Two Murdoch University students win Japanese studies scholarships

7/12/98

The opportunity to live and study in Japan for 12 months has been awarded to two deserving university students, both from Murdoch University.

On behalf of Education Minister Colin Barnett, Hon Derrick Tomlinson MLC today presented Western Australian Japanese studies scholarships to Belinda Ware (from Forrestfield) and Melanie Hawkes (from Willetton).

Belinda is completing a double degree in Japanese Studies and Secondary Teacher Education at Murdoch University and plans to teach Japanese in WA schools.

She will take up her scholarship at Himeji Dokkyo University in the Hyogo Prefecture, studying Japanese language and culture with education methodology.

Melanie has recently completed her second year of the bachelor of Asian Studies (Japanese) at Murdoch University and will also study at Himeji Dokkyo University.

Her academic program will include the Japanese language as well as communication and interpreting units. Melanie plans to work as an interpreter.

"In the past two decades, closer relationships in both economic and cultural terms have developed between Japan and Australia and it is terrific that our students can have the opportunity to live and study in Japan to further these ties," Mr Barnett said.

"Belinda and Melanie both have achieved excellent academic results and have very clear plans for their future study and career aspirations. I wish them well."

This year Belinda was selected to represent Murdoch University in the Hyogo Prefecture Joint Summer Session at Sea education program which saw her join a floating university on a five day cruise from Singapore to Fremantle.

Melanie has previously travelled to Japan after finishing her secondary studies and has the added challenge of coping with a neuromuscular disorder which has confined her to a wheelchair but has not, in any way, impeded her ambitions.

Media contact: Justine Whittome, (08) 9222 9699