Asia Pacific Week 2021

Mara is in her 2nd year of a Double Bachelor Degree in International Relations and Sustainability and Environment Studies, majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Sustainable Development.

What is your cultural/ethnic heritage and what do you love about it?

My mother is Filipino-American and my father is Dutch-Indonesian, so I come from a fairly diverse ethnic background that I am quite proud of! It plays an integral role in making me who I am today, so I love being able to connect with various aspects of each culture and am always trying to learn more about my heritage. For example, my Lola (my Filipina grandmother) plays a huge role in my life and I am so appreciative to be able to learn more about the Philippines through her and my mother, especially when it comes to connecting with our extensive family through huge family reunions!

What is your favourite cuisine from Asia and the Pacific regions?

My absolute favourite meal growing up was Filipino Chicken Adobo (I love all things salty and vinegar-y) and it was what I asked for at any and every special occasion. I have distinct memories of taste-testing the marinade with my mother in the kitchen and always trying to sneak more vinegar in when she wasn’t looking. I am now vegetarian, but I can definitely say that Adobo holds a special place in my heart, so I’m keen to try out some veggie versions!

What issue in Asia and the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

An issue that I was introduced to recently, and am now intrigued by, is the environmental degradation that faces ecosystems in the Pacific Islands. With huge impacts such as rising sea-levels, fluctuating temperatures, and changing rainfall patterns, the consequences of climate change in the Pacific really struck me. I am eager to learn more about how nations’ responses to the situation will influence climate adaptation whilst providing a precedent and model that the international community can learn from when combating climate change.

Sarina is in her 3rd year of a Double Bachelor Degree in Asian Studies and Environment and Sustainability.

What is your favourite cuisine from Asia and the Pacific regions?

I love Thai food. Especially Som Tam. Som Tam is a salad made from unripe papaya. The sourness of fresh lime and sweet and spicy sauce along with the crunchy papaya was a combination I have never had before. I’m not much of a salad person, but I found myself ordering this dish every time I eat Thai food.

Where would you like to travel in Asia and the Pacific regions?

China, Mongolia, Timor-Leste, and South Korea… I cannot decide! Because the pandemic has forced us to stay put, my desire for traveling has increased more so than ever before! Once we can travel again, I want to travel from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

What issue in Asia and the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

I’m interested in plastic pollution and climate change in Asia and the Pacific regions. It all started when I realized that I struggled to classify what goes in recycling and what doesn’t. Small actions of ours are impacting other lifestyles. The future seems uncertain, but there are little things we can do to prevent disasters from happening.

What was last TV show you binge watched?

I binge watched “midnight diner” on Netflix. It is about a tiny restaurant located in the backstreets of Tokyo. It opens only from midnight to dawn while most people are asleep. The mysterious chef known as “master” cooks whatever the customer requests. The dishes that they order are associated with their nostalgic memories. What would you ask “master” to cook for you?

Isabella (Fuz) is in her 4th and final year of a Double Bachelor Degree in Visual Art and Design, majoring in animation and video.

What is your cultural/ethnic heritage and what do you love about it?

I’m half Australian and half Chilean, not that you’d guess it. The thing I love most about that fact is being a part of such a strong culture that is so prevalent with my mum and grandparents but not in my wider society. It's a strong reminder there's a world outside your own, it keeps you open.

If you could live anywhere in Asia or the Pacific regions, where would it be and why?

If I can stretch that definition of what counts as Asia and the Pacific regions and we don’t count Australia then I’d live in Chile, for obvious reasons, it’s my country. But otherwise probably Indonesia.

What was the last TV show you binge watched?

A little mainstream but BoJack Horseman. I decided to go and rewatch the whole show from the start, catch all those little details I keep hearing people talk about in video essays and on YouTube. Plus, I can claim I’m doing research for media studies.

What is your favourite quote?

“If first place is impossible, second place isn’t bad” maybe not a ‘quote’ but it's my own mantra that I live by. I get competitive and a bit of a perfectionist too often, it stops me from making things because I won't settle for less. But perfection is impossible, your best is all you need.

Nathaniel is in his 3rd year of a Double Bachelor in Asian Studies and Languages.

What is your cultural/ethnic heritage and what do you love about it?

I was born here, but both my parents were born in South Korea. I am a HUUUGE fan of Korean food, and I also love Korean music, and I think I'm so happy to see how popular these are getting throughout the world.

What issue in Asia or the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

I think I am most passionate about languages within Asia and the Pacific regions, and how different governments and leaders have used to languages to construct or deconstruct national identities and manipulate people's understandings of "community".

If you could live anywhere in Asia or the Pacific regions, where would it be and why?

I think I would LOVE to live in Thailand or Vietnam for a bit, since I have a deep interest in the culture and politics of those countries, and I am learning their languages!

What is your favourite book and why?

I am a big fan of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R. R. Martin. The book series is not only an epic fantasy that takes place in a vast, open and mystical world, but it provides deep insights into human nature and the blurred lines between good and evil. I really recommend everyone to give this series a chance!

