Gladys Liu (Chisholm, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I first came to Australia as an international student from Hong Kong in my youth. I immediately fell in love with Australia's people and culture and decided to call this country home. My experience as an international student was truly life-changing. This is why I was so thrilled to learn about the recipients of the New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program living in Chisholm. Next year, Max Collett, Wei Man Tam, Savitri Thurairatnam and Neane Carter will be travelling to the Indo-Pacific as part of their university courses. These cross-cultural exchanges strengthen Australia's relationship with our Asian neighbours and help to forge long-lasting connections across borders.

The New Colombo Plan allows individual students to develop networks among their peers. These networks add value to both their personal and professional lives. This program is vital for Australia's future as an open, interconnected member of the Indo-Pacific region. I understand firsthand the life-changing opportunity of studying overseas and I wish Max, Wei Man, Savitri and Neane all the best with their studies.