F A S I C

Leesa Chen

Area of Interest: International Trade

The support and encouragement of BHP and the Foundation for Australia Studies in China have given me the courage to leap into a new environment in pursuit of studies towards my passion in Australia-China bilateral trade. The opportunity to study in Chongqing in particular and the exposure to the One Belt One Road initiative is a rare opportunity to develop expertise in international business strategy, cross-border collaboration and further my understanding of the role of Chinese culture from an international business context.

Studies from an international perspective whilst maintaining a regional focus and local insights are also unique perspectives which I hope to apply and share after my studies. I look forward to contributing my learnings towards the future for closer Australia-China opportunities across Australian agriculture, the Australian dairy industry and regional and rural communities.

Lewis Daniels-Gardiner

Area of interest: International Trade and Economics

I intend to use the scholarship to pursue a range of academic and professional interests pertaining to the Australia-China relationship.

As Australia's most important trading partner, understanding China's economy and the nature of bilateral trade will be central to our mutual prosperity moving forward. Furthermore, China's position as the most strategically significant Asian nation makes cross-cultural and political understanding between both our nations paramount to securing a stable region in which trade can thrive. It is my aim that by studying at Peking University I can develop the skills and economic acumen necessary to ensure a positive relationship between our countries.

Given the central role of the Chinese language in business and cross-cultural understanding, I intend to use my scholarship to pursue further language study with the aim of acquiring a translation certificate. Additionally, the receipt of this scholarship will assist with a range of other essential expenses related to internships, exchange and research.

Annabelle Jarrett

Area of interest: Governance

I am delighted to have been awarded a 2018 BHP Australia China scholarship to undertake a Master of International Affairs at Peking University. As part of this degree, I will be taking a range of courses, focusing on topics around the Australia-China relationship, Chinese strategic policy and security, and sustainable development. I will also be continuing to study Mandarin language to guide my understanding of the Chinese context. I will be supported not only to live and study in China, but also to pursue my interest into contemporary Chinese domestic politics, and, the role of women in developing China's national policy agenda. Alongside my studies, I am intending to undertake an internship with a strategic advisory group and to be involved with a range of women's and Australia-focused networks and social groups. I feel that these experiences will enhance my academic experience and provide greater context to my understanding of China and its place in the world.

Phoebe Snep

Area of interest: International Politics

My intended course of study is in the field of International Politics, pairing a wider international relations analysis with a focus on diplomacy and government in China. Within my studies, I have always centred issues of gender, race and sustainability, which I plan to maintain as a lens of analysis in my upcoming studies.

As a growing power on the world stage, China is central to global trade and relations. As such, it is in diplomacy and trade deals both with and by China, that change can be affected to achieve humanitarian aims. Knowing this, I applied for, and was admitted to, a double degree Masters of Government and Politics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Master of International Relations at Monash University. This pairing of domestic and international studies in Australia and in China provides a unique spread of knowledge across both Eastern and Western political theory and trade. Receiving this scholarship has given me the opportunity to take up this degree. With the funding from FASIC and BHP, I am able to focus on my studies and the writing of my thesis, which I would otherwise not have been able to do. I look forward to learning from and contributing to the growing field of feminist international political economy and international relations, and am grateful to have had the chance to focus on my passions in the centre of global trade, politics and growing industries.

WU Haiyan

Area of interest: Australian Studies - Education

I am extremely grateful to FASIC for providing me with this rare and unique opportunity to pursue my academic and professional interest in policies and practices of teacher education in Australia and China and to continue forging strong ties between the two countries.

Policies and practices of preservice teacher education are of high importance in the development of quality teachers. The proposed study will examine the policies and practices of preservice teacher education in Australia and China and accentuate the effective approaches and best practice of initial teacher education programs implemented by both countries to promote student teachers’ professional competence. Both countries experience problems and challenges in developing sound policies and implementing them. By adopting a qualitative approach to scrutinize the implementation of current policy from the perspectives of teacher educators at Deakin and Inner Mongolia Normal University, this study will focus on the teacher educators’ perceptions of the policies and practices of preservice teacher education in Australia and China. The ultimate findings will not only make contributions to the current studies of pre-service teacher education in Australia and China, but also provide theoretical implications and practical suggestions for both countries.

Warmest congratulations to Emeritus Professor David Walker AM, FASIC Director and the inaugural BHP Billiton Chair of Australia Studies at Peking University, for being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia “for significant services to education in the field of Australian Studies and to international relations”. Click here to read the media notes on David’s service.