From Melbourne to Indo-Pacific: VU Students’ Life-Changing New Colombo Plan Journey Begins
Introduction to the New Colombo Plan
The New Colombo Plan is an ambitious initiative launched by the Australian Government in 2014, designed to enhance Australia’s relationships with the Indo-Pacific region.
By fostering cultural exchange and academic collaboration, the plan aims to build a cohort of Australian graduates fluent in regional languages and well-versed in the cultural nuances of their neighboring countries.
Central to the New Colombo Plan is its prestigious scholarship program, which recognizes and rewards undergraduate students exhibiting exceptional academic performance, demonstrated leadership, and resilience.
The scholarship reflects Australia’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders poised to contribute positively to regional cooperation and understanding.
For the 2025 program, three talented students from Victoria University (VU) have been selected to embark on transformative academic and cultural experiences in the Indo-Pacific.
Each student’s journey is uniquely tailored to their field of study and interests, promising significant personal and professional growth.
Recognizing Excellence and Leadership
The New Colombo Plan Scholarship values not just academic excellence but also leadership potential and a student’s ability to navigate and thrive in diverse environments.
It supports those eager to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by unfamiliar cultures and settings.
Selected VU Students for 2025 Program
Three outstanding VU students have earned the scholarship for 2025, standing out as exemplars of the scholarship’s core values:
Lachlan Moroney: A second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Movement Sciences and a Master of Physiotherapy, Lachlan, affectionately known as Lachy, will set off for Singapore and the Philippines.
His journey will be a blend of healthcare studies and immersive language experiences, focusing on Mandarin in Singapore and Tagalog in the Philippines.
His practical involvement in Singapore’s medical facilities will enrich his understanding of global healthcare practices.
Alexandra Scott: Alexandra, or Lexi, is in the final year of her Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership.
Her journey to Fiji will involve studying at the University of the South Pacific, where she will delve into sustainable tourism practices.
An internship with Rosie Holidays will provide her with hands-on experience in marine conservation and farming sustainability, aligning her passion for outdoor leadership with practical initiatives that support ecological balance.
Duncan James: Duncan, a Bachelor of Education (P-12) student, is preparing for an educational expedition in Fiji.
His focus lies in understanding how Indigenous Fijian culture is integrated into school curricula.
By participating in a teaching placement, he aims to gather insights that could benefit Indigenous education frameworks in Australia.
These students are set to embark on an exciting journey that not only promises extensive personal development but also aims to fortify Australia’s academic and socio-cultural connections within the Indo-Pacific region.
Through their respective projects, Lachlan, Alexandra, and Duncan will contribute to the overarching goal of fostering robust regional ties and mutual understanding.
These students are examples
Lachlan Moroney’s Singapore-Philippines Journey
Mixing Physiotherapy and Language Immersion
Lachlan Moroney, a second-year Bachelor of Applied Movement Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy student at Victoria University, is one of the fortunate recipients of the 2025 New Colombo Plan Scholarship.
This presents an opportunity of a lifetime for him to blend his passion for physiotherapy with immersive language studies across two culturally rich nations in the Indo-Pacific—Singapore and the Philippines.
Mandarin Mastery in Singapore
Lachlan is set to commence his journey in Singapore by enrolling in a Mandarin language course at the Singapore Institute of Technology.
Singapore is renowned for its advanced healthcare system, offering him vast opportunities not only to hone his linguistic skills but also to gain practical experience in medical settings.
By working alongside seasoned professionals in hospital environments, Lachlan aims to get hands-on exposure to innovative physiotherapy practices and the high standards of medical care for which Singapore is known.
“Singapore will offer me a unique perspective on healthcare practices and patient care, which will be invaluable in my career,” said Lachlan.
Integrating Healthcare Practices in the Philippines
Following his stint in Singapore, Lachlan’s adventure continues in the Philippines.
Here, his focus will shift to mastering the Tagalog language, a vital component for someone looking to integrate deeply into the local healthcare community. His experiences will be enriched by the cultural backdrop and the practical knowledge he’ll draw from working in Filipino medical facilities.
For Lachlan, the Philippines represents more than a learning opportunity; it is a chance to honor his connection to a Filipino-owned physiotherapy clinic back in Melbourne.
“I believe that learning Tagalog and understanding the Filipino approach to healthcare will significantly enhance my capacity to provide culturally sensitive and effective care to diverse patient groups,” Lachlan noted.
A Holistic Approach to Global Healthcare
Lachlan’s Singapore-Philippines journey is much more than an academic exercise; it is a transformative experience set to broaden his horizons both personally and professionally.
By merging language immersion with practical medical training, Lachlan aims to develop a holistic approach to healthcare that will serve him well in his future career.
The skills and insights gained from his time in these countries will be instrumental in enhancing his capability to offer comprehensive patient care, especially in a multicultural setting.
Lachlan’s journey is poised to not only strengthen his professional competencies but also enrich his appreciation for the diverse healthcare systems and cultural nuances within the Indo-Pacific region.
Such cross-cultural experiences are sure to build a solid foundation for his future contributions to the global healthcare community.
With Lachlan’s journey insightfully detailed, next comes Alexandra Scott’s equally exciting adventure into outdoor leadership and sustainable tourism practices in Fiji.
Alexandra Scott’s Fijian Adventure
As a Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership student at Victoria University, Alexandra Scott, fondly known as Lexi, is set to embark on an exciting adventure in Fiji.
Her journey will encompass a combination of academic excellence and hands-on experiential learning, all aimed at exploring sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
Outdoor Leadership Focus
Lexi’s academic focus will be on Outdoor Leadership, a field perfectly suited to the rich landscapes and diverse ecosystems in Fiji.
