Outstanding students named Westpac Scholars for 2023
A talented group of eight Western Sydney University students have been awarded scholarships from Westpac Scholars Trust to help them drive innovation across the technology sector and foster ties in Asia.
Arshdeep Singh Cheema, Lachlan Luu, Leonel Vallejos, Nicholas Messiha, Mahd Khan, Tom Rodenhuis, Vivian Nyugen and Emily Nelson were named 2023 Westpac Scholars, recognised for their leadership capabilities and commitment to advancing Australia.
Tom Rodenhuis, who studies the Bachelor of Cyber Security and Behaviour and received the Young Technologists Scholarship valued at $15,000, said through his degree he aims to develop and enhance both current and future methodologies of protecting computer networks, systems and data.
“Throughout my career, I aim to ‘shake up’ the industry to assist disadvantaged communities through providing access to high-quality and low-cost resources, traditionally gate-kept or paywalled by major service providers,” said Tom.
“To me, this Westpac Scholarship is a limitless opportunity that provides me and other scholars with the opportunity to connect, develop, enrich and grow our understanding and potential within our chosen fields. It is a medium through which careers may be accelerated, passions expanded and nurtured, and a platform to enact positive, real and measurable change.”
Emily Nelson, who studies the Bachelor of Languages and received the Asian Exchange Scholarship valued at $12,250, highlighted that her interest in Asia, specifically Japan, stemmed from a deep interest in cultural and media exchange.
“It has never been easier for Australian youth to access and be influenced by the media and culture of other nations, which has been proven to contribute towards the development of a more empathetic and culturally aware new generation,” said Emily.
“I'm very much looking forward to the leadership development program working on my personal development and leadership skills, as well as networking. I can't wait to explore Singapore - a country I never thought I'd be going to before receiving the scholarship!”
Western Sydney University is one of a select number of universities across Australia that partners with Westpac Scholars Trust to award scholarships to outstanding students.
This year, 100 scholarships were awarded to exceptional undergraduate students, researchers and social entrepreneurs who shared in $4 million collectively.
To learn more about the 2023 Westpac Scholars, including those from Western Sydney University, please visit the scholar directory (opens in a new window).
ENDS
20 April 2023
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.