Meet the new NCP Alumni Ambassadors for 2020
(Canberra, 26 November 2019) We are delighted to welcome and congratulate a talented and diverse group of New Colombo Plan (NCP) Alumni Ambassadors for 2019-2020. Supported as part of an innovative partnership between the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Asialink Business, the new NCP Alumni Ambassadors will play a key role in promoting the NCP on their university campuses and in their communities, and deepening Australia’s connections with the Indo-Pacific.
The 51 new NCP Alumni Ambassadors, who represent all universities around Australia, were formally congratulated on their appointment during a reception with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon. Marise Payne, in Canberra on Monday.
Asialink Business CEO and NCP Business Champion, Mukund Narayanamurti, said:
“Through our partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade we are continuing to support the next generation of Australia’s leaders in the Indo-Pacific, to develop and deepen the capabilities that are central to Australia’s future workforce, economic prosperity, and role in the region.
“With their strong Indo-Pacific skills, networks and understanding, the NCP Alumni Ambassadors – and the wider NCP alumni community - are at the frontline of Australia’s soft power. We’ve been delighted to work with the outgoing 2018-2019 Alumni Ambassadors over the past year. I thank them for their motivation and vision for engagement with the Indo-Pacific, and we look forward to continuing to work with this newly appointed, talented and diverse cohort of NCP Alumni Ambassadors for 2019-2020.”
Through professional development, networking opportunities and engagement, the NCP Alumni Program supports NCP alumni to maintain a connection to each other, the NCP and the Indo-Pacific region, as they progress in their lives and careers.
The prestigious NCP Alumni Ambassador Program is integral in helping to drive engagement and connectivity with the expanding alumni network.
Presenting at a two-day orientation for the incoming NCP Alumni Ambassadors in Canberra, Asialink Business Director of Capability Development, Donna Webster, said:
“The NCP Alumni Ambassador Program is a prestigious and unique opportunity for emerging leaders to connect with, share perspectives and learn from established leaders across business, university and government sectors, while helping to promote the NCP.
“It is always inspirational to work with the NCP Alumni Ambassadors.”
This is the third intake in the NCP Alumni Ambassador Program. The incoming 2019-2020 NCP Alumni Ambassadors will build on the strong achievements of their 2018-2019 and 2017-2018 predecessors.
Outgoing 2018-2019 Alumni Ambassador for the University of Western Sydney, Andrew Phong, said:
“Being an NCP Alumni Ambassador has been an incredible experience. I’ve had access to opportunities, from attending events, networking with business leaders, and even attending an address by the Prime Minister.
“As an NCP Alumni Ambassador, I’ve been able to lead by example, and instill confidence back in my student cohort in Western Sydney. Seeing the results and the change in confidence in the students I interacted with has been really rewarding. It’s been an unprecedented year.”
Newly appointed Indigenous Alumni Ambassador, Tahlia Arrowsmith, from The University of New England, said:
“As I’m studying to become a primary school teacher, helping Indigenous students to achieve in education is a big goal for me. As an NCP Alumni Ambassador, I hope to create networks, share experience and opportunities and involve Indigenous cultures and others as much as possible in the NCP.”
To meet Tahlia, Andrew and the other 2019-2020 incoming NCP Alumni Ambassadors, view their profiles here.
For more information on the New Colombo Plan Alumni Ambassadors, see here.
Asialink Business is the National Centre for Asia Capability. We support organisations in all sectors of the economy to develop the critical skills, knowledge and networks needed to better understand and do business with Asia.
Media contacts
Heather Chai, Head of Communications & PR
Tel: 0423 035 277 / heather.chai@asialinkbusiness.com.au