Macquarie Matters » ALUMNI FOCUS

A whim and a prayer

Yue Zhang — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 23:40:03 +0000

In his early twenties, fresh out of an undergraduate degree and without any knowledge of the culture or language, Associate Professor Dr Josh Kidd (PhD Applied Linguistics 2014) seized the opportunity to live and work in Japan. Thirty years later, the country has become his home, language learning has become his life’s work, and fostering ongoing connections as a leader of the Macquarie University Alumni Network in Japan remains central to a rich and rewarding life between two cultures. Speaking from his office at Utsunomiya University (EPUU) in Japan, about an hour north of Tokyo by Shinkansen, Associate Professor Dr Josh Kidd tells how in 1992, as a 21-year-old fresh out of an arts degree, applying for a job in Japan didn’t feel like such a monumental decision at the time. ‘It was more about adventure,’ he explains. ‘It was about seeing a bit of the world and experiencing new things – you could say I set off on a whim and a prayer!’ As he looks back on his last three decades in Japan, Dr kidd says, ‘One decision has led to another, and it has ended up being my life – I’ve been happily married to my wife, Miho, for nearly 30 years, and we have two grown daughters, Iysa and Sarika. Living in Japan has been transformative,’ he continues, ‘full of rich cultural immersion and unexpected personal and professional growth.’

It would seem the path less trodden has served him well, though living overseas and speaking foreign languages wasn’t exactly on the cards when he was growing up. ‘My family’s love for adventure took me around Australia, but my exposure to foreign languages was limited to Indonesian and French at school,’ he remembers. ‘Unfortunately, my memories of those classes aren’t particularly positive – I was often disengaged, passively listening while the teacher spoke.’ But his approach to language learning quickly changed when he relocated to Japan. ‘Based in a small town where English was hard to come by, mastering basic language skills became imperative for navigating daily life – language learning was no longer an academic exercise but a practical necessity, and this immersion marked the beginning of my fascination with the teaching and learning of languages.’ Several degrees in teaching and linguistics later, including a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Macquarie University, Dr Kidd is now an Associate Professor within the English Program of Utsunomiya University and deeply rooted in the city, the capital of Tochigi prefecture. Best known for strawberries and gyoza dumplings, Utsunomiya is a diverse economic centre just southeast of the famous temples and shrines of Nikko. At Utsunomiya University, Dr Kidd’s work encompasses developing curriculum, delivering lectures, conducting staff/faculty development and undertaking research. ‘Our focus aligns with the evolving landscape of higher education in Japan, adapting to changes in our field and government directives, such as internationalising higher education to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for success in an increasingly globalised world.’ As a result of these changes, Japanese universities have moved from general English programs to those with a more academic orientation. ‘Consequently, there’s an increased emphasis on teaching specialised English for Academic Purposes (EAP),’ explains Dr Kidd. ‘This shift is closely tied to the broader trends of globalisation, glocalisation, and the rise of English as a lingua franca, necessitating adjustments in teaching pedagogy and theory.’ Beyond his position at Utsunomiya University, Dr Kidd also contributes to the Japanese academic community through his involvement with various journals and academic publications, serving as both an editor and a contributor, and engaging with a diverse range of research and practice areas in second-language acquisition. However, it’s the personal experience that Dr Kidd emphasises most. ‘It was my daughters’ experience growing up and attending local schools that offered me a dual perspective into Japanese education, both as a teacher and a parent,’ he notes. ‘And it was this firsthand look into their educational experience, and that of their peers, which also enriched my insights into Japanese culture.’ Unsurprisingly, his pursuit of a PhD at Macquarie University became a family affair too. ‘I was based in Japan, working full-time with two young children,’ he says. ‘It was a key priority for me, as it is for everyone, but it was also one of several things I was juggling and required a significant commitment over an extended period. I’m profoundly thankful that my family embraced, supported and shared my dream.’ Indeed, at Dr Kidd’s graduation in 2014, where he presented the student address, the Chancellor asked Dr Kidd’s family to stand, and the audience clapped. ‘The awareness of what undertaking a degree at Macquarie University meant to us as a family was very moving,’ says Dr Kidd. ‘And it just typified the whole experience – it was academically rigorous but also very personal. ‘For a large university with an expansive student population, I valued the fact that the professors took the time to understand each student and genuinely cared about their lives. This was especially true for my supervisor, the late Professor Christopher Candlin, who was deeply invested not just in my studies but also in my work, my future aspirations and my family. ‘He was interested in my children’s education, advised me on challenges I experienced at work, and consistently encouraged me to consider how I could apply my studies to positively impact the lives of others. I was his last PhD candidate and, with his encouragement, used my research as the foundation for a book on Japanese linguistics, published as Face and Enactment of Identities in the L2 Classroom by Multilingual Matters. ‘I remember writing about him in the acknowledgments,’ continues Dr Kidd. ‘Professor Candlin had an extraordinary ability to make the confusing comprehensible by interweaving his vast knowledge of linguistic theory, classroom practice and mesmerising anecdotes. He remains an inspiration, and the intersection of theoretical knowledge and practical application gained from my PhD has proven invaluable in my professional journey.’ But Dr Kidd says his story is everyone’s story. ‘Everyone I meet who studied at Macquarie shares inspirational stories of how their experience has impacted the trajectory of their lives. Of course, it’s different for all of us, but there’s a common thread – the experience was transformative, taking us out of our comfort zones and compelling us to delve deep within ourselves to confront challenges that pushed our limits.’ It’s no surprise then that Dr Kidd has been influential in establishing the Macquarie University Alumni Network in Japan. ‘My involvement stems from fond memories of my time at Macquarie,’ he says. ‘Even though I had limited time on campus, the strong bond I developed with my supervisor Professor Candlin and other staff within the University community motivated me to maintain this connection after graduation, both for myself and to facilitate connections among other alumni, and even beyond.’ And he continues to make good on his word. During COVID, Dr Kidd worked closely with the Macquarie University Alumni team in Sydney to set up the Japan Alumni Network on LinkedIn and now, thanks to Saki Origuchi, on Facebook. ‘Limited to online events at first, we conducted a series of diverse presentations with notable Macquarie figures such as Dr Prashan Karunaratne, Waminda Parker, Tina McKenzie and Dr Andreea Heriseanu. ‘My goal with the network is to bring the University’s alumni together,’ says Dr Kidd. ‘Macquarie has played a crucial role in all our journeys, one that binds us, and I aspire to create opportunities for us to connect personally and professionally. The wealth of talent and experience within our community is remarkable, and I envision a supportive network where we can share knowledge, provide professional assistance and build lasting friendships.’ Dr Kidd has also been instrumental in expanding the network beyond Australia and Japan, connecting with various global alumni groups, including the Philippine network through leader Macy Cruz. ‘Macy has participated in our presentations and provided support for our initiatives,’ explains Dr Kidd, who met her in person during a business trip to the Philippines and looks forward to hosting Macy in Japan, adding another layer to the reciprocal nature of these connections. And yet, it’s not just alumni who benefit from Dr Kidd’s broad experience and enthusiasm. Last year, he was instrumental in supporting the Macquarie Business School to find an industry partner for an upcoming Business Innovation Challenge project, deepening Australian undergraduate students’ understanding of the Indo-Pacific region as part of the New Colombo Plan. ‘This project is designed to immerse students in the economy of Japan, enhancing their business and cultural competencies through direct engagement with local businesses,’ says Dr Kidd. ‘We advertised on our network in Japan to look for a partner, and my son-in-law, Marco Romano, Senior Global Sales Director at Seiya Nakamura 2.24 in Tokyo, generously offered to host the students and help put together a program for 2024. ‘There’s a lot of joy for me in being able to help graduates and connect family members to Macquarie,’ he says. ‘It’s about extending the network I experienced as an individual student, but it also says Macquarie University is an institute I highly value. I respect the academics and the courses they put together, and have great confidence in the graduates.’ Whether welcoming alumni into the Japan network, encouraging Macquarie students and staff to connect with him to explore research collaborations, or supporting the broader alumni network, Dr Kidd may have left Australia over 30 years ago, but it would seem his adventure continues, and his connections remain as strong as ever. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Dr Josh Kidd is an experienced educator in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) and applied linguistics. He has lived in Japan for over 30 years and is skilled in language research, public speaking, teacher training and program development. Dr Kidd graduated from Macquarie University with a PhD in Applied Linguistics (2014) and is an Associate Professor in the English Program of Utsunomiya University (EPUU) in Japan. He hopes to contribute to the growing development of EPUU, fostering academic excellence and international collaboration. His plans include further engagement with the academic community through research and publications, contributing to the ongoing discourse in applied linguistics and second-language acquisition. As a leader of the Macquarie University Alumni Japan, Dr Kidd aims to strengthen connections within the alumni network locally and globally, building a community that fosters knowledge-sharing, professional support and enduring friendships. Are you a Macquarie University graduate, student or staff member based in Japan? Want to connect with your alma mater and be part of a network that meets to socialise, foster discussion and encourage collaboration? Find the Macquarie University Alumni Network Japan on Facebook and LinkedIn, and follow us to keep in touch with events and opportunities, and make new connections!

