Leadership awards launched for RI scholars

JAKARTA: Indonesia's future leaders can now apply to study in Australia in 2010 as part of the prestigious Australian Leadership Awards scholarships, the Australian Embassy said in a media release published Friday.

The Australian Leadership Awards constitute a regionally-competitive scholarship program that offers 150 awards annually for masters and doctoral study in Australia to future leaders from across Asia and the Pacific.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, said Indonesia had received the highest number of awards in the last two years. He is confident that Indonesians will continue to show their leadership potential in this year's round of applications.

"In both 2008 and 2009, Indonesia received the highest number of awards of any one country - testament to the leadership talent here.

"I hope they will not only contribute to the economic, social and community development of Indonesia but also strengthen the ties that bind our two countries," Farmer said.

In addition to studying for postgraduate qualifications, award recipients also discuss and debate emerging leadership issues with their regional neighbors through a tailored leadership development program.

Applications for 2010 opened on 19 March 2009 and close on 30 June 2009. Further information is available on the Australian governments scholarships website at www.australianscholarships.gov.au. -JP