Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network members awarded Prime Minister’s Asia scholarships
Four members of the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Leadership Network will expand their knowledge of Asia-New Zealand
relations after being awarded Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia.
The Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia are funded by the New Zealand government and support tertiary students to
spend between six weeks and two years undertaking study or research in Asia.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation launched its Leadership Network in 2006 to foster a group of young people dedicated to
building understanding and knowledge between New Zealand and Asia. The network now has more than 350 outstanding young
people in New Zealand, Asia and beyond.
Asia New Zealand Foundation deputy executive director Adele Mason says the Foundation has made the Leadership Network
one of its priorities in the past few years, and has provided its members with a range of professional development and
experiences in Asia.
“It’s great that the quality of the Leadership Network has been recognised with these scholarships. We look forward to
seeing these impressive young people further deepen their understanding of Asia.
“They will join dozens of other members of our Leadership Network who are already studying or working in Asia and
contributing to the international skills of New Zealand.”
Leadership Network member Hayden Montgomerie, whose scholarship will support MBA studies in Thailand, said: "My
membership and leadership within the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network has, over the past seven years,
given me a clear understanding of the key competencies required to be successful in Asia.”
Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network recipients of the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia are:
Laura Browne (Auckland), who will conduct research in China towards her Master in Commerce, majoring in international
business, at the University of Auckland. Her research will examine the experiences, business models and strategies
adopted by New Zealand primary sector businesses with an Asia focus, and the factors that have secured their success in
China. “The outcome sought will be not only a piece of academic research but a compilation of experience useful to other
businesses looking to do business with China,” Browne says.
Oliver Ibbetson (Wellington), who will spend a year studying Chinese in Kaohsiung, Taiwan before embarking on a two-year
global MBA programme in Taipei. Ibbetson became interested in learning Chinese after the Asia New Zealand Foundation
sponsored his attendance at the Seminar for Youth Public Participation in Taipei last year, where he maintained a number
of connections and friendships. "New Zealand is well set up for the Asian Century, and I hope that my time in Taiwan
will allow me to be part of that change".
· Jordan King (Wellington), who will study a Master of Arts in China Development Studies at the University of Hong Kong.
“Over the coming years we will see China grappling with significant political, financial, environmental and social
policy challenges associated with a shift towards a consumption-driven economic model,” King says. “This MA programme
will help me gain real insight into the magnitude of change in China and how this will impact on New Zealand.” He hopes
to work for a China-focused public sector organisation once he returns to New Zealand.
· Hayden Montgomerie (Wellington), who will study a Master of Business Administration at Assumption University, Bangkok,
Thailand. He plans to focus on ASEAN economic integration in 2015 and creating opportunities for increase New
Zealand-ASEAN cooperation in international education. "I believe that studying for an MBA in Asia, and specifically in
Thailand, will provide me with the cross-cultural and international environment for me to build my skills for the
future.” Ultimately, he hopes to develop and lead new business relationships between New Zealand and the ASEAN region.
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