Window into the world

Yue Zhang — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 23:33:15 +0000

As a Chinese student at an Australian university, foreign direct investment specialist Ines Liu MBA (2012) says her time at Macquarie University was like a window into the world. It opened her eyes to a different way of living and working, and the insight it gave her was the start of her bridging the two cultures, both personally and professionally. Now based in Beijing, Ms Liu remains strongly connected to Australia through her work and as part of the Macquarie Alumni Network China, supporting businesses and enhancing cross-cultural connections. When you think of China, you think of the staggering size of the population – over 1.4 billion, in fact. However, when speaking with Ines Liu, within this sea of people, it’s the individual that comes into sharp focus instead – and, in Ms Liu’s case, the qualities of integrity and authenticity as she seeks to act from a place of wisdom while delicately conducting business between China and Australia. It’s a challenging geo-political environment to navigate at times, for sure. As Senior Manager within the International Business Advisory team at Dezan Shira & Associates, Ms Liu provides strategic guidance to foreign investors on market entry, corporate structuring, cross-border tax considerations, and the legal and tax regulations and intricacies associated with foreign direct investment (FDI) in China. ‘We are pan-Asia, providing services to Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, China and India,’ explains Ms Liu, ‘but we also work with foreign embassies and chambers of commerce for the UK, Germany, Israel, the US and Australia.’ In 2019, due to her interest in the country and experience, Ms Liu established the Australian Client Services Desk, adding Regional Head, Australian Business Development to her title. As such, she spearheads business development and project management initiatives in Australia and liaises with a range of companies and clients as well as major Australian education providers, government agencies such as AUSTRADE, and state government offices both locally and overseas. ‘I help Australian businesses navigate the business climate in Asia and act as the primary point of contact for the firm’s Australian clients and partners in China as well as globally,’ she says. ‘I work closely with each client, navigating what they need to know when doing business in or with China, addressing their concerns, including key risks and considerations, and providing business intelligence services such as location analysis, advice on manufacturing and assembly opportunities, and setting up or dissolving a business, for example,’ she says, admitting she relies heavily on her understanding of the region to provide impartial yet insightful advice. ‘It’s important to remain neutral,’ she adds matter-of-factly. Ms Liu also runs speaking events with government agencies and associations in Australia, such as the Victorian State Government in Melbourne and the Australia China Business Council (ACBC) and their member companies, advising on macro factors in China, including potential restructuring options or exit strategies. ‘It’s a complex situation right now for many companies, which requires much wisdom,’ she says. And indeed, it’s these skills and insights that have come to the fore in relation to Ms Liu’s involvement with Macquarie University’s global alumni network. ‘That’s why I was so keen to be part of the network in China,’ she says enthusiastically. ‘I feel I can contribute by using my knowledge, building connections between businesses, between alumni and between countries, sharing insights into foreign investment in China, and discussing what foreign investors need to know, including the key risks. ‘I’m pleased to see the Macquarie Alumni Network China is growing – the foundations are very strong as we connect Australia not just to China but also other ASEAN countries,’ says Ms Liu, adding the Macquarie University Alumni team in Sydney has been very supportive, especially Susan Mills, who she has met in person both in Beijing and in Australia several times. ‘We first met at an event at the Establishment in Sydney, and then in 2019 in Beijing, and have connected over my willingness to contribute to the alumni and our joint interest in China,’ remembers Ms Liu. Ms Liu enjoys representing the University as an alumna, and recently attended events in Sydney and Brisbane while in the country for work. ‘I’m grateful for the opportunity to support Macquarie University and give back, contributing to strengthening the alumni and the links between our countries.’ Her reasons for being involved are also very personal. ‘Studying at Macquarie was pivotal in developing my vision and mindset,’ she explains. ‘It allowed me to think and explore, and I benefited greatly from the experience in terms of independent and critical thinking. ‘It was also important in terms of learning how you relate to people, how you treat them in business, and how you react to things. Studying at Macquarie and living in Australia changed me and my thinking considerably. That’s why it was so important to me – it was like a window into the world. ‘Naturally, I was also able to improve my English and learn to speak more fluently. I have become much more comfortable communicating in English, to the point where it has almost become a second mother tongue, opening up opportunities in terms of the information I’m now able to access and bridging the cultural differences between China and Australia.’ As a testament to both her journey and her success at work, Ms Liu was recently recognised by the Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA), which ‘celebrates excellence in Australian tertiary education and the significant achievements of Australian-educated alumni in China, demonstrating how Australian tertiary education can help graduates succeed in an international context and across a variety of fields.’ Ms Liu was a finalist in the prestigious 2023 Australia China Alumni Award for Major Corporate Achievement, which recognises ‘established and emerging commercial leaders, all of whom have demonstrated leadership ability, a flair for their field, and a passion for corporate social responsibility.’ Ms Liu was a deserving recipient, one the Macquarie University alumni in Australia and China is proud to have among its peers. ‘My goal is to be a blessing to others, wherever I am,’ says Ms Liu humbly, though Australia is sure to remain a place close to her heart. ‘I feel comfortable there and almost get reverse culture shock when I go back to Beijing now,’ she laughs. ‘But that’s part of the journey for me to grow as a person; to be adaptable and fit in anywhere.’ It’s certainly a long way from when she arrived in Sydney as a fresh MBA student. ‘I remember it felt so quiet,’ she says, ‘I nearly cried!’ Now though, she loves the open spaces, the people who have embraced her, and the quieter, more suburban life, especially in Brisbane, but the familiarity of Sydney draws her in too. So, would she move here permanently? ‘I would love to, but only if I can do it legitimately,’ she says with trademark integrity before adding, ‘and only if I can contribute positively to the country and the community – that is my responsibility as an individual.’ Foreign direct investment (FDI) specialist Ines Liu is a Senior Manager within the International Business Advisory team at Dezan Shira & Associates’ Beijing office. She advises foreign investors on market entry strategy, corporate structuring, cross-border tax issues and FDI-related legal and tax considerations. In 2019, Ms Liu took the initiative of leading Dezan Shira & Associates’ business development in Australia and formed the Australian Desk. As Regional Head, Australian Business Development, she is the point of contact for Australian clients and partners in China and globally. Ms Liu started her career at PwC straight after her undergraduate degree. At PwC, she acquired extensive auditing and assurance experience, and also practised in specific areas of auditing, financial and corporate communications, as well as general accounting and management consulting. She also gained valuable experience while working with leading companies across the Asia-Pacific in a financial and corporate communications role at Ogilvy Public Relations in Beijing, and was a consultant on several high-profile initial public offerings – mergers, acquisitions and spin-offs as well as in management transition, crisis communications and media training roles. From 2010 to 2012, Ms Liu pursued an MBA at Macquarie Graduate School of Business (MGSM), where she was assigned the social role of President of the Macquarie Graduate School of Management Alumni Association (MGSM AA), Global Chapter, Beijing Chapter. She works with the Board of MGSM AA and other chapters globally to develop a more engaging and stronger Macquarie University network in Australia and internationally. Wherever you are in the world, the Macquarie University Alumni Network can help you stay connected with your alma mater. If you’re interested in our network in China, join our LinkedIn group and stay up to date with events and opportunities.

