Hurstville student Philip Chan has received a $100,000 scholarship from the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation – a foundation set up to celebrate the bank’s 200th anniversary in 2017.
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Philip will receive one of 22 Future Leader Scholarships in 2017, offered by the foundation, to support his studies in human rights and development as a children’s rights lawyer, policymaker and academic.
Westpac said it would be funding Mr Chan $105,367 to go towards his ongoing studies, research and work at the University of Sydney.
The scholarship will also includes a nine-month, leadership program and cover his costs for an international experience. While it is not yet set in stone, Mr Chan hopes to attend the Lund University in Sweden as an assistant researcher.
He is interested in Lund University because of his passion and work in human rights, specialising in refugees, and Sweden is seen as a leader in this area.
Mr Chan said the scholarship would help him positively impact the lives of many Australians.
“I am passionate about the well being of children. They are the key to Australia’s future growth and prosperity.
“Using my legal and policy expertise, I want to create innovative solutions for Indigenous and refugee children in detention through reforms to the Australian juvenile justice system.
“Being a 2017 scholar during Westpac’s 200th anniversary is a phenomenal privilege and will be a life-changing experience, and a lifelong investment in me as a person and leader.
“The international experience will be an invaluable springboard to my career, while the leadership program will empower me to be the most effective children’s rights practitioner.”
Westpac Bicentennial Foundation chief executive Susan Bannigan said Westpac Future Leaders come from diverse fields and backgrounds with a common goal – to shape a better future for all Australians.
“All the scholars are passionate about one or more of the foundation’s focus areas – innovation and technology, enabling positive social change, and strengthening Australia’s ties with Asia – and Westpac is proud to back them so they can realise their full leadership potential.”
The Westpac Future Leader Scholarship is one of five scholarships offered through the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation.
A total of 200 scholars will benefit from the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation.