Hey, I'm Joseph, the president 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.

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.

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Hey, I'm Alyssa.

I currently work within the national security space. I graduated from the Australian National University with a degree in International Security Studies, where I was a Coral Bell Scholar. I have interned with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the embassies of Slovakia, Uruguay and Denmark and was the president of the ANU Association for Defence and Security Studies for two years. In 2025, I was named a Young Woman to Watch in International Affairs. 

As a first-generation Asian-Australian woman, I have witnessed firsthand how transformative deeper multi-lateral engagement in the region can be,  and how important it remains in equipping students and young professionals for the 21st century. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hey, I'm Lucy.

I'm a scholar studying a Bachelor of International Relations and Asia Pacific Studies at the Australian National University. I've studied at the University of Tokyo, represented ANU as a 2022 Mitsui Educational Foundation Scholar and represented Australia as a 2023 New Colombo Plan Scholar for Japan.

I see Asia as characterised by rapid economic growth, increasing cultural exchange, and strategic competition. For Australia, fostering strong ties with Asian nations is essential for enhancing regional cooperation and cultural and economic connections.

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National Marketing Director

Hey, I'm Akiho.

I am currently studying Marketing and Finance at the University of Melbourne as a JASSO Scholar. I am the first Japanese student to become a 2025 Study Melbourne Ambassador for the Victorian Government, representing Japanese students and supporting the international student community in Australia. I also have experience interning with Mastercard, Universal Music and FairTrade International. 

Born and raised in Japan, I am passionate about bridging the gap between Japan and Australia, particularly through academic, cultural, and career-based initiatives. With a background in digital marketing, content creation, and data-driven strategies, I am eager to support AAYA develop opportunities for students and young professionals in the Asia-Australia space.

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National Strategy Director

Hey, I'm Jeslyn.

I graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Media. My work and studies have given me insight into the intersection of global affairs and communication, particularly how digital media shapes political narratives and cross-cultural engagement.

I have had the privilege of working with organisations such as the Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria, Zilla & Brook Public Relations, the Singapore Association of Monash and Prudential. I’m passionate about exploring how strategic communication can drive public diplomacy, influence policymaking, and foster international collaboration in an increasingly digital world.

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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.

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National Publications Director

Hey, I'm Mila. 

I'm a student at La Trobe University, studying a Bachelor of Laws and International Relations. I am a former Mitsui Educational Foundation Scholar and a 2025 New Colombo Plan Scholar for Japan.