Archived Media Release
19 May 2006
Australian Leadership Awards: a new opportunity to drive reform
Building the capacity of Indonesians to drive economic and social reform and development is the priority of the Australian Leadership Awards, a new scholarship program launched today in Jakarta by the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer.
“I urge men and women who are already leaders or have potential to assume leadership roles that can influence social and economic policy reform and development in Indonesia to apply for an Australian Leadership Award,” Mr Farmer said.
The Australian Leadership Awards are one of several awards and scholarships offered in Indonesia as part of the $1.4 billion Australian Scholarships program.
“Since the 1950s, the Australian Government has provided more than 10,000 scholarships to Indonesian citizens to study in Australia, with around 700 scholarships being offered this year.
“Continuing this special tradition, the Australian Leadership Awards offer unique and valuable opportunities to Indonesia to develop the skills, knowledge and networks of the leaders of the future,” Mr Farmer said.
The new Awards provide scholarships for longer-term post-graduate study at masters or doctoral level and fellowships for short-term research, study or professional attachments. The program will focus on areas such as infectious diseases, health, governance, transnational crime, trade and clean energy. It will strengthen knowledge and understanding on the issues that affect the Asia Pacific region.
The first round of applications for the awards opened on 1 May and closes on 31 July (for commencement in early 2007). Applications for short term Fellowships are expected to open in August.
Mr Farmer said promotion of the scholarships had already commenced, with television advertising throughout the Asia Pacific region. Advertising and promotion in Indonesian press and radio will commence tomorrow.
Further details are available at http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/ala.cfm or email [email protected].
Contact:
Mia Salim (Public Affairs AusAID) – 2550-5490 / 0812 1070237