Hey, I'm Joseph, the founder of AAYA. 

I'm currently a 2025 New Colombo Plan Scholar for South Korea, studying law at Seoul National University.

At the University of Wollongong, my home university, I'm a Ramsay Scholar studying law and liberal arts. I have also studied at Korea University, represented UOW as a Mitsui Educational Foundation Scholar in 2023, was a 2025 Australian Financial Review Top100 Future Leader and have written for the East Asia Forum. 

 Connect with me here.

Global Vice President

Hey, I'm Vera.

I am a fourth-year student at the Australian National University (ANU) completing a Bachelor of Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce. At the ANU, I served as Team Captain for the 2024 International Business Plan Competition (IBPC)  and am now IBPC's 2025 Competition Manager. I have also pursued my finance major at Singapore Management University. 

I'm the recipient of the ACT Government Office of International Engagement Prize, the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership Award and the BSSS Outstanding Achievement in Community Service Award. Beyond academics, I've been a volunteer at Cambodia Care Centre since the age of eight, supporting its mission to break the cycle of poverty for thousands of children through education. I am passionate about creating a lasting and meaningful impact in everything that I do.

Connect with me here.

National Treasurer

Hey, I'm Stephanie.

I'm an AFR Top 100 Future Leader and Dalyell Scholar studying Marketing and Finance at the University of Sydney. Passionate about global perspectives, I have pursued international exchange opportunities at Korea University in South Korea and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. As a 2025 Westpac Asian Exchange Scholar, I will further my studies at Peking University's Guanghua School of Management in China, focusing on the intersection between marketing, business innovation, and organisational leadership.

My passion for engaging with Asia stems from its critical role in shaping global economic, social, and cultural landscapes, as well as my personal connection to the region. I believe that fostering cross-border relationships is key to building a more inclusive future and stronger business environment, allowing us to combat global challenges together.

Connect with me here.

Hey, I'm Georgia.

I am currently an editorial staff member at the East Asia Forum. It was during my tertiary education that I realised that my interest area lay primarily in Asian Studies and Asian Languages. This prompted me to transfer to a double degree in Asian Studies and International Relations at the Australian National University (ANU). 

I've studied at Yonsei University, Seoul National University, Sogang University and interned with the Embassy of Nepal. I have since completed my Masters in International Relations at ANU. Building on these interests and experiences at the East Asia Forum, I have collaborated with students, academics and practitioners from across the world to facilitate the publication of leading analysis on policy, economics and society in the Asia-Pacific.

Connect with me here.

Director of Global Strategy

Hey, I'm Cain.

I'm currently pursuing a Masters of Philosophy in Global Risk and Resilience at the University of Cambridge. Previously, I completed a dual degree between Sciences Po Paris and the University of Sydney, studying political science, Asian Studies, and French. Professionally, I've served as a technical writer for Schneider Electric and a Junior Researcher at the European Institute for Asian Studies, where I helped organise the 2024 World Dialogue on China Studies.

My work has been featured in the East Asia Forum, APEC Features, and EIAS. My focus is on developing strategic partnerships between Australia and its geographic neighbours to ensure the safe and equitable diffusion of emerging technologies.

Connect with me here.

Managing Director at Lantern Consulting

Hey, I'm Krystal.

I'm currently a 2025 New Colombo Plan Scholar for Hong Kong and Singapore from Macquarie University, studying Commerce and Business Information Systems. To enrich my global perspectives, I completed an exchange at the University of British Columbia and am now studying at the University of Hong Kong. 

My passion for empowering individuals and communities is evident through my roles as Vice President of Women Entering Business, where I support the professional development of hundreds of young women, and as a Senior Consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting, providing strategic insights to non-profits. As an Executive Member at Youth Decide, I lead workshops to foster civic engagement. Previously, as an Events Director for the United Nations Association of Australia, I promoted human rights education and, as a Youth Advocate at Youth Action NSW, I drove policy changes that reflect young people's perspectives. 

Asia is a region rich with emerging opportunities. Strengthening regional ties is vital for improving social and economic outcomes, and I aim to leverage my cross-cultural identity as a Chinese-Malaysian born Australian to enhance collaboration and support professional development.

Connect with me here.

National Asia Literacy Director

Hey, I’m Kaithlyn.

I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) and Laws at the University of Sydney, and have a deep passion for Asia-Australia cultural exchange. During an exchange at Korea University, I had the opportunity to engage directly with Korean culture and further develop my Korean language skills. I also enjoy learning other Asian languages like Mandarin and Japanese in my spare time.

At USYD, I have been actively involved in the Southeast Asian Law Society and the Japanese Cultural Society, where I help create inclusive spaces and foster cultural exchanges through professional and social events. I am driven to explore Asia’s regional issues and connect young people through dialogue, workshops, and events - sparking curiosity, inspiring meaningful engagement, and highlighting the opportunities that Asia-Australia relations can present.

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Hey, I'm Nicole.

I am currently a student at the University of Melbourne pursuing a Master of Development Studies, researching technological competitiveness impacting intra- and inter-regional development disparities. My interests in strategic politico-economic development, international and regional collaboration and cross-border cultural exchange stem from my Bachelor's degree in politics and International Relations from Monash University.

