Three Victoria University (VU) students are set to embark on transformative year-long study experiences in the Indo-Pacific as recipients of the prestigious New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship. The Australian Government initiative, established in 2014, aims to strengthen Australia’s ties with the region by fostering academic, cultural, and professional exchanges, a news release noted.
The scholarship, awarded to outstanding undergraduate students, recognises academic excellence, leadership skills, and resilience. This year, VU students Lachlan Moroney, Alexandra Scott, and Duncan James have been chosen to represent the university.
Lachlan Moroney
Lachlan (Lachy) Moroney, a second-year Bachelor of Applied Movement Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy student, will travel to Singapore in July. There, he will undertake a Mandarin language course and enrol in physiotherapy-aligned subjects at the Singapore Institute of Technology. Singapore’s reputation as a medical hub will provide Lachy with opportunities to intern in hospital settings, gaining hands-on experience in a world-class healthcare system.
Following his time in Singapore, Lachy will continue his journey in the Philippines, immersing himself in Tagalog language studies. Drawing from his part-time experience at a Melbourne physiotherapy clinic owned by a Filipino physiotherapist, Lachy sees these experiences as pivotal in shaping a holistic approach to his future career.
“Both Singapore and the Philippines will offer countless opportunities for my personal and professional development. By immersing myself in each country’s culture and unique practices, I hope to garner a holistic form of care that I can apply to my career,” Lachy said.
Alexandra Scott
Alexandra (Lexi) Scott, in the final year of her Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership, will travel to Fiji in August. At the University of the South Pacific, she will complete two outdoor leadership subjects contributing to her degree.
Inspired by a previous VU study tour in Fiji, Lexi aims to deepen her understanding of sustainable adventure tourism. Alongside her studies, she plans to intern at Rosie Holidays, a leading Fijian tourism company, where she will explore sustainability practices in marine conservation and farming.
“I hope to learn and develop connections with the Indo-Pacific by learning about outdoor sustainability and teaching,” Lexi shared. She is set to graduate at the end of 2025, with plans to pursue a career in adventure tourism.
Duncan James
Second-year Bachelor of Education (P-12) student Duncan James will also travel to Fiji in the second semester of 2025. Studying at the University of the South Pacific, Duncan will complete education-related subjects before participating in a teaching placement at a regional school.
Guided by a friend’s encouragement and inspired by his experience playing college basketball in the United States, Duncan views this scholarship as a unique opportunity to learn from Fiji’s education system. VU noted that Duncan is particularly keen to understand how Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) culture is integrated into school curricula and explore ways to adapt such practices to improve the teaching of Indigenous Australian culture.
“I also hope to learn how Fijian teachers and schools adapt and navigate the geographical challenges that come with being in regional/remote circumstances,” Duncan said.