The Victorian government has announced the 11 winners of its inaugural Hamer Scholarships – allowing up to 50 Victorians a year to study Chinese language in Jiangsu province, Victoria’s sister state. The scholarships are valued at up to $10,000 and are targeted at people working or studying in industries/fields relevant to China. Applications for round two scholarships, close on August 26.

The initiative forms part of a $50 million ‘Victorian International Engagement Strategy’.

Victorian Emily Dunn, a public relations and media specialist currently working for the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, says the scholarship will assist her to concentrate on learning the intricacies of the Chinese language without having to seek excessive paid work to financially support herself as she pursues her studies in China.

Emily (pictured left), who holds double degrees in journalism and arts (economics) and trained as a reporter with Seven News, hopes to use her improved language skills to promote Victorian, and more broadly Australian capabilities, in Jiangsu and China.

“I’d love to work on communications campaigns to help our products and services stand out from those of the thousands of international firms aggressively targeting the region.”

Emily’s China Career highlights include reporting for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games news service, managing marketing and communications for Queensland’s participation at Shanghai World Expo 2010 and co-hosting the 2011 Australian Football League Grand Final live on Chinese television.

Through her time with AustCham Shanghai, Emily says she has been impressed by the switched-on, hard-working ethos of Australians in China.

“I love the entrepreneurial spirit and energy of Australians in the Shanghai and broader Jiangsu region, and their ability to quickly change and adapt with challenges and opportunities.” ■

Christopher Kong - Novelist and independent consultant

Matt Brent - Australian Industry Group

Michael Thyer - Telstra

Gene Michener - ANZ

Jenna Lipshut - Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau

Moyi Zheng - Department of Premier and Cabinet

Emily Dunn - Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai

David Sobey - Rubicon Water

Chuan Tran - Port of Melbourne Corporation, Swinburne University of Technology

Alice Slevison - RMIT University, University of Melbourne

Daniel Ednie-Lockett - The Asia Institute

For more information on the Hamer Scholarships, visit: