NCP Journeys

About NCP Journeys

Scholars' Journeys is the official podcast of the Scholars' Network community. This show is dedicated to uncovering the stories and impact of the NCP on the fabric of Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. Join Rob Malicki as you get to know current and former NCP Scholars from across Australia. We explore their careers, projects, experiences and advice across the full breadth of the NCP. ✅ Business and entrepreneurship ✅ Arts ✅ Culture ✅ Politics and International Relations ✅ Development ✅ Education ✅ Travel ✅ Science

Publisher

Robert Malicki

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Jul 2023

Latest episode

9 Mar 2024

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Mar 2024

   Tea La on finding your happy place

   Today's guest on Scholars' Journeys is Tea La. Tea is currently in Indonesia and spent part of her scholarship experience in South Korea. This is a powerful conversation. Firstly, because it's a lot of fun! If you love nature, sport and the mountains, I think you'll love this conversation because Tea talks a lot about her various adventures in the outdoors. But secondly, Tea shares a very challenging, personal experience that she encountered during her time in Seoul. She was right in the middle of a terrifying incident and fortunately was physically unharmed... however, she's had to face down the psychological aftermath. And I've got to say, I am massively impressed with her strength and resilience - there's a great lesson in her story for everyone!

2. 

   29 Feb 2024

   Liam Holt on adventures in Nepal and Indonesia and making an impact at grass roots level

   Just when you think you understand something about the world, someone comes along and opens up a door to a new dimension of it that you hadn't yet seen. That's exactly how I felt throughout this conversation with Liam Holt. In it, we talk about his travels and experiences in both Nepal and Indonesia, as well as his wide range of professional and personal interests. Liam also gives me a good introductory education on menstrual discrimination, something that I'm a little ashamed to admit I didn't even know existed! (and that's coming from someone who prides themselves on being socially conscious! 😱) I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! You can find Liam in the following places: Insta: @discount.specter LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/liam-holt98 (http://linkedin.com/in/liam-holt98) Here is a link to Liam's peer-reviewed academic paper on menstrual discrimination: https://blr.scholasticahq.com/article/89084-stigma-stigmata-reforming-the-sex-discrimination-act-to-account-for-menstruation-as-a-protected-characteristic (https://blr.scholasticahq.com/article/89084-stigma-stigmata-reforming-the-sex-discrimination-act-to-account-for-menstruation-as-a-protected-characteristic?fbclid=IwAR0zEVmIS82yV_5bW-tLqegrD4TiRidCytWnLzmit9LaLfC2z1rTps-ZEq0)

3. 

   23 Feb 2024

   Julian Loh on the beer that changed everything

   When Julian Loh was invited for a beer by one of his professors during his NCP program in Hong Kong, little did he know how much impact it would have on his future career direction. Interestingly enough, I first met Julian around this exact time. He was one of the very first NCP Scholars I ever interviewed, on locaton in their host destination. That interview (see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeuihExb9IM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeuihExb9IM)) is just as relevant today as it was back then. "Extraordinary doesn't mean easy" said Julian. And this is one of the reasons I really like this guy: he's down to earth, generous with his knowledge, articulate and ambitious. In this conversation I catch up with Julian to talk about his life and career trajectory since he finished his NCP in 2018 and completed his degree. We talk about his work in sustainability, but also a lot about mindset and other elements of life that everyone can relate to. I think you'll love this conversation! Today's episode is brought to you by Scholars Network, the independent, not-for-profit network run by Scholars, for Scholars. It's the organisation dedicated to your lifelong connections and professional development. If you're an NCP Scholar, you can join free at Scholars.Network (https://Scholars.Network).

4. 

   15 Feb 2024

   Katrina Couzens on languages, living abroad, digital product design and on the uniqueness of every human

   Welcome to Scholars' Journeys - on this week's show Rob Malicki talks with Katrina Couzens, one of the very first New Colombo Plan Scholars (NCP) from the very first cohort of students in 2014! Katrina shares her experiences of studying abroad in Singapore and Norway and reflects on her childhood experiences of living in England and how it contrasted with her life in Brisbane. She also discusses her decision to study linguistics, which was sparked by her interest in language policy, particularly in Singapore, and how it led her to a career in marketing and digital product design. Katrina shares insights from her internship at a branding agency in Singapore, where she worked on projects related to human branding and identity. She describes a memorable moment of presenting her work to colleagues, feeling a sense of achievement from distilling months of research and messy processes into a coherent presentation. Throughout the discussion, Katrina emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs and perspectives of end-users when designing products or services. She reflects on the challenges of finding and engaging with diverse user groups, particularly in digital project design, and the satisfaction of creating meaningful solutions that resonate with people. Overall, the conversation delves into Katrina's personal and professional journey, highlighting her passion for linguistics, her experiences abroad, and her insights into human-centered design principles in the digital age.