The magic lies beyond your comfort zone

Yue Zhang — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 23:22:41 +0000

Meet content creator Janice Fung, Macquarie University Bachelor of Applied Finance/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) graduate (2014) who left a promising corporate career to follow her passion for food and travel. From sampling Spanish tapas in Potts Point to slurping on noodles in Hong Kong, her feeds are full of her thirst for life, hunger for new experiences and cravings for travel. Much time was spent perusing her offerings while researching this article, and all we can say is don’t watch her socials if you’re feeling hungry or suffering from wanderlust – and follow her, for sure! Although she studied applied finance and law at Macquarie University, listening to Janice Fung recount the opportunities she harnessed during her time here it’s clear the seeds of her role as a food and travel content creator – which had been sown as a child living between Australia and Hong Kong – quickly began to germinate. From a month-long stint in Borneo as part of the PACE program, where she worked on a land-rights case and visited a remote village to document evidence from elders, to what she describes as the highlight of her uni days, a semester exchange studying at the University of Calgary in Canada, her ability to suck the marrow out of life has served her well. Remembering her uni days, Miss Fung says, ‘I also did a law internship at Cochlear, working with the regional head of the legal department, whose reference was pivotal in the grad jobs I applied for, and was part of both the LUCY Mentoring and Global Leadership Programs, all of which helped me prepare for life beyond uni!’ Unsurprisingly, with all this experience before she’d even graduated, Miss Fung started working in financial services as a part of a graduate program as soon as she had finished. ‘My experience at Macquarie University held me in good stead for my career, first at the Macquarie Group and then at the Commonwealth Bank,’ she says. Still, the creative life was calling. ‘I’ve always been interested in creating things,’ she says. ‘As a child, I used to put on plays with my siblings and was always messing around with a camera – I fell in love with telling stories in video form. Then, in my spare time at uni, I made YouTube videos just for fun. And so, after several years in the corporate world, Miss Fung started to seriously consider what life might look like if she invested all her time in content creation. ‘I’d been thinking about it for a long time and wanted to see where I could take it,’ she remembers. Of course, it wasn’t an easy decision. ‘I decided to write down the pros and cons of leaving my job,’ recounts Ms Fung, ‘and realised that while there was an unlimited upside, the downside was capped – at worst, I’d just have to go back to my corporate job, which wasn’t a bad option at all!’ But the courage to resign and put herself out there on the internet only happened when she finally faced her fears about why she shouldn’t do it. As she explains, ‘One of the biggest things stopping me was my concern about what others would think – that’s when I decided I’d much rather try and fail than never fail because I’d never had the courage to try.’ Still, Miss Fung didn’t tell her parents straight away because she didn’t want them to talk her out of it. ‘In fact, I pretended I was still working!’ she says a little sheepishly, but they can obviously all laugh about it now. ‘I got away with it for a while because my parents live in Hong Kong, but when they visited, they quickly realised what I’d done!’ And initially, they weren’t too happy about it. ‘They didn’t understand the life of a content creator and were really worried for me – they struggled with why I’d spent so much time studying and being admitted into the Supreme Court, and thought I was throwing it all away. ‘It took some time, but when they saw how happy I was making content, they started to come around, especially once they realised I could support myself financially from it – they’re constantly sending me content ideas now and are super supportive.’ So, with the travel bug still biting hard, the plan to take a year off and explore the world with her trusty video camera in hand began to crystallise. Naturally, the focus would be on food. ‘It’s such an amazing way to connect and bring people together,’ says Miss Fung. ‘My family has always gathered around food, making me the foodie I am today,’ she adds. In 2019, Miss Fung left the familiarity of Sydney and her work to travel around Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. ‘That’s how I started my YouTube channel,’ she says. ‘I began documenting my travels, eating my favourite foods and making content about my adventures! ‘Lots of people are creating video content on food now, but in 2018 and 2019, while blogs were popular, not as many people were doing video,’ she remembers. Still, it was right before the pandemic, which in early 2020 put an abrupt halt to international travel and eating out, so Miss Fung went back to the Commonwealth Bank for two years, as had been her backup plan. Finally, with borders open again and travel recommencing in earnest, in early 2023 Miss Fung took the plunge and threw herself into full-time content creation. ‘It’s been fun but nerve-racking!’ she laughs, noting her business and law skills from her degree have definitely come in handy as she navigates running her own business, planning content, creating partnerships with brands she’d only dreamed of working with like Sony and Destination NSW, and juggling everything from editing her videos to speaking engagements. ‘I love what I do, but I have to implement a lot of structure to ensure it’s sustainable. There are days when it’s absolutely exhilarating – I’ve reviewed theme-park food at Hong Kong Disneyland, for instance, and flown to Port Douglas with Sony for a series of immersive photography and videography workshops. ‘But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In reality, it requires a lot of time in front of my laptop. When I started my own business, I worked all the time – there was just so much to do and not enough time. It’s about finding a balance and taking some time out too,’ she says. Having worked in corporate and now on her own business, Miss Fung says both come with their own pressures. ‘In big organisations, there was less flexibility in what I did but more stability – in my own business, there’s so much flexibility but a lot less predictability. I have complete control over decisions and the direction I want to take my business, but it also means I’m fully responsible for whether something works out or not.’ The change from working as part of a team to on her own has been a change too. ‘I love working with people and being able to bounce ideas off a team, so I’m always looking to connect with other businesses and creators, both as a collaboration or to feature on my channels,’ she says. So, it’s no surprise that a chance meeting with the Macquarie Photography Society at a digiDirect industry event led to Miss Fung reconnecting with her alma mater and speaking on creating content on social media and turning your passion into a side hustle at one of the society’s meetings in late 2023. ‘I spoke about my journey as a content creator and how to find your niche and monetise your content. The thing is to just start,’ she advises. ‘Your first videos aren’t going to be great, but you have to be bad to get better, there’s no way around it – and tag me in your content. I’d love to see it!’ she says with the same friendly, down-to-earth approach she’s had from the start. Now with over 80,000 followers on YouTube as well as 26,000 on TikTok and 24,000 on Instagram, plus 1800 newsletter subscribers (sign up on her website), where to from here for Janice Fung? ‘I’d love to create more content on cooking,’ she says, and as always, her family is her inspiration. ‘My mum and grandma are amazing cooks, and I want to learn how they make certain dishes and soups and share this knowledge – I want to make sure these family recipes don’t get lost.’ As she says, food is more than merely fending off hunger. ‘It’s how you express your care and love for someone, and it’s how we create, nurture and rekindle relationships – that’s why food and people play such a big part in my content.’ It would seem the risk Miss Fung took to become a content creator and live just beyond her comfort zone has worked out. ‘Whatever happens from here, whether I go back to the corporate world or move in a different direction, it will all have been worth it,’ she says. Then she adds thoughtfully, ‘I remember when I was considering this career change, someone said to me, what would make 8-year-old Janice and 85-year-old Janice proud? And I think what I’ve done will make them both proud. I took a chance, and where it has led me continues to be both extremely exciting and satisfying.’ Janice Fung graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Applied Finance/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (2014). After working in corporate banking for several years, she reinvented herself as a travel and foodie content creator and now has well over 100,000 engaged followers across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. With over 500,000 video views a month, Miss Fung is the globe-trotting foodie friend you’d go to for a recommendation both at home and abroad. Her adventures span all things food and travel, from luxury hotel reviews to back-alley street stalls serving the best street eats, and her unique style of storytelling with a focus on fun, relatability and authenticity helps others get in touch with a thirst for adventure in their own lives. Miss Fung’s work has led to partnerships with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Sony, Destination NSW, Skyscanner, Adobe and many more. Her focus on understanding culture through cuisine has also led to collaborations with household names in the food space domestically and abroad, including Tefal, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Amoy Sauce Sauce, Cobram Estate Olive Oil and appearances on Buzzfeed Tasty. Have a story to share? Share your story with us!

