Murdoch student chosen for Japan study tour

A nanoscience honours student at Murdoch University, Colm Morrison, has been chosen for the Mitsui Education Foundation Study Tour of Japan in a highly competitive selection process.

Through its Mitsui Educational Foundation, Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd gives eight students from 22 universities around Australia the chance to participate in a 21-day tour of Japan during each November and December.

Thirty Murdoch students submitted applications and four were shortlisted for an interview with Mitsui.

Mitsui Australia Corporate Affairs Coordinator, James South, said the interview panel found Colm to be a personable and mature candidate who will make an outstanding ambassador for Murdoch, the state, and Australia on the tour.

“We were impressed with the depth of Colm's interest in Japan, especially Japanese history, as well his interest in learning broadly about various aspects of Japanese industry,” Mr South said.

“We believe Colm is the type of participant who would absolutely immerse himself in all activities and stand to gain a great deal from the experience.”

Colm, who speaks Japanese, said he was thrilled to be selected knowing how competitive it was.

“I always knew that a career in science would benefit greatly from being able to speak Japanese as they are one of the world leaders in science and technology,” Colm said.

“Studying the language exposed me to a lot of the culture and history, which was fascinating.

“I applied for the study tour as I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to experience numerous aspects of Japan such as business, history and culture firsthand.”

The tour will visit Japan’s capital Tokyo, ancient capitals Kyoto and Nara, and Hiroshima and provide an experience of corporate, traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

Colm will also have the chance to spend a weekend with Japanese university graduates who have been recruited to work with Mitsui and to experience a homestay for three days with a Japanese family.

Upon his return, Colm must provide a report on his impressions of Japan and provide a presentation to Mitsui senior management and the Foundation’s Trustees in Sydney.

Mitsui Australia established the Mitsui Education Foundation to build stronger ties and promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Australia. Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd is a 100 per cent subsidiary of its parent company Mitsui & Co. (of Japan), one of Japan’s leading trading and investment houses.