Get to know
David

NCP Scholar 2026

I’m David Amaechi, a Bachelor of Finance and Business Economics student at Flinders University with a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and finance. Over the past few years, I’ve worked on projects that create real impact, through roles at the Flinders New Venture Institute, CA Legal & Migration, and my own early-stage startups.

I applied for the New Colombo Plan Scholarship to deepen that passion and learn how world-class startup ecosystems operate in the Asia-Pacific. My program will take me to Singapore, where I’ll combine finance and innovation-focused study with Mandarin language training and internships in venture capital and professional services.

I want to experience Singapore’s fast-moving startup environment firsthand, learn from the region’s founders, investors, and innovators and build relationships that strengthen ties between Adelaide and Southeast Asia. When I return, my goal is to share those insights and help students, SMEs, and emerging founders explore opportunities in Asia.

"The Indo-Pacific is a global hub for innovation and opportunity, and I’m excited to learn directly from the region. I look forward to bringing those insights and connections back to Australia so more students, founders, and organisations can benefit from them."

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Syreet

NCP Scholar 2026

I believe that respect and dignity should be central to every system that governs people’s lives. Realising how systemic yet often unseen inequalities shape society and human rights led me to transition from Medicine to Law.  I have consistently been drawn to researching structural issues affecting vulnerable groups, particularly women.

Previously I have been awarded the Muriel Matters Award as well as the ACE Catalyst of Change Award for leading an initiative to implement sanitary stations in female bathrooms at my High School.

Being awarded the New Colombo Plan Scholarship will enable me to examine labour exploitation within the Korean entertainment industry through a feminist jurisprudence perspective, including how idol representation influences broader social norms. By engaging directly with Korea’s legal and cultural landscape, I aim to develop insights that cannot be gained from a distance and strengthen my long-term commitment to justice-driven reform.

"The New Colombo Plan provides me with the platform to engage with law on a global scale. By exploring Korea’s legal and cultural landscape firsthand, I aim to position myself as an Australian advocate who understands the nuances of different cultural values and recognises that interdisciplinary approaches, particularly culturally informed legal perspectives, consistently lead to more effective and informed outcomes."

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Lisa

NCP Scholar 2026

Being the first person in my family to attend university, I am very excited about the opportunity presented by the New Colombo Plan (NCP) to immerse myself in Japanese culture and gain an insight into new ideas and global approaches to managing Urban Planning problems that will deepen my knowledge and understanding.

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience at Flinders University in the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning which has set me up for success abroad. Japan is a global leader in transit-oriented developments and adaptable zoning amongst other initiatives aimed at creating inclusive and liveable cities that Australia can learn from as our population grows and diversifies.

Planning is a passion that extends far beyond the classroom, its societal application affects our everyday lives. I look forward to utilising my NCP experience to create meaningful connection between Australian and Japanese planning institutions, sharing my gained knowledge with other planners and eventually contribute to the National planning policy framework in both government and non-government organisations.

"I always get asked, “what is urban and regional planning.” Simply, planning integrates everything from how we live, interact with our communities and transit from place to place. I love seeing it open their eyes and minds."