Animal chiro whisperer

Yue Zhang — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 23:16:45 +0000

It’s been almost ten years since Valerie Teo stepped onto the Wallumattagal Campus, having graduated from MQ with a Master of Chiropractic in 2014. But her enthusiasm for her alma mater, like her chosen vocation, hasn’t dimmed. Now running a successful practice in Singapore, treating people and animals, she’s also the Vice President of the MQ Alumni Network Singapore, and is keen to help light the path for others returning to the Lion City. When Valerie Teo returned to Australia for the World Federation of Chiropractic Biennial Congress in October 2023, she decided to revisit MQ and refresh her connection with the University. ‘There have been lots of positive changes since I graduated,’ she smiles, having just taken a tour of the campus. ‘The vibe of the uni is great, and the transformation of the Central Courtyard Precinct into the heart of the campus is amazing – there’s more space outdoors, new buildings, and lots of comfortable places for the students,’ she enthuses. ‘I was also able to speak with the Alumni team, and caught up with some of my lecturers about developments at the University and in the chiropractic field, which was really helpful.’ Interestingly, Valerie didn’t set out to be a chiropractor. With a lifelong love of animals, she originally moved to Perth to study vet science. However, with the foundational subjects in chiropractic resonating with her most, and her chiro in Singapore recommending the course at MQ, she made the move to Sydney. Making light of her aversion to medical interventions, which she admits also influenced her change of direction, Valerie laughs, ‘There’s no blood involved in chiro!’ But, more seriously, she reflects: ‘As a chiropractor, I still get to help people and can positively impact their life by being present for them – I think it suits me better.’ Chiropractic is still fairly new in Singapore, says Valerie, but notes it’s definitely grown since she moved home and got her first job at an established clinic, where she stayed for almost six years. ‘Studying at MQ was very evidence-based and patient-focused, which made the transition to work much easier. ‘We were taught to be flexible and think outside the box, which held me in good stead in the workplace. I was also glad to find somewhere ethical, and my boss was instrumental in guiding me in the right direction.’ Indeed, being mindful of where you choose to work after you complete your degree is wisdom she’s keen to pass on to new graduates. ‘Often, we’re in such a hurry to get our first job that we accept the first position offered. But I advise graduates to make their choice carefully, and really focus on their purpose and why they studied their degree – then they’ll find the right job for them.’ As you speak with Valerie, it’s this thoughtfulness that shines through. ‘Of course, we all work to survive,’ she admits, ‘but if we’re in the wrong job, we can lose the essence of why we’re working in the first place. We have to follow the fire in us and enjoy what we do, but it’s also important to better society – it’s what we do for others that really matters.’ There’s no doubt Valerie finds her vocation rewarding, and even more so since she decided to pursue further education in animal chiropractic. Several events conspired to convince her, including treating an elephant on the side of the road in Thailand, which bowed in gratitude afterwards. ‘My passion for treating animals resurfaced, and I took the opportunity to study the leading animal chiropractic course in America,’ she remembers. Finally combining her love for animals with her chiropractic skills, often caring for owners and their pets together, she says: ‘It’s interesting, the connection between an owner and their pet – there’s a special bond that can’t be explained. Especially when the animals get better and the owners come in for treatment, I see so many amazing changes.’ ‘And, as people start to improve,’ she continues, ‘we can educate them on better lifestyle choices. I’ve found that as a client’s mental health improves with treatment, they’re more accepting of other healthcare providers – it takes away their fear and puts them on the path toward optimal health.’ You can hear the passion in her voice, but it’s underlined by a sense of responsibility to her patients: ‘Chiropractic is still fairly new compared to the medical profession, so I feel a duty to step forward and educate people on the importance of our health in terms of preventative care,’ she says. After graduating from animal chiropractic, Valerie continued working with people during the day and opened a mobile clinic, doing home visits for animals in the evening, but it wasn’t sustainable. ‘So I plucked up the courage and saved up, and when the opportunity came, I opened my own clinic. ‘It was just before COVID, so I couldn’t work out of the clinic during lockdown, but my clients were very loyal and supported me, which I’m very grateful for, and gradually we opened up again. As long as you’re present and sincere with people, things will go the right way,’ Valerie offers, explaining how she divides the human and animal appointments between different times of the day in different parts of the clinic. She has found her balance. Still, being more established in her career hasn’t slowed Valerie down. She volunteers at her local Riding Disability Association treating horses, has completed a two-year diploma course in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, an osteopathic technique for humans and animals, and was president of the Chiropractic Association (Singapore) for four years. ‘It’s been quite a journey; I’ve been doing lots of things!’ she says brightly. Valerie is now focusing on her role as Vice President of the MQ Alumni Network Singapore, using her experience as an overseas student, a trained chiropractor and business owner to guide others. ‘I’m honoured the MQ Alumni Network Singapore has trusted me with the role of Vice President this year,’ she says. ‘I’ve met people from different fields, widened my knowledge and improved my business – I just wish I had joined earlier!’ Valerie is looking forward to planning alumni events in Singapore and touching base with other Singaporeans returning home. ‘We also want to bring more hope to the chiropractic community in Singapore,’ she adds. ‘We want the profession to grow in the right way, and help more students transition into the workforce, so they can be more confident after graduation.’ With her trademark positivity guiding her and her ability to be present wherever she is, we’re sure there are good things to come for Valerie Teo and those whose lives she touches, both in clinic and within the alumni – and we hope to see her back on campus again soon too! Do you have a story to share with us? As Macquarie University approaches its 60th Anniversary in 2024, we're eager to hear from you. Whether you've pursued global ventures, achieved your dream career, or explored new horizons post-graduation, share your journey with us. Are you about to graduate from Macquarie and are returning to Singapore, or plan on working in the Lion City? Perhaps you graduated some time ago and are ready to connect with other alumni? Find the Macquarie Singapore Alumni Network on Facebook and LinkedIn, and open up a world of possibilities. Wherever you are in the world, you’ll find a strong network of MQ alumni. Widen your professional network and participate in a range of social, thought-leadership and networking events. Keep in touch and keep your details updated to know what’s happening at MQ, including ways to get involved and give back. The first animal chiropractor in Singapore, Dr Valerie Teo holds a Bachelor of Chiropractic and a Master of Chiropractic from Macquarie University (2014). Currently Vice President of the Macquarie University Alumni Network Singapore and immediate past president of the Chiropractic Association (Singapore), Valerie is the principal chiropractor at Valerie Teo Chiropractic Pte Ltd as well as Animal Pal Chiropractic. Her goal as a chiropractor is to bring positive change to every patient she sees, respecting that everyone’s recovery process varies. Valerie is a certified animal chiropractor (Options for Animals, Kansas, USA), a certified Kinesio Taping practitioner and a member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) and the Kinesio Taping Association International.

