New Colombo Plan scholarship sends Austin Wyatt to Korea
In Summary
Swinburne student Austin Wyatt has been awarded one of 100 New Colombo Scholarships, giving him the opportunity to spend up to twelve months studying at one of Korea’s most prestigious universities.
Currently completing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) majoring in security and counter terrorism, Austin will also undertake an internship with a Korean organisation.
Commencing in February 2016, Austin will study at the Korean Advanced Institute for Science and Technology where he will further his studies into the use of drones and autonomous weapons.
‘My Honours research interest involves looking at the transition from drones to autonomous weapons and the policy implications associated with managing the impact of that transition,’ Austin says.
‘Korea will be a great place to work and study, as they are at the forefront of robotics technology.’
After beginning a degree in NSW, Austin chose to move down and study at Swinburne, to study counter-terrorism under the supervision of Dr. Christine Agius.
‘Swinburne was one of the few universities that offered a specific major in security and counter terrorism, which was what I wanted to pursue my studies in.
‘I also knew that Professor Don Iverson was moving to Swinburne. He has been a great mentor to me, so I was further motivated to join Swinburne.’
Austin is the third Swinburne student to receive a New Colombo Plan Scholarship. 2013 saw International Business student Denver Linklater receive a scholarship to study in Singapore and in 2014 Aviation student Daniel Eastwood Whittaker was awarded a scholarship to study in China.
The New Colombo Plan is an initiative of the Australian Government that aims to lift knowledge of the Indo Pacific in Australia and encourage more Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.