Tomorrow's leaders learning today

Two talented students have been selected for the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program – a prestigious initiative that promotes connections between Australia and China and builds understanding and exchange between the two countries.

Evian Zhong and Zimeng Zhao, studying a Master of Business Information Systems at The Australian National University (ANU) Research School of Management (RSM), will both be participating in the program in November 2025.

Consisting of an immersive three-day tour of Australia’s capital city and its national institutions, the program is designed to foster lasting links through connecting and nurturing a cohort of high-performing students poised to become the next generation of Chinese leaders.

For Evian, it’s a chance to step outside her usual environment and gain fresh perspectives.

“I’m looking forward to exchanging ideas with people from diverse backgrounds, hearing their stories, and seeing how different ways of thinking can challenge and refine my own,” she says.

For me, the value lies in the conversations to be had, where shared curiosity can turn into new understanding.

Evian also sees the program as a way to build on the “practical and inspiring” employability experiences she’s had while at the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE).

“From working on real-world industry and research projects to undertaking internships, CBE has given me valuable chances to apply my skills beyond the classroom,” she says.

“Initiatives including resume reviews, interview practice, and careers fairs, have been equally important, along with company-run workshops that help bridge the gap between study and work.”

Zimeng, who is pursuing a career as an ICT Business Analyst, also applied for the program to further his beyond-the-classroom learning.

“It’s a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of Australia’s social, political, and cultural systems,” he says.

“I am especially looking forward to the institutional visits and discussions with policymakers, which will help me strengthen my ability to act as a bridge between Australia and China in technology, business, and cultural exchange.”

Like Evian, Zimeng has enjoyed work-integrated learning through a variety of CBE initiatives.

“A highlight has been my CBE Internship with Evolve FM, where I have applied what I’ve learned in the Master of Business Information Systems program to real-world finance operations,” he says.

And it’s not just a preferred way to learn – it’s something that has influenced Zimeng’s future plans.

“Before coming to Australia, my focus was primarily on finance. However, studying at ANU and engaging in real projects has shifted my aspirations toward ICT and business analysis,” he says.

“The combination of technical and business training here has given me confidence to pursue a career where I can bridge systems, data, and business needs. Living and studying in Canberra has also given me a broader, more global outlook, and I now hope to contribute to cross-cultural collaboration and data-driven decision-making between Australia and China.”

Similarly to Zimeng, Evian is looking forward to exploring connections between the two countries.

“I hope to further develop cross-cultural leadership skills and deepen my understanding of Australia–Asia engagement,” she says.

Professor Vinh Lu from RSM offers his best to the students.

“It is fantastic to see Evian and Zimeng named among the 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholars. I know both students will represent the ANU so well, and I hope that they will make the most of this learning and networking opportunity.”

The Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program is funded by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the scholars are hosted by the ANU Australian Studies Institute.