’s small and medium enterprises with these emerging digital tools. The Leadership Program has allowed Afiefah to establish robust ties with fellow scholars and industry stalwarts, expanding her professional network and paving the way for prospective collaborations throughout the region.
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business envoy
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
business envoy
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