A life of service

Yue Zhang — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:23:12 +0000

When NSW Public Service Commissioner Kathrina Lo returned to Macquarie University as an occasional speaker for the 4 October graduation ceremony, 28 years after she graduated with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Economics, her story spoke of an unwavering dedication to the public interest, the value of cultural diversity in the workplace, and how a strong sense of purpose has guided her career. It’s a story that will stay with graduands long after their mortar boards were tossed in the air … As Kathrina Lo explained in her address, almost 30 years ago, she too was sitting at a graduation ceremony, her career and all its possibilities stretched out in front of her. She may not have known the specific details of what lay ahead of her, but as she sat in the graduation hall surrounded by her peers, it might be said that her clarity of purpose – and her interests that developed out of her degree – are what have propelled her in her career. As she told the graduands in early October, ‘When I was studying law at Macquarie, the subjects I gravitated toward were the public law ones; after all, it applies to and shapes our entire society. I could also see the potential for impact in these areas and an alignment with purpose, so I made a deliberate decision to join the public service. I wanted to do work that was in the public interest.’ And it’s this decision and no doubt drive that have led to an exceptionally distinguished public service career at the state and commonwealth levels. Currently the NSW Public Service Commissioner, Kathrina leads workforce policy and programs as well as strategy and reform for the NSW public sector, the largest workforce in Australia. Before being appointed commissioner, she was the deputy secretary at the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. Kathrina has also held the positions of NSW Information Commissioner, NSW Privacy Commissioner, Assistant Auditor-General, and CEO of Juvenile Justice NSW. Kathrina says her career has been enormously fulfilling, and as a lawyer in the public service, she has had the opportunity to do work she couldn’t do elsewhere. She has led a wide range of civil and criminal law reforms; developed numerous pieces of legislation, including enshrining changes to surrogacy arrangements and victim impact statements, and extinguishing historical homosexual offences; and been part of the team advising the NSW Attorney General on matters such as the penalties that should attach to offences, and requests for reviews of criminal convictions. Kathrina was also part of a United Nations expert group at the UN headquarters in New York, and travelled to China as part of a delegation of senior Australian public servants strengthening ties between the two countries. As she says, ‘It’s big-impact work. I’m a proud career public servant and have never regretted my decision to join the public service – the work we do is purposeful, interesting, challenging and impactful; it makes a real difference to people’s lives.’ And never has this been more evident than in the last few years when she has seen the NSW public service through some of the most challenging periods in the state’s history. ‘Our frontline workforce in the Rural Fire Service, the State Emergency Service, and Fire and Rescue, are constantly preparing for and responding to extreme weather events, from fires to floods,’ she says. ‘At the moment, there’s a lot of preparation being done ahead of summer – because of climate change, we’re dealing with events that people might previously have only experienced once in a century, or once in a generation, but they’re common events now.’ No less, we don’t hear as much about the pandemic in the news any more, but nurses are still supporting COVID patients in ICUs, and people are still dying, so there’s still a lot of work going on behind the scenes. ‘In the early days,’ notes Kathrina, ‘we didn’t know how bad things would get, so we mobilised and trained hundreds of public servants ready to go as contact tracers, and later roll out vaccinations, as just one example. ‘It was a huge team effort – COVID wasn’t just a health response, it was a whole-of-sector response,’ she says. ‘I’m really proud of how our 430,000-strong workforce has continued to turn up, step up, and be there for the people of New South Wales during these extremely difficult times.’ But this is just the tip of the iceberg.‘Often, people are quite surprised to learn that 85 per cent of the NSW public service workforce is on the frontline,’ says Kathrina. ‘But our teachers, nurses, police, prison officers and paramedics, bus and train drivers and firies, they’re all frontline workers – they’re our unsung heroes,’ she says with genuine admiration. It’s a career that’s increasingly popular, too. From the highly competitive graduate program that’s one of the best in the country to people moving across to middle management from corporate, people are realising you can have a really interesting, purpose-driven career in the public service. ‘I’ve chosen to stay in the public sector for my entire career,’ says Kathrina, ‘but I’d like to see more movement between corporate and government as it benefits both sectors. ‘The really big problems we need to deal with as a state and as a nation – like Indigenous disadvantage, climate change and domestic and family violence – all require different sectors working together to solve them, so the more movement of talent there is between sectors, increasing understanding and building relationships, the more likely we are to tackle those problems successfully.’ Big-impact work, indeed. So where does Kathrina’s deep sense of purpose and desire to tackle huge societal issues come from? ‘It’s partly because my family are migrants,’ says Kathrina, explaining her father was born in China and grew up in Hong Kong, and her mother is from Malaysia, and is Malay–Chinese, while her great-grandmother was from Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. ‘My parents met in Australia, got married here, and never returned to their birth countries to live. As newlyweds, they moved to Canada, where I was born, before we returned to Australia and lived in a small town near Lake Macquarie until I was 13.’ Kathrina tells of the quintessential Aussie childhood, growing up in the country in the 70s and 80s, hanging out with other kids, riding their bikes down dirt tracks to the creek, and building cubby houses in the bush. ‘We’d be away for hours, only returning for dinner,’ reminisces Kathrina. ‘Our parents didn’t hover over us, and I think this fostered our independence, resourcefulness, imagination and resilience.’ Her parents did however drum into her the importance of contributing to society, and of helping people who are less fortunate. ‘It was very much about embracing our adopted country and wanting to give back,’ she says. ‘My parents always talked about helping other people who might not have the good fortune we had, and they both chose purposeful careers as educators at the university level, my father in maths and science, and my mother in nursing.’ And this is where Kathrina’s sense of purpose and background intersect. As she noted in her speech, she is one of the nearly 50 percent of Australians who were either born overseas or have at least one parent who was born overseas. She is also the first culturally diverse person to hold all the senior leadership positions she’s been appointed to in the NSW public service, and the first culturally diverse person to be a member of the NSW Secretaries Board, the top leadership team for the NSW public service. So, it’s no surprise that when asked what legacy she’d like to leave, she cites increasing cultural diversity in the workplace. As she explains, ‘I truly believe Australia’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths as a country, and it’s a competitive advantage we need to leverage more than we currently do. ‘I’m halfway through my seven-year term as commissioner, and I’d like to leave behind a public sector workforce that better reflects the diversity of the community we serve, including at the senior leadership level, so we’re better able to understand and respond to the needs of the community and deliver better outcomes. ‘There’s a large body of research that shows that diverse organisations and teams perform better across a whole range of metrics, including customer and financial metrics, and that they’re more innovative, creative and better at problem-solving. And that’s exactly what we want our organisations to be, whether they operate in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors.’ You could hear the passion in her voice as she shared her personal and professional journey with graduands and, as part of her six tips shared at the ceremony, Kathrina reminded the audience that we all have a sphere of influence within which we can choose to contribute positively. ‘No matter what level we’re at, we all play a role in ensuring our workplaces value diversity, are inclusive, and are places where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work.’ So, what’s next for Kathrina Lo? Although she still has over three years to go as commissioner and no doubt much to achieve, this may well be her last executive role. ‘I might find other ways to give back, whether that’s through boards and committees, or volunteer work,’ she muses, and indeed, she is now a member of the recently established Macquarie Law School Advisory Board. ‘I’d also like to have more time for my parents, who are getting older, and time for those things I didn’t get to do when you have a full-on executive career, like getting back to playing the piano and taking some art classes. There are lots of things to get involved in the local community too – I’m really open to different things, but it’s a little way off yet.’ She sounds satisfied with her career journey, the opportunities she has taken, the positions she has given her all to, and the changes she has made – from the large and significant to the more personal, such as writing letters to applicants to let them know that a historical offence that had been hanging over their heads for decades was no longer on their record. Ever mindful and pragmatic, Kathrina adds, ‘You’ve also got to know when it’s time to step aside and let other leaders come through – that’s part of your job as a leader, to develop other leaders, but you also need to know when to step aside and give other leaders an opportunity. I’ll find other ways to contribute, I have no doubt about that!’ she laughs warmly, knowing herself and her purpose well. Do you have a story to share with us? As Macquarie University approaches its 60th Anniversary in 2024, we're eager to hear from you. Whether you've pursued global ventures, achieved your dream career, or explored new horizons post-graduation, share your journey with us. Kathrina Lo is the New South Wales Public Service Commissioner and leads workforce strategy, reform and programs for the NSW public sector, the largest workforce in Australia with over 430, 000 employees. Kathrina has had a distinguished public service career. Prior to her appointment as NSW Public Service Commissioner in April 2020, a seven-year tenure, Kathrina was Deputy Secretary at the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. She has also held the positions of NSW Information Commissioner, NSW Privacy Commissioner, Assistant Auditor General, and CEO of Juvenile Justice NSW. Kathrina has a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University, a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She is actively involved in the tertiary education sector as a member of the Macquarie Law School Advisory Board; a director of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government; a member of the Advisory Board for the Australian Institute of Gender Equality @ Work at the University of Sydney Business School; and she Chairs the Industry Advisory Board for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at UTS. Kathrina is a member of Chief Executive Women. She is passionate about working in the public interest and is a champion for diversity and inclusion.

