A criminology student passionate about social justice and a medicine and philosophy student with a focus on compassionate care have been awarded inaugural 2026 Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowships.
The University of Western Australia students were among 35 recipients of the fellowships, which support emerging leaders to build deep regional understanding and capability at a time when Australia’s future prosperity and security are increasingly tied to the Asia-Pacific.
Finn Lip, a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) student, combines studies in medicine and philosophy to pursue his research interests, which include the philosophy of medicine, narrative ethics and cross-cultural bioethics, with a strong focus on empathetic and culturally attuned clinical practice.
Finn, who grew up in Australia and Germany, said his cross-cultural approach to health was further shaped by studying in Nepal, Israel, Singapore, China and Australia after he graduated from Christ Church Grammar School.
“I care about understanding how different people see the world, and how these perspectives influence the ways we relate to one other,” he said.
“I value storytelling as a medium for personal expression and am increasingly drawn to understanding the intersection between medicine and the arts.”
Finn hopes studying narrative medicine and cross-cultural bioethics across Asia will give him insights that will enable Australian clinicians to better serve our increasingly diverse communities.
“I believe the future of medicine hinges on people cultivating deeper human understanding and relationships, something that is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate alongside the need for increased efficiency in healthcare,” he said.
Paris Leong, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) student, examines youth justice, digital governance and social harm through a diverse understanding shaped by growing up in the Philippines before building a life in Australia.
A resident of Murdoch who graduated from Applecross Senior High School, Paris has taken part in exchanges and internships in Japan and the UK where she developed a stronger appreciation for working across cultures and contexts.
“The fellowship represents an opportunity to learn within the region, not just about it,” Paris said. “I hope to use this experience to strengthen connections between Australia and Southeast Asia and contribute to more culturally informed approaches to youth justice and digital harm.”
Through the nine-month experience, participants will undertake an intensive leadership development program and travel across Southeast Asia, gaining first-hand insight into the economic, political and cultural dynamics shaping the Asia-Pacific community.