Macquarie Matters » alumni focus

Answering the call

Yue Zhang — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:01:16 +0000

A graduation ceremony is an acknowledgment of the years of hard work that went into achieving a degree, and a genuine source of enjoyment for those alumni who choose to volunteer on the day. In 2023 alone, 32 MQ alumni volunteers gave 708 hours of their time at graduations. But, as powerful as they are, the numbers don’t tell the whole story – we speak with four alumni to understand what inspires them to volunteer and why giving back to their alma mater in this way is so important to them. Update your details to stay connected with your local network and Sign up to be a graduation volunteer today! ‘I saw a note in one of the alumni newsletters asking for volunteers to usher at the graduations and decided to give it a go,’ remembers senior HR professional Golnar Adl (BComm 2003). She had organised events and done ushering at conferences and other large gatherings, so it was something she felt familiar with. Still, after volunteering at her first graduation, she says there was no going back. Golnar Adl ‘We were given academic regalia to wear, and it felt like I was going through my graduation again, but this time I didn’t have the nerve-wracking moment of being on stage and remembering when to doff my cap – I could just enjoy the atmosphere.’ Golnar volunteering at graduation in 2018 Being part of the joy experienced by graduates at the end of many years of study is often mentioned by the volunteers. ‘As a volunteer, you are honouring the graduates’ achievements and also sharing in their enjoyment of the occasion,’ says Noel Wagg (BA 1977, Hon Doc 2019). ‘When I address the graduands, I always tell them this will be one of the most important days of their lives, and should not be missed.’ Noel Wagg One of the university’s most committed alumni volunteers, in 2022 Noel volunteered 147 hours of his time across 49 ceremonies and has continued this year as well. In fact, he has been volunteering since 2011 – two years after the first volunteers started in 2009 – and says, ‘I don’t see why I can’t volunteer for years to come!’ Noel Wagg in Academic regalia An active MQ alumni member over this time, Noel has occasionally volunteered on the alumni scholarship selection panel but says his main contribution has been at graduation ceremonies. ‘Initially, that involved being an usher, but for the last eight years I’ve been the onstage presenter before ceremonies start, instructing graduands on procedures.’ Noel Wagg delivering the occasional address at the ceremony His reasons for volunteering are personal. ‘I chose to volunteer to repay the university for offering the external study format and looking after us as external students,’ says Noel. ‘This form of study was essential for me as I spent my first six years as a teacher in remote locations such as Batlow and Norfolk Island. Volunteering is a way to express my gratitude to all the lecturers and tutors who did such a fantastic job.’ This sense of giving back to the university is important to many of the volunteers, including Phillip Morath (MA 1981, PhD 1993), who has been volunteering since 2018. In 2023, he has already contributed 81 hours across 27 ceremonies. ‘I responded to a call for volunteers at graduations because Macquarie has been very good for me in terms of the knowledge, skills and discipline I gained from my time there.’ Phillip Morath Both a student and employee of the university during the 80s and 90s, Phillip says, ‘I felt very supported, and was given opportunities to study and work in an innovative and influential environment – I’ve benefited so much from Macquarie.’ Volunteering in this way allows alumni to maintain an ongoing and meaningful connection to their alma mater. ‘Graduation is an important recognition of students’ effort and achievement, and for me, it’s wonderful to be a small part of it – it’s uplifting to see so much happiness in the graduates and their families and friends.’ Phillip enjoys listening to the announcements of the research theses because it gives him an appreciation of the newest issues and areas of research at the university. ‘It’s also an opportunity to see how the courses are leading and reflecting the changes in our community and environment,’ he says. No less, he enjoys meeting different alumni at the ceremonies, and says it’s interesting to see where people’s lives have taken them post-study, especially in terms of their careers. Golnar agrees, and has found that she has much in common with some of the graduates. ‘Being able to meet other HR professionals at Macquarie Business School graduations, in particular, has been a great opportunity to expand my professional network,’ she says. ‘Over the years, I’ve connected with quite a few people, and last year a work project even eventuated from a connection I made at a ceremony.’ It’s rewarding for many reasons, continues Golnar, and a great way to connect with your community. ‘You’ll be surprised by what can happen when you get involved – I was particularly thrilled to see one of my favourite professors at one of the graduation ceremonies I was ushering at. After all these years, I was able to thank him for the path he set me on,’ she says warmly. Of course, there are also the other volunteers, who you get to know as well. ‘There are so many amazing people who volunteer,’ says Golnar. ‘One of the volunteers was my maths teacher at high school – the one who first suggested I consider Macquarie University when I was trying to work out where and what to study.’ Many interesting stories come to light when speaking with the volunteers, and Jill Brewster (MBA 1999), a management consultant in financial services, has had her fair share. From the time she was ringing the bell for graduands and their guests to go into the Graduation Hall and the bell fell apart, to the occasional graduate who jumps off the stage, she has many good memories of volunteering at graduations. Jill Brewster Jill’s involvement is both practical and personal. As she explains, ‘I’ve had many different roles that help in the seamless running of the graduation ceremony, such as assisting with graduate registration, seating graduands and guests in the Graduation Hall, answering questions, and being backstage at the ceremony matching graduands to their testamurs, calming their nerves and explaining the process while they’re on stage. ‘I enjoy talking to the graduates about their post-university employment and where their degree has taken them, as well as listening to the inspiring stories from the occasional speakers and graduate speakers,’ she says. ‘Most importantly, though, you’re contributing to a memorable graduation experience for the graduates after many years of hard work, and you can see the enjoyment on their faces and that of their family and friends.’ It’s a purely selfless contribution to those who come after them and their alma mater, and a common thread among the volunteers – those who give so generously of their time, skills and often heart – is that they don’t do it for the recognition. ‘Volunteering is, by its very nature, adequate reward,’ says Noel Wagg humbly. Well as that may be, the university is rightly grateful for all its volunteers – and awarded Noel a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for his decade of volunteering at graduations – for without them, in no small way, part of the soul of the university would be lost. Jill volunteering at the 2018 graduation Would you like to become one of our graduation volunteers at MQ? You can choose from various time commitment options, and there’s an information session before the ceremonies. On the day, graduation volunteers assist in pre-ceremony preparations, from ushering guests to helping the Graduations team, and we encourage you to stay on for the ceremony and join the new graduates and their families afterwards for refreshments. If you’re interested in volunteering at our upcoming Graduation Series, please fill out the form to register your interest.

