GHD says “Bula” to New Colombo intern in Fiji

Canberra student Gina Zheng is getting a glimpse into how a professional services company establishes a new overseas office as part of her work placement with GHD in Fiji.

Gina’s internship is part of Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan program, which provides university students with opportunities to live, study and work in the Asia Pacific region. Gina is studying a double degree in law and development/environment studies at the Australian National University.

Before joining GHD in Suva, Fiji, Gina was Australia’s first New Colombo scholar in Papua New Guinea. She also interned at the Fiji Environmental Law Association.

“I have always been interested in the international development sector, because of my personal sense of justice and desire to make a meaningful impact through my work,” Gina explains.

“I am specifically interested in the Pacific, because the region is particularly susceptible to effects of climate change, so sustainability and environmental management are becoming very important.”

Gina approached GHD directly, having heard of the company through her previous work at global renewable energy developer Neoen.

“I was impressed by GHD’s professionalism, and I knew they had operations in the Philippines and the Pacific as well,” she explains.

“So far, I have had a chance to carry out an environmental management analysis of the legislative framework governing the renewable energy sector in Fiji. This has greatly shaped my understanding of the complex nuances of the sector, and I will incorporate what I’ve learned into my final year Honours project back in Australia,” she says.

“I was also part of the community consultation process for a runway extension and widening at Nausori International Airport. It was great to engage with local people and hear their views on the project.”

James Palmer, GHD’s Manager – Fiji, says, “Not only is Gina involved in our international development work, she is also seeing how we set up a new office from the ground up. GHD has been delivering projects in Fiji for more than 15 years and it’s exciting to take it further with a local presence.”

Earlier this year, GHD hosted another New Colombo intern in its Manila, Philippines, office.

Ben White, GHD’s Market Development Leader – Asia Pacific, says, “The New Colombo Plan is a great way for us to connect with students who are interested in global careers. We are looking for people who want to develop both intercultural understanding and technical skills, as we build up our presence to support clients in the diverse economies of the Indo-Pacific region.”

GHD was founded in Melbourne in 1928 and today approximately 60 percent of its AUD1.7 billion revenues are generated outside Australia.