How One Scholarship Changed My Tools, My Kitchen, My Life.
The Global Footprints Scholarship funds overseas work experience for young chefs passionate about the future of food. Travel, learn sustainable practices from the world’s best, and bring those game-changing ideas ideas back to elevate in their own kitchen. Just like this 21-year-old rising pastry chef who did just that.
FCI sat down with Linh Cat to talk about the 12 AM, post-shift application that unlocked her world, taking her from The Star Sydney to renowned global kitchens, and landing her dream job by proving that taking care of your ingredients isn't a trend, it’s how good food gets made.
After returning home, she landed a dream job working as a Pastry Chef at Mimi’s in Coogee with Merivale. Combined with her prior win for Best Signature Dish (NSW Metro) at Nestlé Golden Chef, Linh is proving that pairing local sourcing with top-tier technique isn't just a buzzword it’s how high-end dining should be done.
Travelling overseas did more than just add a few new dishes to Linh's prep list, it blew the doors wide open for her career.
Here’s how Linh’s story began...
The Profile: Linh Cat, Winner of Global Footprints Scholarship & Pastry Chef at Mimi’s.
Hometown roots? Hanoi Vietnam in 2005.
Tell us about your technical foundation? Finished yr 11 and went straight into completing Cert 3 in Patisserie.
Best kitchens worked? Every kitchen taught me something, some more than others. The most impactful lessons came from the mentors, the standards, and the creativity behind them. Notable chapters along the way include Flying Fish and the Pastry production kitchen at The Star Sydney, Coda in Berlin Germany and Room4Dessert in Ubud Bali.
Standing proud where it all began: Linh Cat at The Star Culinary Academy, Sydney.
Favourite cheap eat? I prioritise healthy eating, and nothing says healthy and affordable quite like street food in Vietnam. Bún chả, especially with plenty of fresh herbs and lettuce on the side please.
Linh Cat soaking up Bali’s stunning landscapes.
What keeps you going? Having clear goals, knowing my dream destination, and understanding my “why” helps me through the hard days, giving me something to reflect on and the motivation to keep pushing forward.
A Culinary Life: Winning gave me the opportunity to travel overseas, my culinary life is quite exciting.
On recommending a Global Footprints Scholarship? Submitting my application at Central Station at 12am after my shift. Before travelling, my goals were focused on improving my pastry skills and deepening my understanding of sustainability. Looking back, I gained so much more, a clearer sense of identity, greater resourcefulness, core memories shared with friends along the way, and a much clearer vision of how to achieve my goals. I cannot recommend this opportunity enough.
My favourite meal in Munich. The highlight was Sweet Mustard.
Advice to future young chefs? Always dream, dream big, and never let anyone stand in the way of what you want to achieve.
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of Erwtensoep (Dutch split pea soup) to warm you right up. A thick, hearty, and packed with smoked sausage. It really saved me from the cold.
The best place to visit in Vietnam and why? I have to be biased and say my hometown, Sơn Tây, just a 30-minute drive from Hanoi. It’s a place built on community, traditions, memories, and of course, incredible food. I go there to destress, reflect, and refocus.
Daily preparation: Harvesting in the morning to use in the kitchen.
Favourite thing about Global Footprints Scholarship? The opportunities it has provided — working overseas, connecting with people from all over the world, experiencing new countries, learning different cultures, and the personal growth and self-reflection that comes along the way.
Memory bites because food ties with emotion.
Early influences? Culture and family played a huge role, especially with parents who worked in hospitality themselves. Celebrations were always big and boisterous centred around bringing people together, with more food than anyone could ever finish.
Fresh Buddhas hand in the markets in Ha Long.
Tasting the root of Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
Favourite sport? Immersing myself in nature through hiking, and I never miss my morning yoga. It helps me focus my thoughts, relax my muscles, and start the day feeling grounded and ready.
Delving into culture at a Bali Temple: how tradition, place, and provenance shape everything we make.
The ultimate investment in culinary perspective: Winning a $9,000 Global Footprints Scholarship.
Room4Dessert, Bali: Having precision and clear goals and understanding my “why” always helps me through my day.
Obsession ingredient? Not an ingredient, but a way of thinking. My travels taught me that pastry doesn’t always need to follow the rules, use vegetables in desserts, don’t be afraid to add salt, and trust your senses the way a savoury chef would.
Awards night: Winner of Global Footprints Scholarship, Linh Cat with CEO, Suellen McCaffrey, and Chairman Marco Colli.
What are Global Footprints Scholarship all about?
A Global Footprints Scholarship is a self-directed career development opportunity for young Australians in agriculture, horticulture and many trades. Successful applicants receive an AUD $9,000 grant to travel overseas for industry experience, professional development workshops, networking opportunities and mentoring.