Unveiling boundaries: an empowering communications odyssey

Yue Zhang — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 04:16:05 +0000

Learning to speak a foreign language is no mean feat, and creating a successful business in a foreign country can be even more challenging, but MQ Bachelor of Arts (2014) graduate Zoe Flaherty has achieved both since leaving Australia in her early twenties. Based in Milan, Italy, where she runs The Language Grid, an innovative English language training and consulting company, she’s passionate about enhancing cross-cultural collaborations and now plans to build a community for other MQ graduates in her adopted country through the MQ Italy Alumni Network. Zoe Flaherty’s story speaks to the power of a common language to break down barriers, fulfilling the human need to be understood. No less, it speaks of her uniquely Australian multicultural background and the migrant experience in Australia, growing up with a Greek father and an Italian grandmother at a time when speaking another language and its inherent cultural differences made you stand out – and not in a good way. ‘Now everyone’s dipping their bread in olive oil and it’s really cool to be Italian and Greek,’ laughs Zoe. ‘It’s so fashionable, but we used to be teased at school for being like that; for being wogs,’ she remembers, going on to tell the story of her grandmother, who was born not long after the family arrived by boat from Italy. ‘Like many others, my grandmother’s family left Europe after the Second World War to seek a new life in Australia,’ she explains, and you can imagine the family, as if in a black and white photo, smartly dressed with suitcases by their side, disembarking and grappling with this new land – and new language. Ironically, it’s an experience Zoe knows firsthand too. Having left Melbourne as a young 20-year-old to work in the UK, a few years later she fell in love with an Italian and moved to Italy – but was unable to speak a word of the language despite her heritage. ‘I’ve been here for more than half my life, but still consider myself Australian,’ she says, echoing an ever-present tie to her homeland that perhaps her grandmother might recognise. Now, with a family of her own in Milan, she has not only managed to transcend the language barrier, speaking Italian fluently, she has also made a successful career and business out of helping businesspeople in her adopted country – and around the world – be understood in English through her company The Language Grid (TLG). Established in 2010, Zoe says, ‘I started TLG out of a desire to help people as I discovered many needed quality training in English and an effective teacher. Often, training companies in the language market are exploitative, so I wanted to create something that was of high quality and delivered results.’ As such, Zoe explains, ‘We’re not a language school – TLG is a technology-driven B2B training and consulting company specialising in business and finance. We help clients to be more effective in their everyday working life straight away – preparing for presentations, speeches, pitches; that sort of thing. It’s about enhancing their business skills in English rather than explicitly teaching the English language.’ Interestingly, TLG applies the principles of how bilingual people learn a language. ‘It’s a well-known teaching methodology of language learning,’ she says, ‘whereby people learn by doing. By using specifically designed and structured tasks, the new language becomes part of the active brain, which allows for more natural speech and not just memory recall. We’re also using cutting-edge AI tools, which is exciting. ‘The results are outstanding,’ according to Zoe, ‘and the students really like it – they can feel successful very quickly, achieve their business aims and be understood in the work context,’ she says, noting that TLG works predominantly online with large companies like Deloitte, fast-tracking the top management tier’s business skills in English. Still, like many businesses, Zoe started small: ‘When I first moved to Italy, I started teaching English as a second language,’ she says. ‘I loved it. I’d done an undergraduate degree in banking and finance, and worked in a bank in the UK, but just really liked teaching. ‘That’s when I decided to study the psychology of bilingualism, and later completed my Bachelor of Arts at Macquarie through Open Universities. I wanted to learn more, so focused on philosophy with a focus on business ethics,’ she says, noting she was also able to study Italian to round out her degree, following her interests. ‘That’s what drew me to Macquarie; it was the course content and how I could apply it to my work, and the fact that I could continue working while studying. Although I would have liked to have been on campus, I was still motivated and challenged – there was a lot of flexibility and resources to help us succeed in our academic pursuits.’ Her fondness for MQ has remained, and she reflects, ‘Studying at Macquarie had a profound impact on my life and work, teaching me to view the world through critical eyes; it was a transformative experience.’ Over time, her business continued to grow too. ‘I was working for myself as a freelancer, teaching English in different companies, and just naturally started to get more work. The business grew organically as I needed more people, and then, here we are,’ she says brightly of the business that now boasts a 100% success rate and was recently ranked one of the best places to work in Italy. ‘It’s been great,’ she says. ‘I’ve been able to experiment, work with the type of people I want to work with, and add a lot of value to the companies I work with. With skills in teaching English and experience in the banking industry, I then got to know Italians and understood them, so putting that all together has been really rewarding. ‘There’s also something really lovely about helping people learn to speak my language,’ adds Zoe, referencing both her family history and her journey so far. ‘Of course, it’s nice to learn another language, but really, it’s all about understanding people better; it’s about communication.’ But, Zoe emphasises, ‘It’s all part of the bigger picture, too. In today’s interconnected world, language proficiency is not just a vital asset for cross-border business success, embracing linguistic diversity enhances business outcomes and enriches our global society, fostering connections that transcend borders and contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious world. I’m driven to make a positive impact in this way,’ she says. You can hear her enthusiasm as she speaks, and it’s not hard to imagine her imbuing TLG’s courses with her values of diversity, acceptance and sustainable business ethics. And, against this background of cross-cultural understanding, you can also see why Zoe is so excited to be involved in establishing the MQ Alumni Italy Network. Inspired by the work of Sylvestre Mang from the France Alumni Network, she’s keen to build a strong community of Macquarie graduates either from Italy or living in Italy. Still at the very early stages, Zoe says, ‘My aspirations are for the network to provide mutual support for MQ alumni here so we can help each other grow professionally and personally. We’ve started a LinkedIn group and look forward to organising in-person events soon.’ No doubt the group will be a source of connection, where the common tie of studying at Macquarie binds, language is not a barrier, and the wide variety of experiences – cultural, linguistical and professional – only serve to deepen the experience. If you live in Italy and want to join our network, please connect via LinkedIn. We look forward to connecting soon. Or Update your details to stay connected with your local network. #MQAlumni #Italy Zoe Flaherty is the Founding Director of TLG, a leading B2B training consulting company. She has extensive experience in the business environment and finance-related business training. Internationally certified in the psychology of bilingualism and teaching English as a foreign language, she holds a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) from Macquarie University. TLG provides tailor-made solutions for talent development and helps improve the performance and engagement level of teams and organisations through individual, virtual sessions with certified trainers and coaches from all parts of the world. With offices in Milan, Rome and Paris, TLG provides clients with an AI-driven digital learning platform that makes it easy to roll out internal training. TLG was recently ranked one of Italy’s best places to work, achieving first position for companies under 50 employees and 12th overall by Great Place to Work® Italia.

