Magnificent seven: Meet our New Colombo Plan scholars for 2025

The national scholarship program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, helps Australian university students learn more about Indo-Pacific nations in our region.

The seven QUT students heading overseas next year (who are pictured above with QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil) will go to South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

The scholars and their destinations are:

• Luke Foster, Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Information Technology – Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea
• Oriel Hull, Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) – Meiji University, Japan
• Naadirah Peer, Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Information Technology – Sunway University, Malaysia
• Saskia Logan, Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) – Assumption University, Thailand
• Brianna Wood-Lambert, Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Fine Arts – Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
• Isabella Fernando, Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Information Technology – National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
• Marshall Leeson, Bachelor of Business – International – Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarships will fund the students’ university fees, language training, travel expenses and living expenses for the duration of their scholarship program.

In addition to studying at an overseas university, they will also do internships in their host country.

The students will all head to Canberra in February for three days of in-person, pre-departure training. While in the national capital they will also attend an evening reception hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) at Old Parliament House.

QUT’s seven New Colombo Plan scholars for 2025

Luke Foster, Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of IT – South Korea

“I am deeply grateful to DFAT for allowing me to immerse myself in another country’s culture through the NCP Scholarship, as I have had limited opportunities to travel outside of Australia. During this scholarship, I strive to develop proficiency in Korean, deepen my IT knowledge and explore how AI can enhance the teaching profession.

South Korea, one of the world’s leading technology innovators, provides the perfect environment to gain nuanced perspectives and practical applications in IT. I am excited to spend a semester at KAIST, where I hope to strengthen their relationship with QUT and advocate for future student exchanges. These experiences and the industry connections I develop will help me become a confident and knowledgeable IT and mathematics high school teacher, ready to inspire students in rural communities.”

Oriel Hull, Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) – Japan

“I am beyond excited to immerse myself in Japanese culture and learn all I can about the nation’s fascinating economic and trade policy approaches. Through my studies of post-Keynesian economics at Meiji University in Tokyo, I hope to research how Japanese fiscal and monetary policies would respond in an Australian setting. Through local internships, mentorships, and volunteering, I also aspire to strengthen relationships between Japan and Australia while building on my own existing cultural understanding.

I am privileged to pursue my passions of economics and trade in such a vibrant and immersive environment and am eager to apply what I learn on my return to Australia.”

Naadirah Peer, Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Information Technology – Malaysia

“As a New Colombo Plan Scholar, I will study at Sunway University in Malaysia, where the digital economy is projected to generate over 25 per cent of the country's GDP by 2025. I aim to explore dynamic markets and increase my knowledge of technological advancements in Asia.

During my program I will also undergo full-time intensive language training of Malay in order to navigate language and cultural barriers with greater ease. I am particularly interested in leveraging digital transformation to streamline logistics and create sustainable, cost-efficient solutions in a variety of industries to bring back to Australia. While my internship plans are yet to be finalised, I am exploring opportunities in Malaysia’s corporate and start-up tech sectors to gain hands-on experience in system development and innovation.”

Saskia Logan, Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) – Thailand

“Through my participation in the NCP Scholarship program, I am delighted to be travelling to Thailand to learn about sustainable development and human rights in the Indo-Pacific.

My university studies will focus on sustainability, ecology and culture to enable me to engage with local leaders and learn traditional community conservation practices. I will then focus on securing an internship at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission in the Environment and Development Policy Department to contribute to global sustainable development, humanitarianism and foster international diplomatic connections.”

Brianna Wood-Lambert, Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Fine Arts – Singapore

“Through my NCP Scholarship, I will immerse myself in Singapore’s vibrant and innovative film industry while studying at a leading university. This will enable me to refine my technical skills while gaining unique insights into regional storytelling techniques, audience preferences and industry trends.

I plan to complement my studies with professional and volunteering experiences in local film productions and international co-productions, providing opportunities to foster greater cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.”

 

Isabella Fernando, Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Information Technology – Singapore

“I am incredibly grateful to have received the NCP Scholarship, offering a unique opportunity to expand my academic and professional horizons in the Indo-Pacific region. I will continue my studies in information systems and economics at the National University of Singapore, deepening my understanding of emerging technologies and business practices, particularly within Singapore’s innovation-driven economy.

Alongside my studies, I look forward to gaining practical experience through a consulting internship. With Brisbane’s preparations for the Olympics and Australia’s transition to renewable energy, I am excited to engage with projects that can inspire similar solutions in Australia and Singapore. Upon my return, I aim to share my experiences, advocate for opportunities in the Indo-Pacific, and strengthen Australia’s ties with the region.”

Marshall Leeson, Bachelor of Business (International) – Singapore

“This opportunity to build upon Indo-Pacific relationships is both an incredible honour and privilege. I plan to continue my international business studies at Singapore Management University to enrich my knowledge of the region and foster close academic and professional relationships. I am eager to begin my Malay language studies, enhancing my immersion and reducing cultural barriers.

An internship in international affairs will provide invaluable insight into Singapore’s international diplomacy, contributing to one of the strongest economies in the world. I look forward to bringing my fresh perspectives and relationships back to Australia, contributing to the continued success of the Australian and Indo-Pacific partnership.”

DFAT this week announced a record number of 219 students from 33 universities across Australia had been offered New Colombo Plan Scholarships for 2025.

Over the past decade, 55 QUT students have received scholarships through the program.

Students interested in applying for the 2026 round of scholarships can check the DFAT site next year for guidelines and advice, and this QUT student information page about eligibility and the application process. Applications usually open around April each year.
 

Image at top of page
QUT's 2025 New Colombo Plan Scholars, pictured clockwise from left with QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil (fifth from left): Saskia Logan, Marshall Leeson, Brianna Wood-Lambert, Luke Foster, Isabella Fernando, Naadirah Peer and Oriel Hull.
 

QUT Media contacts:
- Mechelle McMahon, media@qut.edu.au
- After hours, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au