Millie is in her third year of a Double Bachelor Degree in International Security Studies and Arts, majoring in Chinese Language studies.

What issue in Asia or the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

The issue within Asia and the Pacific regions that intrigues me the most is the continuing effect of colonialism. It’s a complex issue in which we still see its political, economic, and cultural effects today on places such as Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

If you could live anywhere in Asia or the Pacific regions, where would it be and why?

I would live in Singapore! I’ve always wanted to experience life in a bustling multicultural city with both Eastern and Western influences. The warm weather all-year round is also quite appealing!

What is your favourite quote?

I have a lot of favourite quotes but the one most relevant to the APW Conference is “a mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” When we challenge ourselves with new experiences, our perspectives widen, and I hope this Conference will help grow your mind in ways you might have never experienced otherwise.

Keesha is in her 4th year of a Double Bachelor Degree in Asian Studies and Development Studies.

What is your cultural/ethnic heritage and what do you love about it?

 was born and raised in the Southern Philippines on the island of Mindanao until I was 9 years old. I love the food, history and language but my favourite aspect about Filipino culture would have to be the importance of family. Whenever I visit the Philippines, I am always surrounded by my extended family who have shown me the importance of selflessness, loyalty and unconditional love.

Where would you like to travel in Asia and the Pacific regions?

I would love to visit the islands of Indonesia. During the summer I took part in a 6 week language course which was meant to be done in Indonesia but because of the pandemic it was taught online instead. I would really like to use and put to the test the language skills I have learnt. Furthermore, I would like to visit my 'host' university Satya Wacana Christian University and all the lovely teachers who taught me.

Favourite movie from Asia and the Pacific regions? What is it about?

I recently watched an Indonesian horror movie called Impetigore which showcases a traditional form of puppet shadow play called Wayang Kulit but with a scary twist. Definitely worth a watch.

What issue in Asia and the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

An issue that I find most intriguing within Asia and the Pacific regions is separatist movements and conflicts. These movements, based on colonial legacies are endemic all throughout Asia and have created divides between minority groups and the ruling classes. I have followed various movements throughout Southeast Asia for quite some time especially the Moro conflict in the Mindanao region. Learning how to resolve these conflicts has been proven difficult and something I find most interesting.

Saskia is in her third year of Double Bachelor's Degree in Commerce and Arts, majoring in Marketing and Japanese Language.

What is your favourite cuisine from Asia and the Pacific regions?

I’m such a foodie and anyone who knows me can vouch that food pretty much defines me. As much as I love and feel connected to Japanese culture, from learning the language for 7 years, to being raised on umeboshi plums and toasted nori sheets, Japanese cuisine doesn’t quite take the cake. For me, Thai food is just on another planet. The fresh and intense flavours, the bright colours, the spice and the sweet/sour balance – it's just everything food should be and more. I’m yet to find a Thai restaurant that blows me away in Canberra, so if you have any recommendations, do reach out!

What issue in Asia and the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

There are so many injustices and lost histories within the Asia and the Pacific regions that deserve to be spoken of, but for me the recognition and preservation of the Indigenous Ainu people of Japan is what I’m most passionate about. After learning Japanese throughout high school and university, you’d think I’d be familiar with the minority group, but no, they’ve never once been mentioned. I was shocked and appalled when I stumbled upon the existence of the Ainu people in the YouTube black hole, and I couldn’t breeze past them the same way so many people had. I’m determined to find a way to help revitalise Indigenous languages and cultures both here in Australia and Japan and I hope that I can one day partner with these communities to make a difference.

What was last TV show you binge watched?

I just finished Game of Thrones last week. It was as magical as it was disappointing, but I’m so glad I decided to make the commitment to it. I finished the whole series in about 3 months, which included working full time throughout the summer, so to say I was dedicated is an understatement. I’m sad that it's over, and I don’t feel like I’m ever going to watch a show that has such great characters and storyline (albeit the rough ending) which is heartbreaking, but I’ve been enjoying binge-watching all the YouTube videos that I’ve had to frantically scroll past for the last 3 months, so I guess it never really ends.

Anna-Kate is in her 4th year of a Double Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Security studies, minoring in Asia-Pacific Studies.

Where would you like to travel in Asia and the Pacific regions?

Japan, it has been on my bucket list for a long time and was hoping to go on exchange there! – I would love to immerse myself in the rich and vibrant cultural scene – and hit the slopes!

What issue in Asia and the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

Gender-based issues: Particularly in the Pacific region. Women in Asia and the Pacific regions experience a high level of personal insecurity – often excluded from participating in power structures, denied equal access to economic resources and face greater barriers to receiving an education. Violence against women is also normalized in many cultures within the Asian and Pacific regions. In times of crisis, gender-based violence increases significantly and females face higher vulnerabilities to financial hardship – often forced to drop out of school, reduce the quantity or quality of the food they eat or forgo essential medicines. 

