Six Curtin University students will jet to countries across the Indo-Pacific next year after being awarded prestigious 2026 New Colombo Plan Scholarships, which will allow them to undertake immersive study, language training and industry placements at some of the region’s leading universities and organisations.
An Australian Government initiative, the New Colombo Plan supports high-achieving undergraduates to live, study and work in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening Australia’s social, educational and diplomatic ties in the region.
Curtin University Provost Professor Matthew Tonts said the scholarships recognised the students’ academic excellence and commitment to helping shape Australia’s future engagement with its regional neighbours.
“These remarkable students will act as ambassadors for Curtin and for Australia, building meaningful relationships that support our nation’s long-term partnerships across the Indo-Pacific,” Professor Tonts said.
“Their projects span critical fields including robotics, renewable energy, language, diplomacy and forensic science, with each to play a role in strengthening regional cooperation.”
Professor Tonts said the scholars’ achievements reflected Curtin’s commitment to producing globally connected graduates equipped to contribute to a rapidly changing region.
“These scholars represent the very best of Curtin: curious, capable and globally minded,” Professor Tonts said.
“Their experiences will not only shape their own careers but will help build lasting partnerships that strengthen Australia’s role in the Indo-Pacific for years to come.”
2026 New Colombo Plan Scholars
- Mathew Reed – Japan
A mechatronics and computer science student, Mat will spend close to 18 months in Fukuoka, Kobe, Osaka and Tokyo, completing two study exchanges, a research mentorship in assistive robotics and internships with companies such as Kubota and Tokyo Robotics.
- Grace Hailes – New Caledonia
Broome-raised electrical engineering and science student, Grace will study applied mathematics, electronics and programming in New Caledonia while undertaking French language training. She plans to intern with renewable-energy organisations such as TotalEnergies or Akuo Energy and volunteer with communities on the Isle of Pines to learn from local sustainability practices.
- Micah Blank – Japan
Micah will spend five months at Kyushu University to expand his engineering expertise while developing deeper intercultural understanding, as part of his Mechanical Engineering (Honours) degree. His program aligns with Australia’s priorities in infrastructure and energy transition, taking advantage of Japan’s leadership in advanced engineering and low-emissions technologies. Micah aims to contribute to Australia’s future engagement in Indo-Pacific engineering partnerships.
- Jerry Zhang – Singapore
Jerry will spend 10 months in Singapore undertaking advanced robotics and automation studies at Nanyang Technological University, combined with Mandarin language training. He will complete a major industry placement with Siemens’ regional robotics and automation hub, gaining hands-on experience with next-generation autonomous systems to compliment his engineering and science studies. - Henry Strahan – French Polynesia
Studying Advanced Science (Honours), Henry will undertake intensive French and Polynesian language training, study chemistry and cultural studies at the Université de la Polynésie Française in Tahiti, plus complete a laboratory internship in biochemistry or toxicology. - Stojan Trajkovski – Singapore
Stojan will spend more than seven months in Singapore undertaking a semester exchange at Nanyang Technological University studying engineering and science, followed by a full-time internship in the mechatronics and robotics sector. He will also complete Mandarin language training to build cultural and professional fluency in one of Australia’s key Indo-Pacific partners.
Further information on the New Colombo Plan Scholarships can be found online.