Alumni speed networking sparks inspiration

Yue Zhang — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 23:26:31 +0000

Recently graduated, or a few years on, have you ever wanted to sit down with someone further along their career path? Someone who’s racked up some career accomplishments, knows what it’s like to be in your early-career shoes and genuinely wants to share their wisdom? So many questions, right? Well, on 25 October, with support from our Young Alumni Advisory Board (YAAB), around 130 alumni gathered at The Loft at Barangaroo, Sydney, for our Beer with the Boss evening and were able to do just that ... There was a time when alumni events were known for being stuffy networking opportunities, perhaps a lunch, mostly with people a lot older than you. You left feeling out of place, uninspired and no further advanced. Those days are long gone. Macquarie’s recent Beer with the Boss event was alive with opportunity. Buzzing with potential. And ripe with connection. Many people came in groups, some brought a friend, but all left feeling they were among peers and part of something. No less, alumni were buoyed by the collective wisdom of the nine bosses, two of Young Alumni Advisory Board (YAAB) and, of course, fellow alumni. ‘Networking at Macquarie Alumni events is always insightful and inspiring,’ said alum Viraj Dugar, who enjoyed learning from the bosses how they tackle workplace challenges and what keeps them motivated. Alumni Selena Therese Chua added, ‘It was great striking up interesting conversations with a diverse range of senior leaders and other alumni, making new connections and insights – I’m looking forward to more events like this!’ And fellow alumni Mason Brightmoore agreed: ‘It was such an extraordinary experience, networking with so many bright minds and hearing their stories. With lots of great people to meet and fun to be had, if you’ve been hesitant to join these events, this is your sign to come along!’ The evening began informally, with time to mingle in the bright and breezy space overlooking Darling Harbour, enjoying canapes and a drink of choice – beer was in no way compulsory! Alumni then gathered in relaxed groups around tables and lounges, and Dr Prashan Karunaratne kicked off the evening with his inimitable style and sense of humour. Explaining the bosses were all connected to Macquarie either as alumni or as supporters of the University, he said, ‘A bell will ring every 15 minutes and the bosses will move on – it’s a bit like speed dating but with bosses!’ he joked. ‘But seriously, the premise of the evening is simple,’ enthused Dr Karunaratne. ‘Listen to the bosses’ stories, gather tips and tricks, and ask questions. You’ll be impressed, not just by their job titles, but by the diversity of their careers and expertise in a range of industries.’ Next, Dr Karunaratne introduced the bosses – Karen Ganschow, Head of Data Sciences at Aware Super; Heidi Han, Communications Consultant; Rakin Hasan, Manager of Technology and Systems Assurance at HLB Mann Judd; Kaylene Hubbard, Tax Partner at KPMG; Michelle Hutchison, Chief Operating Officer at Schebesta Ventures; Richard Norrie, Cyber Resilience Consulting Lead at Dell Technologies; and Alejandro Ortiz, CEO and Founder of Alejandro Ortiz Consulting. He also noted YAAB was instrumental in championing the event and introduced chair Ki Yan Baldwin, CEO of Kalibrate Consulting, and members Alistair Booth, Chief of Protocol at the US Department of State, and Delia Deng, Enterprise Account Executive at SAP. And, with the anticipation in the room growing, the first bell rang and Dr Karunaratne beamed: ‘Good luck – your time starts now!’ The room quickly began to hum with the chatter of the bosses introducing themselves. Many alumni were on the edge of their seats, leaning in to listen and ask questions, and all were soaking up the knowledge on offer. ‘There was a real buzz in the air,’ said Michelle Hutchison. ‘The alumni were super engaged and asked so many great questions.’ Kaylene Hubbard agreed. ‘The energy in the room was incredible, and the diversity of attendees and their confidence and enthusiasm were inspiring. I was in awe of them and their self-awareness – there’s so much to learn from these alumni. ‘The future is in good hands,’ she added, and indeed, the future and how to navigate it was clearly on alumni’s minds. From tips for how graduates from overseas can break into the corporate world to how long alumni should stay in their first job, and how to negotiate tricky situations, break into new fields or manage tech start-ups, the questions came thick and fast. The rise of cybersecurity, risk and AI were all hot topics, and the evening soon took on a life of its own, with the bell always ringing too soon! ‘There’s clearly a huge demand from former students who are keen to network and learn from business leaders,’ said Hutchison. ‘It’s so great Macquarie offers this initiative, connecting its alumni with the business world and inspiring them to reach their own version of success.’ Hutchison’s insights into AI proved particularly popular. ‘Every time I highlighted we all need to be using tools like ChatGPT every day for a deeper understanding of its capabilities, the response was often a mix of astonishment and amusement,’ she noted, with many surprised to learn AI is already one of her KPIs. The reality of the modern workplace sinking in, the apprehension about AI potentially replacing jobs was also raised as a concern. Hutchison recommended facing this head-on: ‘Embracing and leveraging this technology is crucial,’ she said. ‘If we don’t capitalise on AI’s potential to refine our roles and enhance our organisations, we risk obsolescence,’ she cautioned. Still, her passion was clear. In fact, as Richard Norrie noted, ‘All the bosses were really passionate about what they do. And this is what I attempted to instil into the attendees – passion will get you places that even raw talent can’t.’ He also suggested there was a real opportunity for those in their early careers to focus on their own personal branding and marketing. ‘There were alumni with blank or no LinkedIn profiles, and some were too scared to apply for other jobs. ‘Just get out there!’ he encouraged, noting there’s an opportunity to educate students in this area as how they market themselves and their confidence to pursue opportunities will directly impact their career trajectory. Karen Ganschow also fielded questions about navigating the course of your career, including when to change jobs. ‘I see more value in someone who has had three promotions within a business than someone who has changed jobs every two years,’ she offered. ‘It’s all about investigating opportunities and networking within your organisation – that’s what allows you to grow.’ Ganschow also addressed alumni’s fears about losing their jobs. ‘It’s not about being made redundant – it’s about how quickly you get rehired,’ she explained, encouraging alumni to remain contemporary in both their knowledge and outlook. ‘There will always be challenges,’ she noted. ‘So be bold, be curious, and don’t stay still. Put a light on the hill and watch people swarm,’ she enthused. Alejandro Ortiz also enjoyed sharing his insights and expertise with alumni, helping them to make well-informed career choices that are also meaningful to them. ‘A psychologist approached me for advice,’ said Ortiz, by way of example. ‘I encouraged him to introspect and identify his core talents, then consider how those talents could align with his passion to discover a fulfilling niche, fostering a career with a genuine positive impact.’ From the practical to the personal, the bosses were all generous in their insights and thoughtful in their responses, and their openness no doubt contributed to the evening’s success. ‘I was fascinated to meet one graduate who opened up about his journey so far, and how keen he is to make a difference in his employment and not lose himself when he’s in his chosen profession,’ noted Hubbard. ‘I was so impressed by his maturity and broadness of thought,’ she said. Heidi Han was attuned to alumni who had been international students, as they often face various challenges beyond language, including cultural nuances and limited advisory networks, which can hinder their career progress. ‘I’ve experienced these frustrations, so was able to share insights to help alumni gain a better understanding of career options, improve their communication skills, and inspire them to build a supportive network for their career journeys,’ she said, emphasising – as all the bosses did – the importance of networking. Han also connected with mid-career alumni, discussing how earlier in their careers, they were driven by ambition and focused on climbing the corporate ladder. ‘However, as life introduces new challenges, our capability and resilience are truly put to the test,’ she said. ‘Regardless of your profession, it’s crucial to maintain a long-term perspective on your work, your goals, and how they contribute to your overall life.’ How work fits into the bigger picture was also a strong theme, which Rakin Hasan also touched upon. ‘Our career is not a sprint, but a marathon, so it’s okay to not land that big role straight away. At times, we get inspired by others who we perceive are doing well in their career, and we may get frustrated if we’re not doing as well as we think they are. ‘It’s important to remember we’re all on our own journey, and we’re all running our own race. It’s not about reaching the finish line, it’s about enjoying the journey and what we learn along the way.’ And, it must be added, it’s also about who joins you on that journey, and the communities you’re part of that support you. As Ki Yan Baldwin noted, ‘What I marvel at most when it comes to being a part of the Macquarie University community is exactly that – the quality of our community. ‘I believe the curiosity, tenacity, generosity and humility I witnessed at Beer with the Boss is the perfect recipe for moving forward into a future that’s changing faster than ever, but one we can tackle head-on together,’ she said, and with the crowd mingling well after the official close of events to continue conversations, there was no doubt the event was a resounding success. Speed networking was never so much fun. Thank you to all the bosses who volunteered their time and expertise with our 2023 Beer with the Boss event: Karen Ganschow, Master of Business Administration (1991) Heidi Han, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) (2004) Rakin Hasan, Bachelor of Commerce - Professional Accounting (2016) Kaylene Hubbard, Bachelor of Laws (1997), Bachelor of Arts (1995) Michelle Hutchison, Bachelor of Arts (2006) Richard Norrie, Bachelor of Commerce (2022) Alejandro Ortiz, Master of Business Administration (2020) In 2023, our alumni volunteers have generously devoted over 1500 hours to support alumni activities, including guest speakers and graduation volunteers. If you would like to be a graduation volunteer, Sign up here. If you would like to become a boss for our future events, please contact alumni@mq.edu.au. Want to know when our next Beer with the Boss or networking event is happening in Sydney or your part of the world? Keen to connect with other alumni? Reconnect with your alma mater by joining us at an alumni event near you! You can also connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn, and make sure your details are correct so you can stay up to date with what’s happening at Macquarie.