London calling

Yue Zhang — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 04:13:33 +0000

As a truly global city, London attracts professionals from a wide range of countries, backgrounds and industries, so it’s no surprise Macquarie University graduates are also drawn to this global hub to pursue their goals. And yet, even as far away as London, the Macquarie light still shines bright, with the MQ UK Alumni Network connecting graduates, expanding their networks, and enhancing their personal and professional UK experience. ‘London is one of the biggest cities in the world and a very attractive place to live and work,’ starts Hyun Lee, who graduated from MQ with a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) in 2010 and is now Director of Product Development at Kantar, one of the top market research companies in the UK. Explaining the lure of the UK capital, Hyun says, ‘It’s an extremely dynamic business environment and culture, and businesses are connected in a sophisticated web. New jobs with new responsibilities are constantly being created, and your unique skill set is what will define your role rather than a pre-determined set of requirements. Hyun Lee ‘It’s an ever-changing work situation that doesn’t allow anyone to stagnate,’ he continues. ‘In my role, I’m continually redefining what I do to make sure I’m competitive – for me, working in London is all about being part of this challenging business ecosystem.’ Originally from Korea, Hyun is not afraid of a challenge or to break new ground. He arrived in Australia in 2004 and, having experienced the Asian financial crisis in 1999, was keen to understand how the economy works and what roles banks and financial institutions play in everyday life. As a result, he enrolled at Macquarie and was the first Korean to achieve an honours degree in Economics at MQ. By chance, his statistics lecturer KJ Byun recommended he consider a career in marketing research. He admits, ‘It’s not a career that usually comes to mind when studying economics, but her recommendation is what led me to work in this field.’ Hyun says he was also the first Korean to work at Kantar’s London HQ, having accepted a position in ecommerce research and insights in 2015, and has been in London ever since – a not uncommon story. Fellow alumni Fiona Boal has lived in London for the last 10 years but says she’s still a very proud Aussie, especially when it comes to any sporting contest against the Poms! Hyun at a Macquarie alumni event in London Having graduated from Macquarie with a Master of Applied Finance (MAF) in 2005, Fiona says it gave her the confidence and technical skills to further her career in financial services. She’s currently the Managing Director, Global Head of Equities at S&P Global in London, and is responsible for the product management of the US and global equity indices, including the iconic S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P Global BMI and the S&P/ASX 200. Fiona Boal Fiona spent ten years in the Big Apple with Rabobank and various hedge funds before making the leap to the UK. As she explains, ‘Not long after graduating, I had the opportunity to move to New York City – who knows if I would have been offered that job without the MAF, but it certainly demonstrated to my employer at the time that I was willing to learn, able to juggle multiple demands on my time, and curious about global financial markets.’ There’s no doubt that both New York and London are a long way from West Wyalong, 500 kilometres due west of Sydney, where Fiona grew up, and indeed Meat and Livestock Australia, where she started her career, but speaking with alumni, it’s clear MQ prepares you for life as a global citizen. ‘It helps you to expand your horizons and be more courageous when taking new opportunities around the world,’ affirms Hyun. James Zhao now calls London home too. He graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Finance and Bachelor of Commerce (Actuarial) in 2009 and a Master of Commerce in 2010. Currently Vice President within the Loan Capital Markets business at Bank of America where he specialises in acquisition financing, James says, ‘The adjustment from life in a smaller pond to a world of opportunities has been an exciting one.’ James Zhao Still, he notes things don’t always go to plan. ‘I studied to become an actuary and ended up a banker. And I never thought I’d leave Australia, but I’m about to celebrate my eighth year in London – my mantra has been to live with no regrets, and that has led to various rewarding experiences so far.’ James at a Macquarie Alumni event in London James notes the market in London is robust. ‘There’s an abundance of jobs and opportunities available, and Australians are well-regarded for our qualifications and work ethic. And the level of deal flow is tremendous, particularly as London allows me to dabble in transactions across continental Europe and North America.’ Andre Nguyen couldn’t agree more. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 2009 and is now the Chief Legal Officer at Orbus Software in London. He adds, ‘With the Australia–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement in force, more and more opportunities will arise for those keen to step out of the Australian market. Andre Nguyen Andre attending an alumni event ‘Whether for a short or long time, it’s definitely worth bolstering your experience by working abroad – it expands your horizons and your perspective,’ he says, strongly encouraging those venturing to London to link in with the MQ UK Alumni Network. ‘The graduates you meet all have such varying careers, which can span a few years to decades, and the network opens doors to unique events, enhancing business connections and future relationships. It also inspires the new wave of graduates, and is an opportunity to share stories and celebrate a great education collectively.’ Andre also notes the network has been a great way to catch up on developments at Macquarie. ‘We’ve been involved in plans for the new branding and legal facilities at the MQ site, and it has been useful for expanding the voice of those in the legal alumni,’ he says, referring to the London event for the former Macquarie vice chancellor and high court judge Michael Kirby, with distinguished guests Baroness Hale and Baron Mance. Retaining connections to their alma mater is clearly important to each of these alumni. ‘It’s a great way to connect with other alumni and remain engaged with the university,’ adds Fiona. ‘I’ve attended a number of social and networking events, and was honoured to be the guest speaker at an alumni event in 2019, where I spoke about the future of finance in the UK. ‘It was only a few months before the UK formally withdrew from the EU, and there was significant uncertainty surrounding London’s ability to maintain its position as a global financial hub,’ she recalls. James adds, ‘The macro headlines about London haven’t been positive since Brexit, but it’s still an amazing city, and the brightest minds in Europe still consider breaking into London as the prize they strive for. I still call Australia home, but moving here has been the single best decision I’ve ever made, both for my career and the incredible travelling adventures.’ As a final note, Hyun reflects on the warmth and collegiality inherent in the MQ alumni, saying, ‘It’s about staying connected, but also, by sharing what we and others have done – our successes and challenges, as well as our connections – we can help other MQ alumni and students make the most of their time in London too.’ It would seem that wherever your travels and career take you after your graduation ceremony at Macquarie University, you can be sure the MQ alumni will be there for you. From Sydney to London and beyond, the MQ lighthouse shines bright and strong, a symbol of support, encouragement and reassurance that continues to bring people together. We’re excited to re-establish the MQ UK Alumni Network and would love you to be involved. If you live in the UK and want to join our network, please connect via LinkedIn, or Update your details to stay connected with your local network. Events are an important way we connect alumni all around the globe, and we’re looking forward to our next MQ UK Alumni Network event in London on 9 September at Horse and Guardsman. For more information and RSVP, please register here. To find an alumni network wherever you are in the world, search our global alumni networks. We look forward to connecting soon. #MQAlumni #UK #London

Alum Catia Davim’s remarkable journey with MQBS

Yue Zhang — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:58:06 +0000

Alum and Partner, KPMG, Catia Davim (Master of business administration, 2006) describes her incredible journey with Macquarie Business School, empowering diversity, networking opportunities and the international transformation experience it delivers. Check out the videos below for Catia's remarkable journey with MQBS:

More than numbers

Yue Zhang — Thu, 11 May 2023 01:37:52 +0000

When Professor Elizabeth Sheedy from the Master of Applied Finance program first joined MQ in 1993 as a lecturer and PhD student, fresh from the youthful cohort at Macquarie Bank, little could she have known she would still be here 30 years later. Nor could she have foreseen that her father, husband and daughter would also study here. But, talking to her, it all makes perfect sense. You could say, it all adds up.

‘It seems like a long time, 30 years!’ laughs Professor Elizabeth Sheedy, immediately putting me at ease. (Finance isn’t my strong suit but, as I’m about to discover, there’s more to it than meets the eye and, even more pertinently, we can all improve our financial literacy and wellbeing.)

‘It’s funny having been in the one workplace for so long,’ she continues. ‘There have been different deans, different ways of doing things. In fact, I don’t think there are many people in the business school who’ve been here longer than me – I’ve outlasted them all!’ she jokes.

Then, more thoughtfully: ‘Teaching in the Master of Applied Finance for 30 years has been a privilege; it’s been great,’ she says warmly, and you quickly get the sense she’s grounded in the real world, much like her teaching and research. So, is that what’s kept her at MQ for so long?

‘Absolutely, it’s the applied focus at Macquarie,’ says Professor Sheedy straight off the bat. ‘The way finance is taught at a lot of other unis and the style of research undertaken, it’s just really theoretical, which is strange because we’re not teaching philosophy! Finance is a very practical discipline, yet it’s often completely disconnected from the industry.’

Maintaining industry connections is something Professor Sheedy has worked hard at and given a high priority over the years. As she explains, ‘We only teach professionals in the Master of Applied Finance, so the program has always had to reflect the rapidly changing industry – it’s given me a unique, industry-focused approach to research.’

For example, from 2012–2022, her research centred on the culture and remuneration practices of financial institutions as she and her co-authors worked to understand and find solutions to some of the terrible experiences of customers that came to light during the Royal Commission into Misconduct in Financial Services. ‘This research has given me many opportunities to present findings to industry audiences and appear in the media, helping to change industry practices,’ she says.

She goes on to note, ‘Macquarie has been an environment where my approach has generally been supported. Many other universities, with a more theoretical focus, wouldn’t have given me that support. I hope Macquarie Business School can continue to have this applied focus, despite the pressure for A* journal papers.’