Through my internship experiences at the German-Southeast Asian Centre of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance, the Australian Institute of International Affairs and the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Melbourne, I was able to witness how multi-lateral regional engagements in the Asia-Pacific region were able to contribute to the intersectionality of culture, governance, economic development and strategic cooperation.

Connect with me here.

National Education Director

Hey, I'm Princess.

I'm a UNICEF 2025 Young Ambassador and a passionate advocate for child and youth participation, focusing on amplifying culturally diverse and migrant voices.

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Political Science and a Bachelor of International Relations at the Australian National University, pursuing my interest in Asia-Australia relations and global youth leadership. In 2024, I was named Bayside Council’s Young Citizen of the Year for my commitment to youth advocacy, community engagement, and leadership.

Connect with me here.

Hey, I'm Damien.

I'm currently studying the Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, double-majoring in Finance and Management.

I'm also an international student from Singapore and previously studied International Business and Entrepreneurship before making my way to Melbourne for a degree. Throughout my university years, I have served in multiple leadership roles within commerce and community-oriented student societies, holding various functions that involved people, partnerships, and executive management. I'm also currently part of AAYA's student consulting wing, Lantern Consulting, as a Development Director.

Some of my professional internship experiences include project consulting at WEHI Medical Institute's computing research division for an open-source software expansion, urban development and economics strategy consulting at Urbis, and e-commerce operations at a SEA-based start-up. When I'm not staring at numbers and financial statements or models, I like to workout at the gym, scout different genres of interesting music to add to my collection, or occasionally enjoy music festivals whenever.

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National Events Director

Hey, I'm Phoenix.

I'm a graduate of Griffith University, where I completed a Bachelor of Government and International Relations/Bachelor of Asian Studies, majoring in International Relations and Politics, Law and Justice in Asia. As a first-generation Australian of Samoan-Chinese heritage, I'm passionate about leveraging my unique background and education to foster collaboration and drive sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

My academic expertise centres on Chinese multilateralism, global governance, and the impacts of climate change on human security in the Global South. This dedication led to my recognition as a 2022 New Colombo Plan Scholar, underscoring my commitment to advancing Australia’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific.

Connect with me here.

National Marketing Director

Hey, I'm Vivian. 

I'm a user experience designer and 2025 Westpac Asian Exchange Scholar, currently studying Interaction Design at the University of Sydney. Later this year, I’ll be heading to Waseda University in Tokyo to explore how inclusive design can better serve cross-cultural and neurodivergent communities, especially in digital spaces where accessibility is often overlooked. 

At my core, I care about storytelling that resonates. I’ve led student communities like the Sydney University Experience Designers as well as the Google Developer Student Club within USYD, and worked on products at Canva and Stan that turn thoughtful ideas into meaningful experiences. Whether it's shaping brand identities or building engagement strategies, I love making ideas feel thoughtful, human, and accessible. 

Connecting with Asia feels both personal and purposeful. Through AAYA, I’m excited to grow a brand that reflects the diversity of our lived experiences, while also creating space for new stories, new leaders, and new ways of seeing ourselves in the world.

Connect with me here.

National Design Director

Hey, I'm Marcus.

I'm currently pursuing a Bachelors in Commerce & Media at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). At UNSW, I served on the Organising Committee of the 2024 Undergraduate Business Case Competition (AUBCC) and have held various founding and marketing roles in student societies. In doing case competitions, I've developed a passion for business, design and interaction, and I'm excited to bring this skillset to AAYA.

I'm highly interested in Asian cultures, and how their traditions, norms and expectations shape business and design decisions - especially when they interact with our own Western lens.

Connect with me here.

Hey, I'm Tisha.

I’m a 2025 New Colombo Plan Scholar for Vanuatu and Fiji, with a particular focus on law, development and decolonisation in the South Pacific region. I’m a penultimate year Law and Economics student at the Australian National University. 

My experience across government, academia and technology consulting has spurred my interest in fostering equitable and inclusive policy outcomes, particularly in marginalised communities. I hope to uplift the voices of young academics and creatives across the Asia-Pacific and enable knowledge and culture sharing through a variety of modes. 

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National Policy Director

Hey, I'm Ansu.

I'm pursuing a double degree in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Human Resource Management at the University of Western Australia. As a 2024 Westpac Asian Exchange Scholar, I gained firsthand experience of the benefits of our long-term Australia-Asia partnership during my exchange semester at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Having lived in three Asian countries, I am passionate about embracing the region's diversity, which offers a more holistic understanding of social norms, the political landscape and the economic environment. I am excited to contribute to AAYA by ensuring the longevity of its purpose, people, and partnerships; forming connections that transcend geographic boundaries and fostering collaboration across the region.

Connect with me here.

National Engagement Director

Hey, I'm Aiyi.

I’m currently in my second year of a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Finance at the Australian National University (ANU). Born in Beijing and raised in Sydney since the age of 12, I grew up navigating culturally diverse academic, social and work environments. 

Australia holds a unique position — while heavily influenced by the US and EU, we remain closely connected to Asia through geography, economy and culture. In my role as National Engagement Director, I strive to break down barriers and foster meaningful cultural connections to expand academic and professional pathways for AAYA members.

Connect with me here.