 The New Colombo Plan is bringing Australia and our neighbours closer than ever. It provides Australian undergraduates from diverse backgrounds a unique opportunity to live, study and work in the Indo-Pacific region. I did a semester of study at the University of Hong Kong. And I moved to Bangkok. Japan and the Philippines. Through study and internships you'll have the opportunity to build knowledge, skills and networks vital for today's workforce. There are a wide range of work environments to choose from, including business, international organisations and not-for-profits. I studied at the City University of Hong Kong under their Creative Media Department. In Nepal I interned for the United Nations focusing on the use of technology in the post-earthquake disaster setting. I went to South Korea where they're doing cutting-edge research in machine learning in the field of medicine and surgery. There are a range of short-term international mobility grants and long-term scholarships available. We're helping young Australians to build meaningful international connections, developing friendships and professional networks that can last a lifetime. The highlight of my New Colombo Plan scholarship was definitely the language component. A broader and deeper university experience and something that I will always sell to anyone I can sell to them because it is one of the best things you'll ever do. It could change your entire life that's for sure. It's definitely changed the trajectory of mine. And the journey continues after you return home. As an alumnus, you'll join a diverse network of future leaders with a shared passion for the Indo-Pacific and opportunities to continue to build on what you've learnt. The New Colombo Plan has given me access to a huge network of people across the Asia-Pacific, especially in China. And those are people that are going to be mentors to me for the rest of my life. I am now more than ever very passionate about the development of our region and the health of the people in that region. I will go back to the Philippines to continue this work and hopefully it will be a lifelong pursuit for me. To find out more, search for New Colombo Plan or contact your university's international or mobility office today.