5. 

   7 Feb 2024

   Lucas Cary, environmentalist and Indonesia Scholar, on how mining isn't the enemy of the environment and how impact comes from our ability to build relationships

   It’s a perfect afternoon in Perth, lingering afternoon warmth under a cloudless blue sky. I’m sitting in a shaded beer garden on the edge of the city centre, there’s a hum of conversation as tables of relaxed, t-shirt wearing locals kick back over pints of cold beer. Opposite me is a young environmentalist, Lucas. He’s tall and blond with a huge smile that rarely leaves his face. We’re recording a podcast, but something has me perplexed, because I have a nagging feeling that there’s a contradiction at play. We’re talking about the ocean, surfing and how important it is for us to step up and mitigate climate change. But Lucas works for… a mining company. I must say, I don’t like mining companies. They rip up the earth in favour of profits. Their influence and wealth frighten Governments and can stall meaningful change. I’m wondering how someone so openly passionate about the environment could work in mining? So I ask him about it. Lucas considers his beer for a moment then asks: “When you were flying to Perth from Sydney, what did you pass over?” That’s easy. Once you leave the coastal fringe, almost all of Australia either desert or is divided up into a patchwork of farmland. Out the window of the plane it’s a neat expanse of green, brown and yellow rectangles of all sizes. “And how many open cut mines did you see?” Lucas asks. I hesitate: Umm, none. I feel our conversation, and my attitude, shift. Lucas’ company doesn’t dig up coal. It mostly digs up the raw materials needed to create both bulk and precious metals. “Metals” Lucas says “That we need to build the wind turbines and solar panels for the energy transition that is so urgent”. He then explains the detailed restoration planning that goes into working out how to close a mine… before the first truckload of earth has been moved. He tells me how good ideas to protect the environment are rapidly adopted, faster than any government could ever move. And he shares how his generous salary allows him to donate money to environmental causes that are important to him. “When people think of mining, they picture a dirty open-cut hole in the ground,” he says, “When they think of farming, they picture a happy cow chewing on grass in a meadow” “Yet farming is responsible for 100x more land clearing than mining, and huge volumes of emissions… but we don't treat farming as bad” I know he’s right. Billionaire mining magnate, Andrew Forrest, has become one of Australia’s leading green advocates… and he’s got the resources to back it up with action. Yes, we urgently need to move away from coal and gas. But we also need the right types of mining companies, with the right approaches, to help do that. I raise my glass. “Thanks for helping my attitude to evolve” I say to Lucas and he nods. Clearly he’s been thinking about this in detail for a lot longer than I have. And it turns out I was right – there was a contradiction at play: it was a contradiction between my expectations and reality.

6. 

   2 Feb 2024

   Conor Gould on the future of technology and the paths that lead there

   Welcome to Season 2 of the Scholars Journeys podcast, and today's episode came about by pure chance. I was up on campus at Bond University and had organised to have coffee with Conor Gould (https://www.linkedin.com/in/conorgould/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/conorgould/)) to talk about an AI-based project we'd been chatting about online. But as the conversation started, it was so interesting I had to say "Hang on mate, can we record this? I reckon people in the network will be fascinated to hear how AI is evolving." So that's exactly what we did! Throughout this conversation, not only do we talk about the future of technology and Conor's interests in it, but also about his New Colombo Plan experience. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! This episode is brought to you by Scholars Network, the independent, not-for-profit network dedicated to the lifelong professional development and connections of scholars. More information at Scholars.Network (https://scholars.network (https://scholars.network))

7. 

   24 Jan 2024

   The Scholars' Journey - Season 2

   Welcome to Season 2 of Scholars' Journey... and I couldn't have found a better place to launch this season!

8. 

