Australia Awards Fellowship to rebuild journalistic trust in the Indo-Pacific
Western Sydney University’s Dr Asha Chand from the School of Humanities and Communication Arts has been awarded an Australia Awards Fellowship by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to lead a program of collaboration with international partners in the Indo-Pacific region focused on rebuilding public trust in journalism and promoting diplomatic relations and trade cooperation among partner countries.
The Fellowship program, valued at $459,000, will fund Fellows from Fiji, Indonesia and India to partake in a month-long immersive experience in Sydney to share teaching, research, community, and cultural knowledge and resources. This will enable regional capacity building by empowering the fellows, students, communities, and countries in the use of technologies to stay connected and overcome barriers of distance.
This follows a month-long online training program that was delivered to the fellows in October last year by researchers and alumni from the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, including Associate Lecturer Vincent Tay who is a facilitator of the Fellowship program.
Project Lead and Facilitator Dr Asha Chand said that by sharing what they learn with their peers and students back home, the participants will become enablers for change and a better society, fulfilling the core objectives of this project.
“The program builds on the importance of an informed community through a rigorous ethical media landscape which must function well as the foundation and cornerstone of civil society. Digital media and journalism play a pivotal role in enhancing such developments in our communities. The journalism and communications program at Western is well-placed to lead this innovation, having built a global rapport through excellence in research, teaching, community development and engagement,” said Dr Chand.
“Emphasis on mentorship and ongoing support for the Fellows ensures that they are well-prepared to lead long-term capability development in their home countries. This aligns with the shared priority of building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to drive digital economies and improve livelihoods.
“Equipping professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, fostering media excellence, and promoting cross-border collaboration, the Fellowship will play a pivotal role in advancing the digital future of the region.”
Australia Awards are prestigious international Scholarships, Fellowships and short courses funded by the Australian Government. Australia Awards Fellowships aim to build networks of influence and leadership by strengthening partnerships between Australian organisations and partner organisations in the region. Fellowships target senior and mid-career officials and professionals who are in a position to advance development outcomes in priority areas and increase the institutional capacity of partner countries through their leadership.
ENDS
25 March 2025
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