Two QUT students have been awarded highly competitive Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowships, recognising their leadership potential and commitment to strengthening ties between Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
The prestigious fellowship program supports emerging leaders to build cross-cultural capability, deepen regional understanding and develop the skills needed to tackle shared challenges across Australia and Asia.
Master of Philosophy (Biomedical Science) student Rebecca Kerstens and Bachelor of Information Technology/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) student Luke Foster will join a national cohort of scholars undertaking immersive experiences across Asia, including residential programs in Singapore and Malaysia, and Indonesia and Vietnam.
Professor Mark Harvey, QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Vice-President (Business Development), said the fellowships would open the door to transformative opportunities.
“Through this Westpac fellowship, these students will be rewarded with empowering and life-shaping adventures, gaining invaluable experience with leading international partners and building connections that will shape their future careers,” Professor Harvey said.
Ms Kerstens, who is completing a Master of Philosophy in Biomedical Science at the QUT Centre for Microbiome Research, said her research explores links between diet, gut bacteria and mental health.
“My project combines bioinformatic analysis and wet-lab techniques to investigate the impact of dietary components on bacterial strains associated with positive mental health,” she said.
“Prior to my studies, I lived abroad in numerous countries, including many years in Southeast Asia. Living across different countries exposed me to significant health inequities, sparking a passion for accessible health care.”
Ms Kerstens said she was motivated to apply for the fellowship to continue building connections in the region.
“I have spent much of the last decade living, studying and working in Asia, and I am grateful for the numerous opportunities for growth that this presented. I have developed strong connections both personally and professionally and am always excited by opportunities to continue engaging within the region,” she said.
“I was also inspired by the opportunity to be part of the W100 Scholars Network. I look forward to ongoing learning and development opportunities and engaging with a community that shares my passion for Asia engagement.”
Mr Foster, who is studying dual degrees in Information Technology and Education (Secondary), said he hopes to use his career to expand opportunities for students in regional areas.
“After graduating, I want to teach IT and mathematics to students in rural and remote communities because I’m passionate about giving these students the opportunity to be curious and confident about technology,” he said.
“I applied for the 2026 Westpac Fellowship to become a more confident and knowledgeable leader, which will help accelerate my growth as both an educator and technologist.”
Mr Foster said he hoped the experience would broaden his perspective as a teacher.
“I hope to build my leadership capability and develop a stronger understanding of Asia’s cultural and educational contexts,” he said.
“The experience will help me lead with a broader perspective and apply more globally informed approaches to education back in Australia, particularly in regional and remote communities.”
Reflecting on his previous international experiences, Mr Foster said collaboration across regions was essential.
“My New Colombo Plan experience in South Korea and India made me realise the importance of cross-regional collaboration,” he said.
“Together, these experiences showed me that no single system has all the answers, and that better solutions come from learning across regions rather than working in isolation.”
Both students will join the Westpac Scholars Network, a lifelong community of leaders committed to strengthening Australia’s future through collaboration with Asia.
Main photo (left to right): Rebecca Kerstens, Master of Philosophy (Biomedical Science), and Luke Foster, Bachelor of Information Technology/Bachelor of Education (Secondary).
Media contact:
Lauren Baxter
QUT Media