Bush university celebrates first graduate

Jackie Gent — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 05:13:17 +0000

The Wuyagiba Study Hub, a life-changing education pathway in southeast Arnhem Land, has achieved an historic milestone today, with the conferring of its first university graduate. Known colloquially as the ‘bush university’, the Wuyagiba Study Hub was established in 2018 to provide two-way education and a university pathway for local Indigenous students. The Hub, which is located between the remote Arnhem Land communities of Ngukurr and Numbulwar, works in partnership with Macquarie University to deliver a specially designed amalgam of the traditional Western curriculum and an Indigenous curriculum. The first-of-its-kind initiative employs both cultural and academic experts to teach pre-university courses on-Country. Today, Alawa woman Mel Wurramarrba-Andrews became the Wuyagiba Study Hub’s first university graduate, receiving a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Education from Macquarie University. “The Wuyagiba Study Hub and two-way education has changed my life,” says Mel. “I had started higher education at Flinders University in Adelaide, but I was the only student from Arnhem Land there. It was too hard for me being away from home and isolated. “I came back to Ngukurr and was encouraged by the late Mrs Cherry Wulumirr Daniels and Emilie Ens to join the Ngukurr Yangbala (Young Peoples) Project. This project grew into the Wuyagiba Study Hub, and I helped get it off the ground. The bush university enabled a group of us to enrol at Macquarie University and helped me reconnect with my dream of becoming a teacher.” More than 100 students have graduated from the Wuyagiba Study Hub since its inception and 28 have gone on to enrol at Macquarie University. Macquarie University Associate Professor Emilie Ens, who has been a key driver of the Wuyagiba project since its trial phase, says today’s graduation is a testament to Mel’s passion and commitment. “Mel has overcome many, many obstacles, a feat of which she should be very proud,” she says. “Mel’s journey emphasises the importance of on-Country education and cultural connections for Indigenous students. Without them, Mel could have given up on education and hers isn’t an isolated story. “The bush university is providing a pathway, not just to Macquarie University for those students who choose to continue with their studies, but also for these remote communities to have autonomy. Wuyagiba is providing the knowledge and skills that will enable locals to take on local jobs and serve their own community.” The generous support of the Origin Energy Foundation, the Australian Government Department of Education and The Nature Conservancy Australia helps make the Wuyagiba Study Hub possible. Students are also assisted by Walanga Muru, Macquarie University’s support unit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Head of the Origin Energy Foundation, Michelle Zahra, says: “This is a very important milestone for the Wuyagiba Study Hub, a program our Foundation has been incredibly proud to support since 2018. “It is cause also for celebration on so many levels. First and foremost, Melissa's graduation makes her the first full Bachelor degree graduate from Ngukurr in 36 years – a fantastic achievement as a result of her hard work and dedication to learning. "It also demonstrates the success of the Wuyagiba Study Hub and its two-way education model, combining both Indigenous and Western curricula. "Congratulations to Melissa – a true inspiration to the next generation." In March, Kevin Guyurruyurru Rogers, Helen Gabibi Rogers and the late Cherry Daniels OAM were each awarded a Macquarie University Honorary Doctorate in recognition of their integral contribution to the Wuyagiba Study Hub. Learn more about the Wuyagiba Study Hub here. We are grateful for the support provided by the Origin Energy Foundation and other generous donors during Mel's study at Macquarie. If you would also like to contribute to supporting our Indigenous students to achieve their dreams, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Wuyagiba Study Hub here today.