It was also this industry focus that drew her to Macquarie University in the first place. She remembers, ‘The 1980s and 90s were a time of tremendous growth and change in the financial services industry with the deregulation of markets. Hundreds of people with accounting and economics degrees wanted to learn about finance and join this exciting industry.

‘Macquarie started the Master of Applied Finance in the 80s to meet this demand. It rapidly became the post-grad degree of choice because it was taught by people with industry experience rather than career academics.’

With more than ten years of relevant experience and one of the first to have formally studied finance as part of her undergrad degree, Professor Sheedy was invited to join the MQ teaching team in 1993. She left behind a rewarding role at Macquarie Bank to pursue her passion for teaching and research, explaining, ‘I wanted the intellectual stimulation and freedom to do things that are interesting or important, rather than making a bank a lot of money.’

It was a busy time for her, as she was also studying part-time for her PhD at Macquarie while lecturing full-time. ‘People thought I was taking a break from the intensity of a bank to work in a university, but the opposite was true; it was a very busy time!’

In fact, the Masters of Applied Finance program became so successful it was offered in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai (as well as Sydney) at various times. ‘With over 5,000 alumni, my colleagues and I have educated a whole generation of finance professionals who have gone on to become leaders of the industry,’ she notes. ‘It has been tremendously exciting to be part of this experience and, to this day, we remain the #1 ranked program of this type in the Asia-Pacific region.’

Still, you get the sense it’s not the accolades she’s after. ‘I just love teaching and research; the academic life is for me,’ she says. ‘I can’t think of any other job I’d prefer. The great thing about university life is my research topics keep changing, which allows me to grow and learn about something completely new.’

Currently co-leading a significant project sponsored by a major Australian bank to investigate the financial decision-making of young adults, Professor Sheedy explains, ‘The overall theme is financial wellbeing. It’s just so interesting looking at the challenges this generation is facing, such as home ownership and the cost of living.

‘MQ puts a strong emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach, so we have psychologists and anthropologists, for example, bringing in different perspectives. We’re still in the early stage of the project, but it’s really worthwhile and very important to society as a whole.’

Not convinced young adults have given up on the Australian dream just yet, Professor Sheedy says, ‘It may just happen further in the future for this generation – a home is a massive investment, but it also gives people a lot of safety and security.’

She also suggests the cost-of-living challenge reflects people’s ability to adapt. ‘It’s part of life that you’ll get a financial shock from time to time; we can’t eliminate that,’ she acknowledges. ‘But people with financial resilience are good at adapting to that shock – they’re good at cutting back on discretionary expenses, making changes to their lifestyle, for example. We want to understand why some people can adapt better than others.’

It’s a topic Professor Sheedy was invited to speak on at the recent MQ Young Alumni event, where she captivated the audience with her insights. ‘Financial literacy is closely linked to numeracy, educational attainment and familial experiences,’ she explains, and coming from a family where money and investments were openly talked about, it’s something she knows firsthand.

‘I enjoyed maths and economics at school, and we talked about money and investments at home. My dad and uncle made some interesting investments, which were not exactly mainstream; I thought it was really interesting.’

Still, it’s not just an interest in finance she and her family has in common. ‘My father was also an academic, and after he retired, he decided to do an arts degree at Macquarie. He did it slowly, one subject a semester, but managed to finish it before his 80^th birthday.’

Her husband also completed his MBA at MQ, graduating in 2016, and her daughter has recently finished her Bachelor of Psychology. ‘Between the four of us, we have lots of Macquarie experience!’ she laughs, noting her daughter also went to Banksia Cottage when she was small and often visited the campus as she was growing up.

So, what would be her financial advice to her daughter and, by extension, other young adults? ‘Start putting money away as soon as you can for longer-term goals; try not to live in the moment. There’s a lot of enjoyment in life that doesn’t require money, and the thing with living in Sydney is you can go to the beach, go bushwalking, there’s a lot that’s free –you’ll be healthier and have the advantage of saving money.’

And that’s advice we can all take something from.

Interested in Macquarie University’s Master of Applied Finance? Delivered by industry experts focusing on real-world finance, we’re #1 in Australia and in the top 50 globally (QS Business Masters Ranking, 2022). Further your career in the global financial environment with MQ and get in touch today.

Professor Elizabeth Sheedy is a risk-governance expert in the Department of Applied Finance of Macquarie Business School. She is also on the board of the Governance, Risk and Compliance Institute and an active member of the Risk Managers’ Association of Australia.

In 2021 she published her first sole-authored book Risk Governance: Biases, Blindspots and Bonuses with Routledge. She also publishes in top international journals and is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Banking and Finance, rated A* by the Australian Business Deans’ Council.

Professor Sheedy teaches students in the MBA, Global MBA and Master of Applied Finance programs and is the unit convenor for AFCP8103/MMBA8148 Risk Measurement and Management as well as GMBA8034 Manage the Risks. She also supervises PhD and M.Research students with an interest in risk management and governance.

Her multi-method, multidisciplinary approach has produced several groundbreaking findings in the field, including the development of the Macquarie University Risk Culture Scale, and her work has been enhanced through industry collaboration. Professor Sheedy is a popular speaker at industry conferences and a regular media commentator.

Dream big

Yue Zhang — Thu, 11 May 2023 00:42:22 +0000

Entrepreneurs have a specific kind of energy. With an enthusiasm for bringing new ideas into the world, they see an opportunity and run with it. Victor Osman, who graduated from MQ with a Master of International Business in 2009, has brought this quality to his role as CEO and Founder of Dreamaxtion – and it’s also what’s helping bring MQ alumni together as he champions the launch of the Indonesia Alumni Network.

As a teen inspired by Bill Gates, Victor Osman dreamed of one day becoming an entrepreneur and starting his own business. He now has four. There are two diamond jewellery businesses and a kids’ concept store, but his main focus is Dreamaxtion, an integrated human capital solutions company that draws on his skills in IT and his passion for helping people reach their potential.

Based in Jakarta, Victor explains he and his business partner were inspired to start Dreamaxtion in 2017 because they saw the need for a more integrated and technology-driven approach to human capital management in Indonesia. ‘The employment market in Indonesia is notoriously fragmented and inefficient,’ he says, ‘and many employers struggle to find the right talent for their needs. At the same time, job seekers often struggle to find job opportunities that are a good fit for their skills and experience.’

In fact, Victor says in Indonesia, 58% of people are mismatched to their role, and the figures are similar elsewhere in the world. It’s a remarkably high figure, and one that he’s keen to point out is not a reflection of the ability of the candidate or the quality of the company but rather highlights the fact that you can be amazing, but if you’re in the wrong role, you won’t shine.

And that’s what he’s out to change with careers that fit the candidate’s personality and experience, so everyone can achieve their dream career – an especially fascinating concept in a post-lockdown world where younger generations are changing the work environment, fluidity is the norm, and loyalty has to be earned.

With these insights, Victor is putting the human into human capital, looking beyond the numbers and tech. ‘At Dreamaxtion, we believe technology should be used to have a positive impact on people’s lives and make a better world for everyone. That’s why we prioritise compassion and empathy in everything we do.’

Dreamtalent is the name of the technology matching candidates and companies, which goes beyond the somewhat dated traditional psychometric testing available, and makes it easy for employers to manage their human capital. The technology has been sold into Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Germany, and as we speak, Victor is about to jet off to Hannover Messe, one of the world’s largest trade fairs, with the President of the Republic Indonesia, Joko Widodo, as one of the official partner country delegates. You could say, he’s living the dream.