Global Footprint Scholarships are being awarded by BBM Ltd, an independent for-purpose organisation with no political or religious affiliations.
Our Vision
Young people growing a better, more sustainable world.
Our Purpose
We support young people to become practical and impactful leaders for a sustainable future.
Our Values
Courage, Care, Connection
Trades
The ability to create something amazing with your own hands, through manual labour, talent and skill is one of the most rewarding aspects of a trade career. And where would we be without our tradies? They build our homes, fix our taps, keep our cars on the road and make sure our lights turn on at night. And yet, each day - our tradies are also discovering, innovating and designing new ways to deliver sustainable solutions through their work.
As a scholar, you will be inspired by travelling the world and seeing how others are are kicking goals, solving problems and transforming your industry one job at a time.
Scholarships are available for tradies in many areas including but not limited to;
Manufacturing
Construction
Transport and Logistics
Hospitality
Agriculture
A Global Footprints Scholarship lets you travel the world to explore cropping, livestock, horticulture, and agribusiness. Work alongside global leaders to learn cutting-edge approaches to animal welfare, food integrity, and sustainable farming.
It’s your chance to follow your passion, build a career you love, and lead the future of sustainable ag.y?
Horticulture
Our green spaces, plants and gardens play an important role in sustaining life in our cities and around the world.
We rely on our horticulturalists to propagate and nurture, and create and maintain the lungs of our cities - the gardens, parks and green infrastructure in which we rest and play.
As a scholar, you will have the opportunity to explore vegetation, gardens and green spaces around the world, while extending your knowledge of the impact of climate on biodiversity.
You will be inspired by the innovation that is taking place in the trade and you will relish in the opportunity to discover new and creative ways to integrate plants into the built environment.
Global Footprints Scholarships back young Australian vocational pros.
Scholars are selected for their commitment to sustainability and their passion for their profession.
To be eligible for Global Footprints you must also meet the requirements below.
You do not have to provide any documents to prove your eligibility (proof of residence / citizenship, qualifications, etc.) in your initial application. We will ask you for those documents to prove that you are eligible if you are successful with your initial application.
General requirements
You must:
be between 18 and 25 years old on 30 June of the year in which you apply.
be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
meet the education and training requirements for a vocational career in their chosen industry. University study or university-led career pathways are not eligible. Applicants who have previously completed university study may still be eligible if they have since changed direction and are currently pursuing a vocational (VET) pathway and intend to work in a hands-on industry role.
demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and passion for your work.
be able to leave Australia for your scholarship before the 31st of December of the year after you apply.
make the necessary travel, visa and work experience arrangements to pursue your scholarship.
spend at least 4 weeks of your time overseas on industry related activities.
FAQ’S
What is a Global Footprints Scholarship?
Who can apply?
When do applications open and close, and when will I be notified?
Where can I travel?
Will you assist me in finding a work placement?
Will you assist me with my visa applications?
I want to complete my work experience in Australia. Can I apply?
I have been offered a place at an overseas college or training institution. Can I use this scholarship to pay for my fees or travel costs?
Can I use the scholarship to meet training and practice requirements of my education in Australia?
Will you provide me with coaching to succeed with my project?
If I am studying at a University, can I still apply?
What are my obligations as a Global Footprints Scholar?
How much is a Global Footprints Scholarship worth?
When will I receive the funds?
How much time will I have to plan and organise my trip?
How long can I go for?
I want to travel with a friend or family member. Is that OK?
Can I spend some of my time during my scholarship on sightseeing and leisure travel?
I cannot find a category that quite matches my qualifications or goals. What can I do?
I have submitted my application. What are the next steps if I am successful?
Who is BBM Ltd?
Where do I find information for Host Organisations?
Applications are NOW OPEN until 7 June 2027.
A Tribute to Linh from Programs & Communications Manager, Global Footprints Scholarships:
“It is inspiring to have met such young person with talent and passion, as well as humility and a genuine sense of purpose. Linh brought all of this, plus a sincere curiosity to learn. She was meant for this opportunity and has been a joy to watch her embrace the Global Footprints adventure. She has built many friendships and culinary connections around the world. She has returned with a greater confidence, skills and is always keen to encourage others to take the same leap. I have no doubt she will go far in her career and be a wonderful mentor to others.” Carmen Welss.
World-class food that make life at Mimi’s something special.
Carmen Welss, Programs & Communications Manager, Global Footprints Scholarships.
Global Footprints Scholarships
Contact us:
Contact: Carmen Welss
Phone + 61 2 9233 4005
Mobile: 0415 920 459
Address: World Square, Level 45, 680 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Contact: carmen@bbm.asn.au
Websites: www.bbmaustralia.org.au | www.globalfootprints.org.au
You got the job! Congratulations Linh, at the Round Table, Executive Chefs Club event, Hilton Hotel, Sydney June 2026.