She will be attending the University of the South Pacific, completing two key outdoor leadership subjects that contribute towards her degree.
This educational experience will allow Lexi to deepen her understanding of how outdoor activities can be managed sustainably while providing significant personal and group leadership development.
Internship with Rosie Holidays
To complement her studies, Lexi will intern with Rosie Holidays, a leading Fijian tourism company renowned for its emphasis on sustainable practices.
During her internship, Lexi will have the unique opportunity to explore various facets of sustainable adventure tourism.
She will delve into the operational side of tourism, examining how Rosie Holidays implements eco-friendly practices and promotes responsible tourism in Fiji’s delicate environmental settings.
This hands-on experience aims to equip Lexi with practical skills and insights that are invaluable in the sustainable tourism sector.
Marine Conservation and Farming Sustainability
Additionally, Lexi’s journey will involve active participation in initiatives focused on marine conservation and farming sustainability.
She will engage with local organizations and communities to understand and contribute to efforts that protect Fiji’s rich marine biodiversity.
This includes initiatives to preserve coral reefs, manage marine resources responsibly, and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Moreover, Lexi will explore sustainable farming methods that support local agriculture while minimizing environmental impact.
This holistic approach to conservation and sustainability will be crucial in shaping her perspective on global ecological issues.
By immersing herself in these activities, Lexi aims to develop a well-rounded understanding of how tourism and conservation can coexist harmoniously.
Her experience in Fiji will undoubtedly enhance her academic knowledge while providing her with real-world skills crucial for a career in sustainable adventure tourism.
Through this comprehensive adventure, Alexandra Scott is set to forge meaningful connections with the Indo-Pacific region, gaining invaluable insights and experiences.
Her journey embodies the spirit of the New Colombo Plan, fostering academic excellence, cultural exchange, and professional growth.
Duncan James’s Educational Expedition
Education Studies at University of the South Pacific
Duncan James, a second-year Bachelor of Education (P-12) student at Victoria University, is gearing up for an inspiring journey to Fiji under the New Colombo Plan Scholarship.
His focus will be on education studies at the University of the South Pacific.
This unique opportunity will allow Duncan to delve into diverse educational methods and practices, greatly enhancing his understanding of international education systems.
Focus on Indigenous Fijian Culture Integration in School Curricula
One of the core aspects of Duncan’s educational expedition is to explore how Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) culture is integrated into school curricula.
He aims to understand the pedagogical approaches used to teach and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Fijian communities.
By participating in this cultural immersion, Duncan will gain insights that could be pivotal in adapting and implementing similar practices to improve the teaching of Indigenous Australian culture back home.
Exploring Regional Teaching Challenges and Adaptations
During his placement at a regional school in Fiji, Duncan will encounter and analyze the unique challenges faced by teachers and students in remote and geographically isolated areas.
He is particularly interested in learning how Fijian educators adapt teaching methods to overcome these obstacles.
This experience will not only broaden Duncan’s professional skills but also his empathy and adaptability as an educator.
By observing and understanding these teaching adaptations, Duncan can bring fresh insights and strategies to Australian education, fostering a more inclusive and resilient learning environment.
Duncan’s educational expedition in Fiji promises to be a transformative experience, equipping him with valuable personal and professional skills.
This journey will contribute significantly to strengthening the academic and cultural ties between Australia and its Indo-Pacific neighbors.
By fostering mutual understanding and respect, Duncan’s experience will pave the way for enhanced regional cooperation and shared educational prosperity.
Impact and Future Prospects
The New Colombo Plan offers immense personal and professional development opportunities for students like Lachlan Moroney, Alexandra Scott, and Duncan James, selected for the 2025 program.
Their experiences across the Indo-Pacific promise to facilitate profound growth both in their respective fields and in their personal lives.
Personal and Professional Growth
For Lachlan, Alexandra, and Duncan, the New Colombo Plan is more than just an academic endeavor.
It is an opportunity to immerse themselves in a different cultural landscape and to gain practical experience that will set them apart in their future careers.
- Lachlan Moroney will benefit greatly from his exposure to Singapore’s advanced healthcare system and the unique medical landscape in the Philippines. This dual experience will enable him to approach physiotherapy with a well-rounded perspective, enriched by his proficiency in both Mandarin and Tagalog.
- Alexandra Scott’s time in Fiji will broaden her understanding of sustainable adventure tourism. Her hands-on experience with Rosie Holidays, coupled with her academic studies, will equip her with practical skills critical for a career in promoting eco-friendly tourism.
- Duncan James’s educational expedition will help him develop innovative teaching strategies by understanding how Indigenous Fijian culture is integrated into school curricula. His insights into regional teaching challenges will be invaluable for addressing similar issues in Australia.
Strengthening Academic and Cultural Ties
The New Colombo Plan not only benefits the students involved but also strengthens Australia’s academic and cultural relationships with its Indo-Pacific neighbors.
By sending scholars to study and work in the region, the program fosters mutual understanding and collaboration, which are essential for long-term regional stability and cooperation.
Long-term Benefits
The broader impacts of the New Colombo Plan extend to fostering a generation of Australians who are more knowledgeable and appreciative of the Indo-Pacific region.
This, in turn, promotes a more interconnected and cooperative future, with shared educational and professional advancements.
The relationships and networks these students build during their time abroad will pave the way for enhanced regional partnerships, contributing to a more cohesive international community.
Through these transformative experiences, Victoria University students are not just ambassadors for their own academic and professional growth, but also for Australia’s commitment to regional unity and development.