‘My goal was always to get into the international business industry,’ he says, explaining that’s what drew him to the Master of International Business at Macquarie to begin with. ‘I knew Macquarie University had an excellent reputation in the fields of business and innovation, but I was particularly impressed by MQ’s commitment to providing students with a practical and hands-on learning experience, which was important to me as an aspiring entrepreneur.

‘It was like a mini, fast-tracked MBA, and gave me the technical and business skills I needed to start not just my career but my own company in the information technology industry. It gave me the confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams and the knowledge to build a successful business – first my own company in Jakarta, then Singapore and Seoul, South Korea.’

While at Macquarie, Victor was also involved with AISEC, a not-for-profit organisation that strives to build leadership in youth, and was a leader in PPIA, the Indonesian Overseas Scholar Organisation. He describes his time studying at MQ as a transformative experience, one that helped him develop personally as well as professionally.

‘I have many enduring memories from my time at MQ, but some of the most memorable experiences were the group projects and presentations,’ he says. ‘They helped me to develop my teamwork and communication skills, and provided me with the valuable experience of working in a collaborative environment. And I loved being exposed to an international mindset and attitude through multicultural friends and colleagues.’

Of course, it also helped Victor to build a strong network of contacts in his field, which he says has been invaluable in his career since, and he quickly became involved with the MQ alumni through networking events and other activities organised by the university.

However, when he returned to Indonesia, there wasn’t an alumni network. Inspired to give back to MQ and help other alumni in the region connect and network with each other, true to his entrepreneurial spirit, he decided to get together with some other alumni and make it happen.

As he explains, ‘We wanted to strengthen the Macquarie alumni in Indonesia, so we started a WhatsApp group and caught up online, mainly due to COVID. There were just a few of us to begin with, but we now have 100 people. Thanks to a lot of support from the university and Executive Director Philanthropy, Hedda Paisley, we’ve recently formed an Indonesia Alumni Network and now Committee.

‘We’re all keen to grow the alumni network and build a strong community of MQ alumni in the region,’ says Victor, referring to committee members Sandy Arief (PhD 2022), Emman Marpaung (MComm 2020), Sitti Rachmawati (MComm 2019), and Dessy Rosalina (MMedia 2020).

Naturally, Victor says he’s keen to ‘get some data on what people expect of the alumni network and what they can give to the alumni – most have high professional profiles, so I’m keen to understand how we can all give value to each other,’ he says, true to form, using technology to bring people together and make a positive impact.

Still, there’s nothing like bringing people together in person, and Victor says the committee is keen to start organising in-person events. ‘We’re especially looking forward to the official launch of the Indonesia Alumni Network in June,’ he says. ‘There are thousands of MQ alumni in Indonesia, and we’d encourage you all to become part of the network – it’s going to be amazing.’

We’re excited to establish the MQ Indonesia Alumni Network and would love you to be involved. Join us for our official launch event on Friday 9 June at Grand Hyatt Jakarta and catch up with old friends, make new connections, and celebrate your Macquarie experience. Register now!

You can also keep in touch with our activities via LinkedIn and Facebook. If you have any queries about the network or would like to join our WhatsApp group, please send an email.

Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, Victor Osman is an entrepreneur with a passionate focus on people, information technology and helping talent achieve their full potential. The founder and CEO of Dreamaxtion, an integrated human capital solutions company empowering people and organisations with advanced information technology, including people analytics and big data, Victor has over 14 years of experience in the people development and management industry.

Victor has held various positions with multinational corporations in Australia, Singapore and Indonesia, including SAP analyst for APP, IT auditor for Dairy Farm Singapore, development auditor and risk manager for Astra International, and head of learning and development for TransMedia.

A serial entrepreneur at heart, Victor has built several successful ventures since receiving his Master of International Business from Macquarie University Australia: THE PALACE National Jeweler, MOIR Jewellery, and PIGGABOO Kids Concept Store.

Continuously striving to challenge and grow himself, Victor founded Dreamaxtion with the dream of celebrating the human in human capital through integrated information systems and technology.

Victor is a very active member of the MQ alumni community and is now an Indonesia Alumni Network committee member.

A whale of a time

Yue Zhang — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 03:03:08 +0000

As a young girl growing up on a farm outside Canberra, with family trips to the South Coast her only connection to the sea, Dr Vanessa Pirotta dreamed of one day working with whales. A Masters and PhD in Biological Science from Macquarie University later, marine biologist Dr Pirotta has well and truly exceeded her childhood ambitions. Still, at the heart of her research, her pursuit of innovative technologies and her passion for communicating science – not to forget her many accomplishments and blossoming career – is a deep commitment to wildlife conservation. And a love of whales, of course. The only question remains, where to next for Dr Pirotta?

Whether sharing her research on using drones to collect whale snot at TedX, teaching computers to look for illegally smuggled wildlife or harnessing the power of citizen science, inspiring schoolgirls in STEM or launching her new book, Dr Pirotta’s enthusiasm for science and wildlife conservation, both marine and terrestrial, shines through in everything she does.

You can hear it in her voice and see it on her face as she discusses the multiple projects she has on the go and the energy that accompanies everything she does. ‘Caring about the things I’m working on allows me to not only achieve great outcomes for the project but, most importantly, for wildlife,’ she says with a gentle – and lifelong – conviction.

You can easily imagine a young Dr Pirotta in front of the television, watching the videotape her mother had given her of Free Willy over and over. ‘It was the closest I got to the sea,’ she remembers, ‘and my first introduction to whales and dolphins. I wanted to be a dolphin trainer.’

And so, while completing an undergraduate science degree at the Australian National University in zoology, evolution and ecology, specialising in marine science and ‘hassling the marine scientists’ for more knowledge, Dr Pirotta worked at the zoo in Canberra. But it was still a long way from the sea and, as she recalls, ‘I was desperate to find my place in marine science; it was where I was meant to be.’

After a volunteer placement at a facility in Coffs Harbour working with dolphins and sea lions, incredibly, Dr Pirotta was offered a position to become a dolphin trainer and jumped at the chance to move north. But, she was only there for a year when her mother passed away suddenly. ‘My life completely turned upside down,’ she says of this time and her decision to return to Canberra to be close to family.

Dr Pirotta soon found work as an environmental assessment officer in the federal government but remained committed to her ultimate dream. ‘I was still hassling academics,’ she explains with a laugh, ‘including my future PhD supervisor at Macquarie, Professor Rob Harcourt, to see if there were opportunities to further my education in the marine space.’

And so began her connection with Macquarie University. ‘Fortunately, I was able to lead a research project looking at trying to prevent whale entanglement in fishing as part of a collaboration between MQ, the Department of Primary Industry and Energy, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Taronga Zoo, which I’m still affiliated with 10 years on through the Marine Predator Research Group at Macquarie.’

She also developed this work into a Masters of Research project, which involved travel to the Kingdom of Tonga and has since informed whale swimming guidelines. ‘This work then went into my PhD on whale conservation and the application of new technologies to assess whale health, harnessing citizen science to mitigate some of the big epigenetic impacts on whales like shipping.

‘It was a very broad PhD with great practical applications,’ she says, noting she has been able to take the skills she learned during her PhD and apply them to a diverse range of projects and work in both marine and terrestrial wildlife conservation.

‘Skills in project management, being able to work with a variety of collaborators and different stakeholders, managing environmental issues, and learning to speak to the media and present ideas, are skills I use every day, and it all started at MQ. It has also led to so many new opportunities – it’s exciting being able to make a difference in new areas that I’m passionate about.’

