Dear Shi and Lloyd,    

Congratulations on receiving the The Crown Princess Mary Scholarship!

The last three decades of globalisation has brought about an increase in trade and foreign direct investment flows. Economic growth is now spreading to parts of the world that have not previously benefitted from globalisation. Millions of people around the world have been lifted out of poverty and today live with the prospect of a better future for themselves and their families. 

However, we are facing complex global challenges that threaten humanity, in areas such as; climate, water, energy, health, migration, and security and stability.  
Growing digitalisation, increased internationalisation and the introduction of new technologies all affect the environment, our societies and the global market. 

And through your choice of studies you both address some of the global challenges of our time; Shi, you have an academic interest in intercultural exchange and digital development. Lloyd, you are addressing international environmental issues through law and policy. 

You are both very talented students with important voices. Your choice of study together with your ambitions are a good fit with your decision to study abroad at the University of Copenhagen. The University of Copenhagen has an ambition to contribute to resolving the global challenges facing people, planet and prosperity, as defined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. And The University of Copenhagen is also one of the universities in Europe that has the greatest academic breadth, research depth and range of degree programmes on offer.

Shi, with your studies in journalism and international relations, you actively choose to be a vocal global citizen and to devote your time to the importance and understanding of the international communication aspects in our societies.

Your choice of focus is more important than ever as it meets the ever increasing need for communicating in a global world. I’m sure that the academic skills you take with from this university, will form part of the foundation for your future work in diplomacy and foreign correspondence.

You have also engaged in extracurricular activities involving editorial roles, reporting from foreign countries, educating the younger generation, and volunteering at a children’s hospital. These activities illustrate your depth of person and of course also add to your very impressive CV.

I hope your curiosity- both on an academic and personal level – follows you on your path through life.

Lloyd, the world needs youthful talent like yours.  To have any chance of combating climate change, how we use and develop the resources and talent we have is a crucial part of the solutions.

Your skills in scientific research on the environment, and how to apply these into law and policy, show your passion and dedication to improve our world and create a sustainable future. I hope that your current research will open many new academic opportunities for you and provide a platform for your important voice to be heard in the climate debate.

Your CV is impressive and it is admirable that in addition to your studies you have been helping local organisations with legal issues regarding the protection of our environment and you have also been appointed internships at the Grattan Institute and in the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

By exchanging one semester from your home universities to one here in Copenhagen, you do not only experience a new culture, it is also a time of growth both personally and academically.  A time where you broaden your horizons and your network.  

You will build relationships with fellow students that will enrich your time at the University of Copenhagen and some, may even end up lasting a lifetime. I hope that once you return to Australia, you will sense a deeper understanding of who you are and what your purpose is. 

A semester abroad is a valuable experience, which does not come often in life. To be able to go abroad, immerse yourself in a foreign setting and learn something new completely out of your comfort zone is a unique opportunity.

Both of you represent an enormous potential, a potential that can contribute to meeting the challenges of today and making the most of new opportunities to the benefit of us all.

Once again, congratulations on receiving the Crown Princess Mary Scholarship of 2019.

I wish you all the best for your remaining time in Copenhagen and the best wishes for your further careers.