New Colombo Plan Scholar Sara Khamkoed hopes to develop connections between Thailand and Australia through art, stories and understanding. The New Colombo Plan NCP is an Australian Government initiative aimed at fostering stronger ties in the Indo-Pacific region by supporting Australian students in internships, mentorships and undergraduate studies in 40 participating countries. Traditional Thai art forms such as the murals found temple walls and shadow puppets communicate stories.
Visually this work is so beautiful and intricate too. I think I can find a little story in the everyday - Thailand is such a wonderful and vibrant country to be in. The NCP Scholarship assists students in tuition fees and expenses while they study and undertake placements abroad for a year. Recently, Sara attended an intensive month long language course at the Lanta International Language School.
Beyond enriching academic engagement in neighbouring countries, the NCP program allows students to develop professional skills and gain industry experience in practical work environments related to their prospective careers. How does a book come together? How does an original manuscript become selected? How do companies work with the author to develop and improve that manuscript?
Sara believes that creative expression is essential for connecting to other cultures and has enjoyed studying creative writing with her Thai peers as part of her trimester at Mahidol University. By reading about people and cultures that are different from our own, we are able to develop empathy. We experience what is in other people's hearts and minds," she said.
Whether it be through meeting new people, fulfilling curiosities or establishing networks for future opportunities, Sara is keen to stay open to the possibilities provided by her NPC scholarship and will continue to expand her ideas for her art as she travels.
