CDU students to share knowledge overseas after winning scholarships

Two Charles Darwin University (CDU) students will travel overseas and share knowledge next year after each receiving a prestigious New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship.

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student David Ninan will travel to Singapore, while Bachelor of Arts student Emily Tyaemaen Ford will head to South Korea to undergo language and other studies, complete internships, share knowledge and culture with their host countries.

The NCP is an Australian Government initiative which aims to increase knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting undergraduates to study and participate in internships in the region.

Mr Ninan is a first generation Indian-Australian who moved to Darwin at 11-years-old. He began studying with CDU in 2019 and completed his Bachelor of Laws last year.

Mr Ninan, who is undertaking research to complete a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), said he was stunned when learned he received the scholarship and eager to learn about the Singaporean legal system.

“This scholarship has been a dream of mine ever since high school,” Mr Ninan said.

“Post-pandemic, I could not let this opportunity slide by to broaden my world views and expand my academic as well as professional horizons.

“As time progresses, my eagerness is growing at the thought of being able to represent CDU and Australia in a country with such a fascinating politico-legal system woven together from several ancient cultures.”

Mr Ninan will spend a year studying the Singaporean legal system, participate in a Mandarin language component and undertake internships with various barrister’s chambers.

Ms Ford, a proud Rak Mak Mak Marranunggu woman and Traditional Owner of Kurrindju, was thrilled for the opportunity to study in South Korea and share First Nation’s culture and art while abroad.

Her passion for ensuring Australians are connected to and understand our Indo-Pacific neighbours and the similarities they share inspired Ms Ford to apply for the scholarship.

“Korean is a beautiful language and I have been blessed to have  wonderful friends from South Korea who have been gracious enough to share and support my learning about Korean culture,” Ms Ford said.

“I want to build my knowledge of Korean culture and share my cultural knowledge as a First Nations Territorian as well.

“I know that I will take so much away from this program as it is truly a once in a lifetime experience. I hope to build strong connections, understandings and knowledge between communities in South Korea and Australia, but specifically the Territory.”

Ms Ford will travel to South Korea later in the year and spend several months in Seoul undertaking language courses, attending university classes and sharing culture and art.

Both students will attend the NCP Awards Ceremony in Canberra today. 

CDU Global Director Joanne Chrystal congratulated the students and said the University and wider community would benefit from the exchange of knowledge.   

“It’s a priority for CDU to build and solidify relationships with the Indo-Pacific and across the world. This is an extraordinary opportunity for David and Emily to share knowledge, culture and make meaningful connections all of the community can benefit from,” Ms Chrystal said.

“CDU has supported many students to apply for the New Colombo Plan and we encourage interested scholars to inquire.”

The NCP was awarded to 150 scholars across Australia, the largest cohort since the program began in 2014.