What was last TV show you binge watched? Queens Gambit, nothing better than seeing a woman going out and doing what she wants no matter what society thinks – bonus she’s a redhead like me! 

Heather is in her 4th year of a Double Bachelor degree in International Security Studies and Classical Studies, majoring in Ancient History and minoring in Latin.

What is your favourite cuisine from Asia and the Pacific regions?

Indian, but ironically, I am bad at eating spicy food.

What is your favourite movie from Asia and the Pacific regions? What is it about?

Hunt for the Wilderpeople. It is a New Zealand film about Ricky Baker, a foster child, and his relationship with Hec (his foster “uncle”). The story focuses on Ricky and Hec learning to respect each other whilst on the run from NZ child protection.

What issue in Asia and the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

Temporary migration to (particularly Australia and NZ) and what social security services/supports are there in place to support temporary migrants/what exploitation are migrants exposed to in the region. I also have a particular interest in the Seasonal Worker Programs of these two nations and how these are run and whether remittances are beneficial or detrimental.

What is your favourite book and why?

The Civil War (by Lucan) and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The Civil War is admittedly a Roman poem. I fell in love with after reading the first two lines, it is just so beautifully written and makes you reflect on the uselessness of war, conflict, death, and pain. It also fascinates me for how it manipulates history and memory to facilitate the authors agenda. The Book Thief is another beautifully crafted piece and putting it plainly I love it because the story is heart-breaking, and I love Liesel’s discovery of language and writing and what it comes to mean to her.

Christian is in his 5th year of Double Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Arts, majoring in German language and culture, and Chinese language.

What is your cultural/ethnic heritage and what do you love about it?

My mum's family are from Ireland and my Dads are from Germany. The story behind my Dad's background is pretty interesting though, because my Opa (German grandfather) was a anti-Nazi activist in the 1920s and 30s, who was later imprisoned in a concentration camp for his activism. He and my Oma's (German grandmother) escape from Germany after the Second World War continue to inspire me today.

What is your favourite Asia and the Pacific regions cuisine?

My favourite cuisine from the Asian and Pacific regions is Afghan food! I love how it reflects the culture and movements of people throughout history and it tastes delicious of course.

If you could live anywhere in Asia and the Pacific regions where would it be and why?

I would love to travel/live in New Caledonia. The natural environment in New Caledonia is extremely unique, and the mix of cultures and people is just as unique and diverse.

What issue in Asia and the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

I think language extinction in Asia and Pacific regions is an issue that doesn't get enough attention. Asia and the Pacific regions are hugely linguistically diverse, and the disappearance of many dialects and languages doesn't get as much media attention as other crises.

Vidit is in his 5th year of a Bachelor of International Relations (Honours).

What is your cultural/ethnic heritage and what do you love about it?

My heritage is Indian, and I love the colourful history behind the food, language, and culture. In particular, I am fascinated by how different external influences over the country’s immense history have intermingled with local cultures. These influences are still visible in the country’s many different languages, rituals, demographics, and overall culture.

Where would you like to travel in Asia and the Pacific regions?

I would like to travel to Bhutan and North-East India. From mountains to dense jungles, the dramatic landscapes in the region are alluring to me. In addition, I have always wanted to see India’s Siliguri Corridor, a stretch of land that is about 22 kms wide and is bordered by Nepal and Bangladesh on either side.

What issue in Asia and the Pacific regions are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

Currently, my research focusses on shifting power between China, the United States and India. In future, I would also like to focus on the increasing importance of Pacific Island states in Asia and the Pacific regions.

What is your favourite book and why?

At the moment, my favourite book is Arthashastra, a treatise on classical economics, political science, ethics and Hindu philosophy. The book was composed during Maurya empire by Kautilya, who was King Chandragupta Maurya’s Chief Minister.

Meredith is in her 4th year of a Double Bachelor Degree of Development Studies and Languages, majoring in French Language and Culture, minoring in Political Science and Spanish Language.

Where would you like to travel to in Asia and the Pacific regions?

Would love to travel anywhere in French Polynesia! The many islands (believed to have formed from a series of underwater volcanic eruptions) look incredibly breathtaking. I would love to witness traditional song and dance from this region, try the fresh food markets and local produce too.

What issue in Asia and the Pacific regions are you most intrigued by?

Like many, I am very interested in the many ways climate change is affecting Asia and the Pacific regions. Specifically, low-lying islands that are bearing the brunt of changes like temperature increase, sea-level rise, dwindling biodiversity and migration, to name a few. I am also fascinated by the varying modes of activism in the region, and how individuals are mobilising others to take notice of how climate change is affecting the Asian or Pacific regions today.

If you could live anywhere in Asia and the Pacific regions, where would it be and why?

Hands down in Taipei, Taiwan. The city sleeps until the afternoon, has a vibrant night life, food stalls on every corner and big open squares. I also love Taiwanese food: Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), bubble tea, fried chicken, shaved ice etc.