Eden Valley’s Alice Dawkins has been awarded a Schwarzman Scholarship which will enable her to undertake a master programme in global affairs.
Selected from more than 4,000 applicants world wide, Alice will travel to Beijing in August next year to attend the Tsinghua University for the 12 month programme.
Funded by American billionaire, Stephen Schwarzman, the programme is designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders by focusing on understanding China’s emerging role on the global landscape.
The scholarship adds to Alice’s expanding studies and knowledge including a Bachelor of Asian Studies (Hons) and in coming months a Bachelor of Laws (Hons).
She recently completed a year at the University of Yangon, Myanmar as the first New Colombo Plan Fellow.
In a space of five years, it is the second time Alice has studied in China.
“I am keen to make the best contribution that I can,” said Alice.
“Since commencing university I’ve been quite resolute about what I want to do with my studies and I am lucky to have that clarity, and a space that I am able to give back to.”
The programme has a strong academic focus but also allows for practical experience in a range of workplaces.
Having completed her schooling in Adelaide and undertaken university studies at the Australia National University, Canberra, Alice took some time out last week to speak to The Leader.
She said while she’s been “in and out” of the Barossa and usually back for holidays, it now feels like she’s engaging with the region.
Alice has previously consulted for Regional Development Australia Barossa as part of their China ready programme - drawing on her knowledge through studies and living in the country for 12 months.
“I had my year in China in 2011-2012 and I came back to work some horses, and I saw such a gap in what I thought Chinese investors and tourists had to offer,” said Alice.
While Alice acknowledges there is some fear of the Chinese interests in the region, she said it is important to act now and act wisely, as there is a race to beat better resourced, comparable wine regions of the world.
“The first port of call is checking with the people that have called this place home for a long time,” said Alice.
For the full story see this week’s edition of The Leader.
