31 January 2025
UniSA's 2024 Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management) student Constance Ko and Master of Education student Tiffany Lau with Australian National University (ANU) Australian Studies Institute (ASI) Director, Professor Mark Kenny (centre), in Australia’s capital, Canberra.
Two exceptional UniSA international students recently participated in the prestigious 2024 Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program, gaining unprecedented access to Australia's most influential institutions during an immersive three-day study tour in the nation's capital.
Master of Education student Tiffany Lau and Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management) student Constance Ko, both from Hong Kong, were among just 33 high-performing international students selected from universities across Australia for this year's program. Named in honour of Dr Stephen FitzGerald, Australia's first ambassador to the People's Republic of China, the initiative aims to deepen engagement between Australia and China while fostering lasting people-to-people relations.
The students were granted exclusive access to iconic landmarks including Parliament House, the High Court of Australia and the National Press Club. Through these visits, they developed unique insights into Australia's political, legal and cultural foundations.
Breaking down stereotypes
For Constance, who brings a unique perspective as an international student studying in Australia, the program aligned perfectly with her aspirations.
Having grown up in Hong Kong and now experiencing life and education in Australia, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of fostering dialogue to break down stereotypes and build lasting connections,
she says.
A highlight of her experience was the Gala Dinner, where she had the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions with influential leaders.
My conversation with Professor Hugh White provided valuable insights into Australia's geopolitical positioning and underscored how cultural exchange initiatives can challenge preconceptions and strengthen ties between Australia and China,
she says.
The program also resonated with her professional interests in climate action.
Constance explaining how enriching relationships between Australian and Chinese professionals can be developed at the Gala Dinner held at the National Museum of Australia.
"Speaking with Professor Mark Howden, Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), was immensely inspiring. His insights encouraged me to think more holistically about the interconnectedness of technical innovation and human-centered approaches in addressing global environmental challenges."
Gaining valuable perspectives
Tiffany discussing the importance of language preservation and its ability to empower communities and their sense of identity at the Gala Dinner.
For Tiffany, whose passion lies in promoting linguistic diversity and education, the program offered valuable perspectives on Australia's democratic processes.
Observing a session in Parliament House was enlightening. It showcased the democratic process in action and emphasized the importance of active citizenship and representation in governance,
she says.
Both students found their visit to the High Court of Australia especially eye-opening.
The presentation by former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia Robert French was delightful,
Tiffany says.
He provided insights into the history and development of the constitution in Australia and its significance, as well as the High Court's role in interpreting its provisions.
A special moment for Constance and Tiffany was when award-winning Australian journalist, Virginia Haussegger, who is a staunch advocate for gender equality, gave a speech on women's representation in politics.
Her discussion was deeply thought-provoking, highlighting how much more needs to be done to advance women's rights and support one another in achieving gender equity,
Constance says.
Tiffany says Haussegger’s call for continued advocacy and systemic change was inspiring and a reminder of the challenges that still exist in achieving true equality.
Looking to a bright future
Both women see their experience as a catalyst for developing stronger connections between Australia and China. Tiffany envisions practical applications in education.
The relationships I've established during the program can facilitate collaborative research projects focused on education policy, language acquisition, and intercultural communication,
she says.
By partnering with Australian and Chinese educational institutions, we can explore best practices in teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and language instruction.
For Constance, the program's impact extends to her field of water engineering.
My academic background and ambition to contribute to mega hydro-engineering projects underscore my commitment to addressing global challenges through international collaboration,
she says.
The program's emphasis on fostering dialogue and exchange complements my belief that innovative solutions to shared challenges, such as water scarcity and flood management, require collaborative efforts.
The Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, represents a significant investment in nurturing future leaders who will shape Australia-China relations.
Constance with Professor Mark Kenny at Australia’s Parliament House.
