Westpac Scholars Trust awards $1.1 million to 71 undergraduates strengthening Asia connections and driving tech innovation
Westpac Scholars Trust has awarded 71 undergraduate students scholarships valued at $1.1 million, to help shape the future through technology and deepening Australia’s ties with Asia.
Thirty-four Young Technologists Scholarships will empower high school graduates to explore technology’s potential for good at their partner universities. Another 37 Asian Exchange Scholarships will provide students with immersive experiences in Asia’s top innovation hubs, strengthening cross-cultural intelligence and networks.
"This year’s undergraduates are exceptionally talented and have bright futures ahead, driving innovation in technology and AI, advancing healthcare, and shaping the future of aerospace," said Amy Lyden, CEO of Westpac Scholars Trust. "By investing in them, we’re supporting ideas that will have a lasting impact on Australia’s future."
Innovation at the Forefront
Among these tech innovators is Westpac Young Technologist, Francesca Cassandra Pacheco who designed a smart bedroom mirror to boost teenage confidence, blending interactive design, coding, and emerging tech. "During my Year 11 Design and Technology class, I developed a self-esteem mirror that delivers positive messages to users through an interactive display. By integrating touchscreens, Raspberry Pi technology, and user-centric programming, I aimed to create a product that supports mental well-being.
Asian Exchange Scholar Saskia Beuk, a mechatronics engineering student at Monash University, who is advancing artificial heart technologies to address donor shortages. "My team is working on designing a total artificial heart that could serve as a long-term alternative to transplants. Studying in Singapore will connect me with world-leading experts in biotech innovation, giving me hands-on experience in advanced medical engineering," Beuk said.
AI Transforming the Future of Space Travel
Aerospace engineering student, Arushi Senchaudhuri will explore AI-driven solutions for sustainable space travel during her Asian Exchange Scholarship. "My passion is to design innovative and sustainable solutions for space exploration through AI. In Singapore, I’ll be collaborating with leading researchers on advancements in aerospace sustainability, focusing on fuel efficiency, space debris management, and automated mission planning. With Asia at the forefront of aerospace and AI — this opportunity will help me learn from the best and shape my contributions to the future of space exploration," she said.
More than financial support, both scholarships offer bespoke leadership programs, including an immersive residential experience in Singapore.
“The leadership programs and global networks available to our scholars will help them accelerate their impact and contribute to shaping a stronger, more innovative future for Australia,” said Lyden.
With this latest announcement, Westpac Scholars Trust along with its university partners, has now finalised its 2025 scholar cohort, awarding over $5 million to 100 bright minds. Dedicated to building a better future for Australia, the Trust is committed to awarding 100 scholarships a year, forever.
Congratulations to our new undgraduate scholars: