Students explore global business in Indonesia

UNSW business students are heading to Indonesia in July for a Global Business Practicum with support from the second round of funding under the New Colombo Plan. 

Designed to enhance students’ cultural connections in the Indo Pacific region, the New Colombo Plan is currently in its pilot phase, with UNSW securing $66,000 in the second round.

Australian School of Business Associate Dean (Undergraduate), Dr Jennifer Harris, said she was delighted that the Global Business Practicum had received support.

“Indonesia is a country of significant and increasing importance to Australia's economy. The funding will provide ASB students with the opportunity to build connections with business partners across the region,” said Dr Harris. 

“As part of the Practicum, students will attend master classes in Jakarta with local industry leaders, government officials and academic experts, and learn about local culture through field trips to important cultural landmarks.

“They will also work on a genuine business issue of a client organisation, such as a local (Indonesian) branch of an international financial, marketing or technology corporations,” she said.

The New Colombo Plan scholarships will cover the accommodation, flights and living expenses for 20 students to complete the Practicum.

In 2015, the government will embark on a wider roll out of the Plan across the region, with the aim of creating a two-way student exchange.

UNSW has also nominated some of its brightest students for the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship, with recipients to be announced later this year. The $67,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to up to 40 high-achieving students for a year-long study and mentorship program.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) Fiona Docherty said UNSW looks forward to sending more students to the region as the program rolls out.  

“We are excited to see our students embracing this dynamic part of the world. In the years to come, we know many will see studying and working in our region as an essential part of their university experience.”

Media contact: Leilah Schubert, UNSW Media Office, 02 9385 8107,  l.schubert@unsw.edu.au