How has your engagement with Asia enhanced your life personally?

Perhaps the most significant way in which engagement with Asian-Australian communities has enhanced my personal life would be through my fiancé. Her family is Chinese-Australian and I obviously gain a lot from involvement with her and her family. In other areas, studying Mandarin has lead to great friendships with both fellow Australians and Chinese.

How do you believe your engagement with Asia will enhance your life professionally?

I think that my study of Mandarin, together with my study of Chinese law (in China), will be of immense value to my professional life. China is now Australia's largest trading partner and our involvement with China is only going to grow over the next 50 years. Whether you are working in the private sector or government, knowledge of Chinese language and culture is something that makes you stand out from other employees.

 Do you have a story about your engagement with Asia that you would like to share?

I am about to commence a Prime Minister's Australia Asia Endeavour Award in China, where I will study for six months at East China Normal University in Shanghai and spend two months in an internship. When I return in September 2011, I look forward to sharing my experiences.