Nature as inspiration

Yue Zhang — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 01:26:09 +0000

Sometimes, we unwittingly seek the most difficult path when searching for a solution to a complex problem. Professor Andrew Parker – scientist, artist, Lifescaped founder and 2022 MQ Alumni Award Winner in the field of Innovation and Enterprise – takes a different tack. Expert in the field of biomimetics, simply learning from nature, Parker is harnessing the inherent intelligence and technology to be found in the natural world and transforming this knowledge into sustainable solutions that are elegant in their simplicity and profound in their impact. There’s an easy calm to Professor Andrew Parker, and you get the feeling that with his insight, things will work themselves out; unfold as they should. It’s a gentle confidence that possibly stems from his great understanding of nature, and how plants and animals have evolved to work in the most efficient and beautiful way. Still, what you hear most when you listen carefully to Parker’s English lilt is a gentle nudging for the world to do better, to use the knowledge of plants and animals, and Australia’s First Peoples no less, to make life on earth more sustainable. As he explains, ‘Evolution has produced the most energy-efficient solutions to the problems animals and plants face for their survival. ‘We can either copy these directly, or adapt them to fit with the challenges of the modern world,’ he says, referencing his broad body of research, which could, as but an example, make airplanes lighter so they need less fuel, and produce sunscreens that don’t harm marine life. ‘The more people hear about biomimetics, or what I call bio-inspiration, the more they’re going to like the idea and, hopefully, it will grow,’ he says with quiet optimism, which is not surprising given the trajectory of Lifescaped, Parker’s art studio and science lab that turns biomimetics research into different products. ‘Making these innovations legible to industry and ready for business has been very exciting – at university, you don’t normally venture beyond the theoretical stage,’ notes Parker, whose research moved into the commercial sphere when HRH Prince Charles visited his lab in Oxford. ‘We were copying nature to make different devices and showed him a prototype of a beetle, a water-collecting device. I remember Prince Charles saying, “This is all great, but where are the commercial products? Where can people buy these things?”’ Slightly taken aback, Parker thought, That’s not what we do at university. ‘But he was right; he had a point,’ he says, explaining how Prince Charles then invited him to become one of his science advisors and introduced him to the business community in the City of London, which in turn helped launch Lifescaped. ‘Prince Charles has been a huge supporter, and now we’ve established some successful cases, he can help bring it to the public’s attention,’ he says, and indeed the two are a natural pairing. ‘Biomimetics aligns with Prince Charles’s philosophy and the concepts in his book, Harmony. ‘It was thanks to his involvement that everything changed,’ acknowledges Parker. ‘Suddenly, we had business plans, we were making prototypes that could be scaled up, and we were working on how to get the technology into commercial products.’ Environmentally friendly ones, of course, although Parker does admit there were a few learning curves along the way. ‘The financial and legal implications were an important part, for example, but we now have patents in different countries worldwide, as well as other intellectual property.’ Among Lifescaped’s innovations, one of the most significant – and visually stunning – is the creation of Pure Structural Colour, the brightest colour that exists on earth. ‘Rather than a pigment-based colour, it’s a colour based in technology,’ explains Parker with justifiable pride in his discovery, which was inspired by working in Australia for Macquarie University and the Australian Museum. ‘I noticed the colours underwater on the Great Barrier Reef, for example, were much brighter than those found in commerce, and went on to replicate how this occurs using completely transparent materials.’ It sounds complicated at first, but Parker explains, ‘The micro- and nano-structures in the material interact with light rays, so when white light comes in, the rays of just one colour are reflected, creating the most luminous colours.’ If you’ve ever been drawn to the neon orange of a tropical fish or the iridescent blue of a peacock’s plumage, you’ll understand the intensity of Pure Structural Colour and the emotional reaction colour can evoke. Unsurprisingly, everyone is interested in this spectacular technology, from Nike to plane and boat manufacturers. ‘The applications for it are incredible,’ enthuses Parker. ‘At the moment, we can coat a surface, but we’re trying to develop the paint version. It’s a lot thinner than traditional paints, so it will save a tonne of weight if used on a jumbo jet, which results in a large fuel saving.’ But it’s not all business and science for Parker, who also draws on his background as a fine art student of abstract expressionism. Keen to share Pure Structural Colour with the public, he held a successful art exhibition, Naturally Brilliant Colour, at Kew Gardens in London last year, which will travel on to Los Angeles next. Parker says there’s nothing quite like seeing large pieces of Pure Structural Colour displayed in different hues. ‘They completely drown out your visual system. When you look at them, you’re completely drawn in; they’re absolutely mesmerising. ‘But, there’s a reason for that,’ he points out with his characteristic enthusiasm. ‘Visual systems have evolved to react in that way toward this type of colour,’ he says, referencing his discovery that the evolution of image-forming eyes, and vision in animals, triggered the Cambrian explosion – the Big Bang of evolution. There’s no doubt Parker’s research forms a kaleidoscope of learnings and applications, but his love for all things bright and beautiful (including Sydney) was cemented when he came to study for a PhD in marine biology and physics at Macquarie University in 1993. ‘I’ve always been fascinated with colour,’ he admits, ‘But when I saw the incredible colours underwater in Australia, I suddenly thought, I’ve got to work on this, and changed my PhD to focus on colour.’ It was the beginning of a ten-year stint in Australia, which he hopes to repeat, and a strong connection with MQ. ‘Macquarie has been the university I’ve had the most affection for,’ he says genuinely. ‘Of all the institutions I’ve been at, it’s the one I still think of as my home. In that respect, receiving this award means a lot to me. ‘Hopefully, I’ll be heading back very soon,’ he confirms, and there’s talk of bringing Naturally Brilliant Colour to Sydney and progressing a centre for bio inspiration that will bring attention to climate change in a completely new way, prompting action and incorporating First Nations perspectives. ‘If I’m only gathering the western lessons, I’m missing out on something,’ Parker says in his considered way, and it’s no surprise it was the vivid, earthy colours of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art that initially drew him in, together with the understanding of how the artworks pass on stories and information to future generations. Always looking at the whole picture, bringing different disciplines, knowledge and people together, Parker is also interested in Aboriginal medicine and farming techniques as an extension of biomimetics, but is quick to emphasise, ‘We need Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be in charge of the process, of teaching us the important lessons from the world’s oldest continual culture. ‘There’s a whole way of thinking, deep thinking, which the world seems to be calling out for right now,’ he says, and there would be few safer hands to bring together these precious wisdoms, informing and benefiting all our futures. … Professor Andrew Parker is a biologist and artist. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lifescaped, he is also a Research Leader at the Natural History Museum in London, a Professor at Green Templeton College, Oxford University, and heads collaborative research at MIT, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Oxford University. Having spent ten years in Australia studying marine biology and physics, Parker graduated with a PhD in Biology at Macquarie University in 1996. He founded the Light Switch Hypothesis; that the Big Bang of evolution was triggered by the evolution of the eye. Parker now works on biomimetics, copying good design found in nature, such as hummingbird colours for paints, non-reflective surfaces on insect eyes for solar panels and water-capture devices in Namibian beetles to collect clean drinking water in Africa. A passionate supporter of sustainable business and a pioneer of biomimetic innovation, he facilitates the development of biomimetic design applications with companies worldwide. His expertise in biomimetics has led him to collaborate with and lead teams at several world-leading organisations and act as a frequent advisor to HRH The Prince of Wales. He was selected as a Scientist for the New Century by The Royal Institution, London, and has written the popular science books In the blink of an eye and Seven deadly colours. Having originally studied art at Liverpool University, and now the Royal College of Art in London, Parker regularly speaks at literary/arts festivals as well as scientific institutions. He is currently working with Macquarie University on the launch of Naturally Brilliant Colour in Australia, and has been an avid supporter of MQ as both a speaker and promoter of the alumni.

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.