100 scholarships, a year, forever.

 

WESTPAC SCHOLARS TRUST INVESTS $4.5M IN 100 INSPIRING CHANGEMAKERS

 

In a nation-wide quest to uncover Australia's brightest changemakers, Westpac Scholars Trust is investing in our next generation of leaders by awarding 100 scholarships, valued at $4.5 million to a remarkable cohort of university students, early-career researchers, and social entrepreneurs.

 

The 2024 scholarships are the latest to be announced as part of the Trust’s commitment to invest in 100 scholarships a year, forever, in the areas of innovation & technology, sustainability, strengthening ties with Asia and social change.  

 

In addition to financial support, the scholarships provide bespoke leadership programs, to learn from leaders in their respective fields and to equip them to tackle the most pressing global challenges.

 

Westpac Scholars Trust CEO Amy Lyden said: “Westpac Scholars are granted financial support, leadership development and networking opportunities to fast track their personal growth.”

 

“By investing in our newest scholars through education, research, cultural leadership and connections, we believe they will be at the forefront, driving positive change in Australia.”

 

The five scholarship programs: Young Technologists, Research Fellows, Social Change Fellows, Future Leaders and Asian Exchange proudly support individuals with different interests and passions from a range of demographic backgrounds and geographic locations.

 

Among this year's cohort of Westpac Young Technologists Scholars is Emma Wilson, who is undertaking a Bachelor of Information Technology at Murdoch University, with a double major in AI and cyber security.

 

“Eventually I want to establish a company that provides cyber security resources to the public,” said Wilson.

 

“I want to enable people to be conscious of their technological footprint and to educate them on cyber safety; especially elderly Australians and those living in regional areas, who often face the most disadvantage in this area.”

 

Asian Exchange Scholar, Vaishnavi Muddam is studying a Bachelor of Philosophy in Science at the Australian National University (ANU) focusing on physics and mathematics, and aspires to pursue research in quantum and nuclear physics. She is passionate about advocating for inclusivity in STEM and is also currently the Executive Director of Fifty50, an organisation dedicated to gender equality in STEM, based at ANU.

 

“I am excited to expand my horizons through an exchange to the University of Tokyo and hope to contribute to global collaboration in science and advocate for inclusivity in STEM,” Said Muddam.

 

"I saw the Westpac Scholarship as an incredible opportunity to further my academic and personal development and amplify my impact on society."

 

Find out more about Westpac Scholars here.

 

Published 20 March 2024