Currently leading the MQ-affiliated citizen science project Wild Sydney Harbour, where the general public can gather information about wildlife and connect with scientists, Dr Pirotta is also running multiple other projects while continuing her whale research, which focuses on Migaloo the white whale.

‘In everything I do,’ she explains, tying her work together, ‘there’s the theme of using and adapting innovative technologies to ask questions about animals to aid conservation. So, for example, how do we interact with whales in ways that aren’t going to hurt them, or how do we get ahead of wildlife traffickers by using 3D technologies?’

It’s a career she couldn’t have envisioned for herself, sitting in front of the television before the advent of social media. Now an official Superstar of STEM and one of the Australian Financial Review’s top 100 Women of Influence to boot, she thrives on communicating science to the general public and championing STEM for young women and girls, as well as STEAM. ‘I give a nod to the arts,’ she says, as a lot of her work is visual and very artistic.

Being visible in her field is particularly important to Dr Pirotta. ‘Growing up, I don’t recall seeing anyone do what I’m doing, especially not a woman,’ she explains. ‘The only person I remember was David Attenborough – I’ve written to him three times and he’s written back to me; he’s great,’ she adds with characteristic enthusiasm.

But, during her studies, Dr Pirotta suddenly found people wanted their daughter to see her doing different things, like driving a boat, for example. ‘That really struck me,’ she says. ‘I thought it was just what I did, but it’s become an opportunity to connect with young people, showing them what scientists look like but also that scientists can be adaptable, work in challenging environments, and do great things.

‘It has become really important to me to be a role model for the next generation, highlighting that the jobs of tomorrow don’t even exist yet, and by having those transferable skills, which I gained at Macquarie, you don’t have to be locked into one role – you can surprise yourself and have a dynamic working life.’

One that now also includes being an author, with the recent release of her first children’s book, The voyage of whale and calf. Australian libraries have been quick to pick up the beautifully illustrated story that is the first to document humpback whales migrating, breeding and feeding from Hervey Bay, down through Sydney and on to Antarctica.

‘Based on my work in the field, it documents a year in the life of a humpback calf, and the realities and challenges the mum faces, subtly touching on pollution, the different environments and changes in climate,’ she says of the topics close to her heart, especially as an Antarctic Science Foundation Ambassador.

With so many incredible projects on the go already, it would seem the world truly is her oyster. So, what’s next for Dr Pirotta? ‘I like to let the passion lead what I do,’ she says with a bright smile. ‘I’m not sure what the future holds, but as long as it has the key theme of wildlife conservation with a marine focus, whales especially, watch this space because saying yes to new opportunities is something I’m always excited for.’

Dr Vanessa Pirotta graduated from Macquarie University with a Masters of Research (2015) and PhD (2019) in Biological Science, and is an honorary postdoctoral researcher at MQ. She is a wildlife scientist, science communicator and woman in STEM. Her research uses innovative technologies for wildlife conservation, and her most well-known research involves using drones to collect lung bacteria from humpback whales to assess whale health.

In addition to whale research, Dr Pirotta is the chief investigator on a major illegal wildlife trafficking detection program using artificial intelligence and X-ray technology, a collaborative research program with the Australian Federal Government, Rapiscan Systems and the Taronga Conservation Society Australia.

A passionate science communicator who loves making science accessible to everyone, Dr Pirotta’s work as an early career researcher has been recognised by the Australian Financial Review as one of the top 100 Women of Influence and is one of Science & Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM.

She is an Antarctic Science Foundation Ambassador and leads Sydney’s newest citizen science marine program, Wild Sydney Harbour, which aims to connect the community with the marine life in their blue backyard. An emerging author, her first children’s book, The Voyage of Whale and Calf, is available through CSIRO Publishing.

Third-culture kid

Yue Zhang — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:30:38 +0000

Who is Andrew Nip? It’s a good question, and one he’s spent a long time trying to understand. Having spent his formative years between Hong Kong and Australia, Andrew says he identifies as both Chinese and Australian. After completing a combined Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Human Resource Management at MQ, he moved to Shanghai, where he is thriving in what he calls the middle ground. No less, he brings this deep understanding of living between cultures to his work, encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace from a place of lived experience. A skill that has prepared him well in the diverse Asia market.

‘If you ask me where I’m from,’ offers Andrew, ‘I’m not sure how to answer. I don’t really see myself as being from one place,’ he says, starting to unravel the important issue of identity, which he has leaned into.

‘I speak Chinese, my parents are from China, and I speak Chinese with them,’ he continues from a quarantine hotel outside his home city of Shanghai, having returned from business in Singapore and Hong Kong. ‘And I’ve now lived in Asia for half my life.

‘While it’s obvious I’m Chinese, my citizenship is Australian, and I spent my formative years in Australia. I speak fluent English, and many of my friends will say I’m very westernised in my thinking. I’m what you’d call a third-culture kid,’ he says proudly.

‘It’s a relatively new term – there are a lot of third-culture kids in Australia, being so multicultural – but the idea is, you don’t really fit into a single national identity or culture. Where your parents come from, where you live, and your citizenship are all different. It’s a great thing,’ he says.

But living between cultures hasn’t always been easy. ‘It has taken a long time to feel comfortable in the middle, and it hasn’t always been pleasant,’ he admits. ‘When I first came to China, I looked Chinese and spoke Chinese, but I wasn’t fluent.

‘People would call me a banana – Asian on the outside but western on the inside – and some people didn’t think I understood China. Even now, when I write in Chinese on social media, people are like, oh wow, you know how to write Chinese!

‘It was a journey of accepting that I’m not defined by one culture, I am a product of both, and embracing that as opposed to either forgetting one identity or hiding the other. Coming to China has allowed me to embrace that.’

It was 12 years ago that Andrew, an early-career HR professional with Hays, was sent to Shanghai to help establish the business and develop local leaders. ‘When I joined, the Hays leadership team in Asia was predominantly expatriates,’ he explains.

‘It’s called the bamboo ceiling, and hasn’t been talked about much. I was interested in understanding the barriers that stop people who are not western, or westernised, from progressing to the top level in a multinational organisation.’

‘It’s complex, but this is where cultural nuances come into play – leadership is defined very differently in China to the west, for example, and good leadership qualities manifest very differently in different countries, particularly in Asia. So that’s what I was focusing on at Hays.’

One of the first people Hays sent from Australia, Andrew says, ‘It was meant to be for two years, but I loved working in China and really liked my job. Business was growing, and I’d established a life here, so I decided to stay.’

Still, even though he had progressed up the career ladder to Head of People and Culture for Greater China and Head of Talent for Asia at Hays and his future was secure, after almost 13 years with the one company, it was time for a change. And this is where the third-culture kid really came into his own.

As he explains, ‘China is booming, and many multinationals want to grow and invest here, so they need people who don’t just understand headquarters and how the west operates, they also need people who understand China and have the networks here.

‘I’m a good mix of east and west, and someone like me, with not just my experience but my background, could act as a bridge,’ he says. Unsurprisingly, LVMH reached out to him, and he has been Director of Talent and Development for the APAC and Greater China regions since April 2022.

‘One of my objectives – and my passion – is to drive diversity and inclusion in the organisation. Being a third-culture individual has really helped me understand why inclusion is so important, and how fostering a culture of inclusion is now an imperative, not a nice-to-have.’

‘It has also allowed me to establish strong relationships with people outside Asia, which is always valuable in a multinational context or company – there’s so much collaboration possible, and so many things we can learn from others, and vice-versa. But perhaps most importantly, I know what it’s like to not exactly fit in.’

