Ashok Mysore and Peter Varghese Appointed to Advisory Group to Lead Indo-Pacific Engagement of New Colombo Plan

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts announced the new External Advisory Group (EAG) members for the New Colombo Plan (NCP), a flagship initiative to enhance Australia’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.

The EAG, chaired by Minister Watts, will co-design the next phase of the New Colombo Plan, which will focus on expanding longer deployments for students, enhancing Asian language learning, and strengthening institutional partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

Watts emphasised the critical role the group will play in shaping the program’s future to ensure it continues to deliver tangible benefits and foster a greater understanding of Australia’s regional neighbours.

“We are committed to ensuring the New Colombo Plan continues to create deeper connections with the Indo-Pacific,” Watts said.

“I look forward to working closely with the EAG to provide an even stronger platform for future generations of Australians to engage with our region.”

The appointed members, drawn from diverse backgrounds across higher education, industry, and NCP alumni, will help shape the program’s future direction, ensuring it continues to foster regional ties and build Australians’ capability to operate in the Indo-Pacific.

The newly appointed members of the External Advisory Group include:

•   Ms Grace Corcoran, Diplomacy Program Lead, Asialink
•   Prof Nicholas Farrelly, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Tasmania
•   Prof Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Adelaide University
•   The Hon Phil Honeywood, CEO, International Education Association of Australia
•   Ms Renae Lattey, Chief Executive Partner, King and Wood Mallesons
•   Mr Ashok Mysore, Member, Victoria Trade and Investment Advisory Board
•   Mr Luke Sheehy, CEO, Universities Australia
•   Mr Peter Varghese AO, Chancellor, University of Queensland
•   Ms Elena Williams, ANU Indonesia Institute
•   Ms Hayley Winchcombe, Engagement Manager, Mandala Partners

In the ten years since its inception, the New Colombo Plan has supported over 50,000 Australian students and connected 41 universities with more than 2,500 institutions across the Indo-Pacific. The program has provided participants with opportunities to study, undertake language training, and engage in internships and research placements across 40 host locations, helping to deepen Australia’s ties to the region.

With experts spanning diplomacy, education, international law, and industry, the advisory group will help steer the program towards new opportunities for collaboration and growth, ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of regional engagement and development.

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