Student announced as a 2024 New Colombo Plan Scholar

The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduate students to undertake study, language training and internships in the region. This initiative deepens the connections and relationships between Australia and the region and helps to expand university, business and institutional links.

Tahleah Murphy is a Bachelor of Communication Design student who is currently based on the Gold Coast and studying at the Brisbane campus. She is one of 150 undergraduate students in Australia awarded the NCP scholarship in 2024. With a passion for creativity, Tahleah studies Communication Design because of its “holistic and interdisciplinary approach to visual communication. My degree is equipping me with the knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills required to provide visual solutions to real-world problems.”

Tahleah Murphy - New Colombo Plan (NCP) recipient

Reason to apply for the New Colombo Plan

When asked about what motivated her to apply, Tahleah replied, “I’ve always wanted the opportunity to work, live and study abroad and the New Colombo Plan couldn’t be a more perfect opportunity. It is a great way to develop a better understanding of the world by connecting with different cultures in various settings. As a creative and future designer, being exposed to new environments, ideas and perspectives opens you up to more creativity and innovation and connecting with our Indo-Pacific neighbours seems like the best place to start.”

Japan as the New Colombo Plan destination

Tahleah chose Japan as her study destination due to “its environmental diversity and the appreciation that Japan holds for the natural world, especially through art, calligraphy and Shinto beliefs.” She has nominated to study at the Musashino University in Tokyo as “it has a profound connection to culture and it has closely related subjects to my Communication Design degree such as illustration, information design and print media.”

“Australia and Japan have a close relationship and Japan is specifically a leader in innovation, design, technology and manufacturing. The only way to truly deepen my understanding of their culture is through first-hand experience and developing genuine connections, which is what the New Colombo Plan initiative provides access to.”

Tahleah expressed she hopes to have a unique and different cultural immersion during her experience. “I’m excited to show my interest and appreciation of Japanese culture through exploring communities and undergoing an internship to gain exposure to the design industry in Japan. I hope to see first-hand how design solutions are created in a different culture and what I can take back with me in my future design career. I’m excited to learn in a new environment and be challenged.”

Before commencing her program later in the year, Tahleah will carry out language training at Genki Japanese and Cultural School. “I am very honoured to be representing Australia, Torrens University and Billy Blue College of Design through the New Colombo Plan.”

Find out more information about the New Colombo Plan here.