These skills are increasingly in demand, especially since companies are localising their talent strategy. ‘You can’t just rely on hiring foreigners in China,’ explains Andrew, ‘it’s not sustainable. So, how do you bridge the gap? How do you help HQ understand the challenges in China, for example?

‘Equally, how do you help local employees develop their career in a multinational setting when English is not their first or preferred language, for example, or maybe they’ve never lived overseas? Ultimately, business is about being human,’ he says insightfully, ‘how you relate to other people and build connections. Being in the middle has helped me a lot.’

As he speaks, it’s clear his studies in psychology and human resources at MQ have also informed his skillset. ‘It was a relatively new program, but that’s what I enjoyed about it; you could navigate your own path, and experiment and try different things.

‘The courses were practical, and the lecturers were knowledgeable in the business sector because that’s where they came from, which made it very real,’ he says. Still, it’s clear Macquarie University had an even more significant impact than education alone.

‘MQ is a genuinely diverse place,’ he says, noting psychology wasn’t a common choice for those from an Asian background. ‘Being at MQ, in such an inclusive environment, was the beginning of understanding myself as a third-culture kid,’ he reflects.

‘Diversity is very much part of the Macquarie lifestyle and culture, but there’s an ease to it; it’s not forced or contrived. It allowed me to understand different cultures as well as my own multifaceted background, which gave me a real empathy for others, so I can help them find their voice too.’

It’s no surprise that Andrew is thriving in the melting pot of Shanghai. ‘I love how dynamic and diverse it is; it’s very international. Things move and change very quickly here, and you never feel like you’re in the one place ever; that’s the beauty of it.

‘Sometimes you feel like you’re in Paris, with the architecture and the trees it’s very French, then sometimes you feel like you’re in America, there’s a huge scene around American eateries and speakeasies, and sometimes you feel like you’re back in the golden days of Shanghai when art and culture thrived.

‘You never get bored in Shanghai. The only thing it doesn’t have is the outdoors; you don’t get the beaches, the hiking, like you do in Sydney,’ and you can hear the fondness for his other home in his voice, which he still retains through his connection with the Macquarie alumni in Shanghai.

Of course, for Andrew, it’s more than just attending events and connecting with potential students and graduates, educating them about the world of work. ‘I try and help others find their place between different worlds too,’ he says, and in a city with a population the same size as Australia’s, that’s some feat indeed.

Andrew Nip graduated from Macquarie University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Human Resource Management. He established his career at Hays, working across multiple HR disciplines in Australia, China and Japan for nearly 13 years.

Andrew is currently the director of Talent Development and Management, APAC Fashion Group, LVMH, and is based in Shanghai, China. He has served on multiple boards and committees, and is committed to helping organisations leverage the power of people through human-centric practices that foster inclusivity, authenticity, innovation and high performance.

An active MQ alumni member, Andrew has also been involved in several voluntary positions with the Australian Chamber of Commerce in China and the Shanghai-based organisation/charity Stepping Stones.

Citizen of the world

Yue Zhang — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:28:04 +0000

Wasin Praditsilp graduated from MQ in 2019 with a PhD in International Communication. But that doesn’t begin to cover his research into soft power and how a country like Thailand can harness its gentler attributes when influencing other nations, or how Wasin’s decision to enrol at MQ would be a driving factor in connecting Thais studying in Australia … Speaking with MQ alums, you get a rare insight into an incredibly diverse range of people from all around the world – their backgrounds, their cultures, how they think and experience life – and how these myriad experiences dovetail into the sense of collegiality that comes from being at Macquarie University. ‘Studying at MQ,’ recalls Wasin, ‘I was surrounded by vibrant and diverse cultures, and became good friends with people from many different nationalities; it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and is a very fond memory,’ he says. But studying abroad wasn’t something Wasin had planned on doing, and even his friends thought he was a little foolish to consider it. ‘Now, I can’t thank them enough for their peer pressure!” he says good-naturedly before describing how he was drawn to MQ when looking for a PhD program. ‘I realised that pursuing a PhD required a good supervisor, and when I met Emeritus Professor Naren Chitty AM to discuss my PhD proposal, I knew MQ would be the place to cultivate my knowledge. I had searched for an answer to my PhD development in Thailand for months, talking with many lecturers, but Professor Chitty provided the answer in seconds. His advice was, and remains, insightful and inspiring.’ Professor Chitty is one of very few professors in the field of soft power. He has also established the Soft Power Analysis and Resource Centre (SPARC), which brings many prominent professionals and academics to MQ every year, cementing Wasin’s interest. And so, all roads led to North Ryde, where over three years, Wasin pursued his academic interest in using media and communications for the benefit of society, specifically soft power and how it relates to international and development communications. The first to research Thai soft power, Wasin explains, ‘Unlike traditional politics, soft power is the use of cultural values, national ideologies, and morally and legitimate international policies to increase mutual understanding between countries, with the ultimate aim of global peace. ‘My PhD thesis explored how Thailand exercises its soft power and how it should be done in the future, as well as national branding, strategic communications and the communication management of Thai soft power events.’ But what he gained from studying in Australia was more profound than academic knowledge alone. ‘I became a world citizen; it changed how I view the world. MQ allowed me to develop my academic and personal life, widening my view of global society and issues. ‘One of the many experiences at MQ that influenced my outlook was the postgraduate Global Leadership Program (GLP), which armed me with the skills I’ve integrated into my courses at universities and workshops for other sectors.’ Currently a lecturer at Walailak University International College (WUIC), Wasin thrives in the now-familiar international environment and remains interested in global matters and work opportunities. ‘Academic friends in many countries keep my research ideas fresh, and these strong networks encourage me to strengthen our friendships and collaborations even further.’ After all, at heart, Wasin is one to bring people together, to make ideas happen, and get the ball rolling, which he admits is quite unusual in his culture. He was instrumental in establishing the Thai student association on campus, MQ Thai, which happened quite spontaneously. He remembers, ‘I had heard that MQ wanted to develop a Thai student association, so I asked three or four Thai friends if they were interested, and they all were happy. We then invited all our Thai friends to join us for lunch on campus. ‘They were all surprised to know there were so many Thais at MQ – over 80 people at the time. I presented the idea to establish the association and built a Line (chat application) group for us to keep in contact and prepare the necessary documents. ‘We decided to call the association MQ Thai, and a friend in the group designed the cute Thai elephant logo for us. And, with help from the university, it was all set up. MQ Thai now has 180 members and is part of the Thai Student Association of Australia (TSA), a large network of Thai students in Australian universities.’ But Wasin didn’t stop there. Once he finished his degree, he worked with the university to help establish the Thai Alumni Network. ‘My process was the same as MQ Thai, but I contacted Thai alumni instead of students, and asked them to add their friends to the Facebook group.’ Acting President since 2019 he says, ‘The Alumni Relations Office helped me make it real. In the first month, we had around 100 members, and we now have 230. Since the pandemic, our activities – such as Zumba and yoga, seminars, casual meetings and Christmas raffles – have all been online, but we’re looking forward to catching up in person soon.’ Ever the organiser, Wasin says, ‘I keep connecting with the alumni and try to help them as much as possible and keep everyone in the circle. It makes me happy to see old friends from MQ reunite and reconnect, and I have gained many true friends from the network.’ Get involved! Are you a Thai student at Macquarie University? Visit MQ Thai to become a member and join its Line group. Or, if you’re a Thai alumni or MQ alumni living in Thailand, the Thai Alumni Network (MQ TAN) is an opportunity to meet fellow alumni, enjoy networking and professional and personal development, and connect with the university in a meaningful way. A Macquarie Alumni meet up in Thailand will be hosted on 8 December in Bangkok, keep an eye out on MQ Alumni events page to receive updates! Wasin Praditsilp graduated from Macquarie University in 2019 with a PhD in International Communication from the Department of Media, Music, Communication and Cultural Studies and the postgraduate Global Leadership Program (GLP). He received an Australian Government International Research Training Program Scholarship, and was highly engaged with student activities on campus, from MacBuddhi (Macquarie University Buddhist Society) to the TLSA (Thai–Laos Student Association). He also volunteered at the Royal Thai Consulate General and for a local Bushcare group. Wasin was pivotal in establishing the Macquarie University Thai Student Association, MQ Thai, and is currently the Thailand alumni network leader and Global alumni ambassador for Macquarie University. He is a Lecturer in Digital Marketing at Walailak University International College (WUIC) in Thailand.

