The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victorians ranging from scientists and engineers to start-up founders, technicians and teachers speak the language of success in Asia.
A total of 41 Hamer Scholarships were confirmed last night, providing recipients up to $15,000 to undertake months-long intensive language study in China, Indonesia, Japan or Korea.
Those countries are among Victoria’s top 10 export markets for goods and are key providers of international students, our top individual export earner at $11.8 billion in 2018.
The 2019 scholarships, presented by Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula, bring the total number of scholarship recipients to more than 300 since they were first awarded in 2012.
Hamer scholars increase their organisations’ ability to engage in key Asian markets and communities through their advanced language skills and cultural knowledge.
Recipients include Jack Vear from Evolution Health, Sarah Jarman from Vitality Brands, Rick Creamer from William Angliss Institute of TAFE and Matthew McLean from Downunder Farmstays.
The awards honour former Victorian Premier Rupert Hamer.
Export-ready Victorian companies can also apply to receive up to $50,000 from the Labor Government’s Asia Gateway Voucher program, to support market development activities in the region.
Helping develop Victorian businesses’ Asia capability is part of the Government’s drive to grow the state’s economy through international trade and create more jobs for Victorians.
Last night’s award ceremony was co-hosted by Asia Society Australia, a leading national centre for engagement with Asia which will open a major base in Melbourne later this year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula
“Congratulations to our latest crop of Hamer scholars, who are proof that Victoria’s highly skilled workforce is also globally connected and Asia capable.”
“We’re proud to sponsor these Hamer scholars and we look forward to having them as our ambassadors in China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.”
“One of Victoria’s greatest strengths is that it is a diverse, multicultural state and these scholarships help to strengthen our ties with Asia.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020