Students win Prime Minister’s scholarships

Six students are off to China after winning a prestigious scholarship

 Scholarship recipients, Simon Young, Josh King, Kirstie Dawson-Smith, Ben Gomas, Ezra Hirawani and Faranisese Baya Fox
SCHOLARS ALL:  Simon Young, Josh King, Kirstie Dawson-Smith, Ben Gomas, Ezra Hirawani and Faranisese Baya Fox

A handful of dedicated Wintec students is heading over to China thanks to the Prime Minister’s Scholarship.

Six business students, Joshua King, Simon Young, Ezra Hirawani, Kristie Dawson-Smith, Frances Foxx, and Ben Gomas will head over to the Shandong University of Technology next year for a semester of study.

They are just a handful of the 160 total tertiary students from across the nation who are taking part in the scholarships, heading to universities all across Asia.

The scholarships, which are worth a total of $73,000, cover study fees, flights, living expenses and accommodation for the students while over in China.

Adult student Simon Young is excited about experience a new culture, “I’m over the moon to be offered this opportunity.”

“I have a passion for workplace health and safety. I hope that I get a chance to experience the business culture in China around health and safety and bring back some fresh ideas to use in  Hamilton.”

For fellow student, Ezra Hirawani, going to China has always been a dream.

“I thought I’d be bound in New Zealand until I finished studying. Now I’ll have the best of both worlds,” said Hirawani, who is looking forward to gaining international connections while in China.

“I can’t wait to learn  a new language, new customs and make new friends.”

The Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia are funded by the New Zealand government and students are chosen based on their academic strength, personal attributes, and ability to represent New Zealand positively.

“We’re delighted that our students have been given this opportunity,” said Wintec chief executive, Mark Flowers.  “It will strengthen Wintec’s student exchange and pathway agreements with our long standing partnership with Shandong University of Technology.”