Moving mountains

Yue Zhang — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:26:09 +0000

MQ Sports Ambassador and semi-professional tennis player Joya Nicolas dreams of competing in the French Open. The clay surface, the crowds, the competition; she’s preparing for it all. But she’s also preparing for life beyond the court with a Bachelor of Psychology, bringing in her love of art therapy, listening to people’s stories and building connections. Now at the end of her degree, one thing is for sure: wherever life takes her, she will remain a valued and active member of the MQ alumni.

Joya Nicolas laughs as she explains she’s a bit of a late bloomer. Well, in terms of professional tennis playing, anyway. Not for her the singular focus since early childhood, à la Serena Williams. Rather, she says, ‘I’m still on the path to becoming pro. I didn’t get into tennis until I was a bit older, but it’s not about where you start – it’s about where you finish.’

Joya knows the journey ahead is long, requiring ‘lots of patience and faith’. But, rather than comparing herself to others, she chooses to focus on her own journey, conquering herself and enjoying each moment she’s given; traits she learned from her father.

‘My dad used to hike in the mountains of Lebanon with friends and family,’ she explains, ‘and would walk down the Qadisha Valley for a picnic. The four-hour trek back up the mountain taught him a lot.

‘I remember him saying, “If you look far up to the peak of the mountain, eager to arrive at your destination, feeling stressed about how long you have left, you’ll break your neck. So too, if you look left or right, across to other mountains, you’ll lose balance and perspective.”

‘Instead, he advised, “Keep your head down and focus on one step at a time. The difficulty of your hike changes with your viewpoint – just focus on your own path,” he said, and that has always stayed with me.’

Joya’s time at Macquarie University has been a pivotal part of her journey, but it’s a different path from the one she had first planned. Originally enrolled in an exercise and sports science degree elsewhere, she says, ‘I just knew it wasn’t for me. I wanted to help people but in a more profound way.

‘Playing tennis full-time also meant I needed flexibility, which drew me to Macquarie. My brother-in-law told me it would be a great fit for my lifestyle, and I knew I would be supported as a student-athlete. It has been the perfect fit.’

In her third year at MQ, Joya complemented her studies with a certificate course in art therapy, which confirmed psychology was the right degree for her. The fine arts had been calling her, but she finally realised she could help people and combine it with her love for art. ‘I could walk the journey with them, she explains. ‘Eventually, I’d like to become an art psychotherapist, using art in therapy and as therapy.’

But, for now, she is focused on her tennis career, which she fell into after interviewing her tennis coach at the end of Year 9 for an assignment on elite athletes. ‘My parents wanted me and my siblings to learn tennis, so we could play later in life and use the court at home, but I never really connected with it.’

‘That all changed when I asked my coach what elite athletes needed to succeed. I’ll never forget this; he said they need to have DDS – discipline, dedication and sacrifice. At the time, I was a perfectionist and very disciplined, so it resonated with me, but I was still surprised when he said: “You know, Joya, you would be a great athlete. You have good social support, the perfect set-up and all the right skills. Why don’t you come to our tennis camp?”’

She decided to give it a go, which soon ignited her passion for the game. ‘It was the coolest thing ever,’ remembers Joya. ‘I’d only ever played tennis in my backyard; it was a completely different environment, and I loved it.’

Finally convincing her dad it wasn’t just a phase, she was allowed to go to the Australian Open not long after to watch her coach’s fiancée play. ‘It was like I entered a whole new world. I couldn’t explain it in words, but a flame was ignited inside me – I knew tennis was what I wanted to do.’

The climb was challenging, however, as she struggled to get her body and mind right for the demands of the sport. But in her first year at MQ, about five years ago, Joya started playing full-time, slowly building a good foundation to compete. ‘And here I am,’ she says brightly.

Captain of the Nationals team at MQ, Joya has just returned from the UniSport Nationals in Perth, where she and her team received a bronze medal. She also recently received the MQ Blue Award for 2022, which recognises sporting and academic achievements as well as contributions to the university.

Reflecting on her role as a sports ambassador, Joya says, ‘I’ve discovered a new love for bringing people together and connecting with others, particularly athletes. Watching them compete in their sport is invaluable, and a great way to improve in my own sport.

‘I’ve also been able to connect with a diverse range of people, which has expanded my networks. I’ve come to understand that you can learn from anyone at any time, as long as you’re open to receiving the lesson the moment presents.’

She continues, ‘If there’s one commonality between all the people I’ve met in my experiences at MQ, it’s their openness – to life, to new experiences and to others. This has made being part of the alumni such an amazing experience.’

Right now, Joya is focusing on finishing her bachelor’s degree at the beginning of 2023, when she plans to focus solely on tennis and give it a ‘proper crack’ while continuing to nurture the artist in her. She says, ‘My dream would be to play in and win the French Open.

‘It’s a meaningful tournament for me on so many levels. Not only do I have a strong connection to French culture and heritage – my parents are French-educated from Lebanon, and I speak French and love French art history – but the French Open is played on clay, which is my favourite surface as it suits my game style. It also rewards players with a good work ethic.’

Being a kinaesthetic learner, Joya wanted to put a feeling to her vision of playing in the French Open, so in May 2022, she went to France to experience firsthand what the tournament felt like, allowing her to enhance her training and visualisation. She also connected with Sylvestre Mang, the France Alumni Leader for MQ, which she says was a life-changing experience.

‘I have participated in many alumni activities in Australia and overseas, but meeting Sylvestre was very special,’ she says. ‘There was the MQ connection, of course, and being in Paris, speaking French, but he’s also into sport (basketball) and we share the same Christian faith.

‘The beauty about MQ is you meet so many people from all walks of life, but it’s affirming when you also meet someone who is so similar to you. A lot of my dreams and goals and vision for tennis depend on me holding on to faith in myself, and who God made me to be. Sylvestre understood that.

‘Many people would think playing in the French Open isn’t possible – there’s no evidence to say that someone who committed to tennis at 18 will make it professionally. My path makes no sense from a logical point of view, and there are hundreds of reasons why my dream can’t come true.

‘I know the journey ahead is a long one, but I truly believe that with faith and with trust, miracles can happen, and the impossible can become possible. Faith moves mountains, and it’s incredible what can happen when you believe. Don’t be afraid to dream.’

A semi-professional tennis player, Joya Nicolas is currently completing a Bachelor of Psychology at Macquarie University. She is an MQ Sports Ambassador and Captain of the Nationals Tennis team, and has a deep engagement with the MQ community through her participation in tennis and alumni events worldwide.

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