WELLINGTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Education Minister Chris Hipkins on Monday congratulated 180 New Zealanders who have been awarded the Prime Minister's Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) as part of the second 2017-18 round.

The students from across New Zealand include 60 individuals and 12 groups of 120 students, making 180 students in total. They will travel to destinations including South Korea, China, India and Singapore to study, carry out research or undertake an internship.

"The PMSA enables talented Kiwi students to enjoy unique experiences living and studying in Asia at a formative time in their lives," Hipkins said in a statement, adding these experiences challenge students at a personal level, broaden their horizons and allow them to build networks that will be useful throughout their careers.

"They will become more outwardly focused and engaged in international issues and interested in other cultures," the minister said.

Students having learning experiences in Asia also benefits New Zealand at a national level, it means New Zealand is growing the collective skills and cultural understanding required to make a mark on the global stage and show leadership in matters of significance to the Asian region, he said.

A total of 1.44 million NZ dollars (999,171 U.S. dollars) was awarded this round for 2017-2018 covering both individual and group awardees. The PMSA has been running for five years.