   15 Sept 2023

   Cedar Lett on preparing for your NCP Scholarship interview

   This episode of NCP Journeys is especially for those students who are currently preparing their NCP applications and interviews. Cedar Lett is an NCP Scholar from Griffith University on her way to Japan and Fiji. In this episode, filmed prior to Cedar's departure, we talk in detail about the interview process and how you can maximise your chances of winning a scholarship. We also talk about Cedar's passion area of preventative health. You can find Cedar on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedar-lett-34345020a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedar-lett-34345020a/)

9. 

   8 Sept 2023

   Eden Annesley on performance, travel and the edge of your comfort zone

   Today's guest on NCP Journeys is Eden Annesley. Eden is a violinist and author, a traveller and many things beside. In this conversation, not only do we share some travel stories, but we talk a lot about performance and preparing for performance. Whilst not all of us stand on a stage with an instrument, all of us are called on to perform at various points of our lives: when we go to job interviews, or when we have to present, whether it's in a meeting or in front of a huge audience. Given her experience as a musician, Eden has some great advice on preparing for performing at your peak. We also talk about living without regret and how writing can help you to process your emotions. You can find Eden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eden-annesley-aa3251208/ or Instagram: https://instagram.com/eden_annesley Photo credit: Belicia Hafenstein

10. 

    29 Aug 2023

    Ciara Sheridan on how we build our successes from the ground up.... with the help of others

    Today's guest on NCP Journeys is Ciara Sheridan from Deakin University. Ciara is a science major with a passion for science communication - she's undertaking her NCP program in Borneo in Malaysia, and will also be undertaking internships in Indonesia. In this conversation we delve into why science communication is so important, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and how our Western approaches to communication might not be the ones that are needed to reach communities across the region. We talk about the NCP application and interview process and how being authentic, conveying one's emotions and interests, and not backing down from the challenges we've faced can all play an important role in helping to be successful.

11. 

    14 Aug 2023

    Christa Hubik on the instigating hard conversations and how set backs aren't a bad thing

    Christa Hubik (She/her) is a 2023 NCP Scholar from Monash University in Victoria who will be undertaking her program in Japan. If you're currently applying for the NCP, or preparing for your interview, you're going to get a lot of value out of this episode. In it, we talk in detail about the application process and some of Crista's awesome tips for getting through the entire process. Christa talks openly about living with obsessive compulsive disorder and has incredible advice for people who might have challenges that they perceive to be impediments to winning something like an NCP Scholarship. Christa talks about how to flip those from being a perceived limitation, into a strength. Christa also has some great perspectives on having hard conversations and dealing with setbacks that everyone will get value from. I hope you enjoy this latest episode of NCP Journeys! You can find Christa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christa-hubik/

12. 

    2 Aug 2023

    Sedef Ozen on showcasing your resilience, hard work and perseverance in your NCP application and interview

    Today's guest is Sedef Ozen, a New Colombo Plan Scholar from Victoria University. Sedef is embarking on her NCP journey to South Korea under the New Colombo Plan. Our conversation today delves into some deep themes. We're going to talk about self-belief, overcoming self-doubt, and how to handle that all too common feeling of impostor syndrome. Sedef will share her personal experiences and strategies in dealing with these complex emotions. We'll also discuss the New Colombo Plan application process. Sedef has a great way of looking at the whole process: not as a burden of proof but as an opportunity to showcase one's resilience, journey, and triumphs. This episode serves as a reminder that it's okay to question where you stand, as long as you remember the hard work, perseverance, and determination that brought you here. Whether you're early in your journey, or completed your NCP years ago, Sedef reinforces the idea that "you belong" in this community. We'll dive deep into these concepts, and I think you'll find it both thought-provoking and empowering. So, without further ado, let's begin this deep-dive conversation with Sedef Ozen.

13. 

    27 Jul 2023

    Aadya Mishra on global challenges, culture and applying for the NCP

    This week's guest on NCP Journeys is Aadya Mishra, an Advanced Science major and current NCP Scholar from Monash University. This episode will be really valuable for people early in their New Colombo Plan journeys as we cover actionable advice for the written application and interview parts of the process. Some of the things we cover in this episode are: The importance of letting yourself want something and being open to the possibility of disappointment. Favourite failures - a failure that might hurt at the time, but ultimately set you up for success. Exploring multiple interests and disciplines, and how combining different strengths can make an individual more unique and valuable. We talk about Aadya's connection with Indian culture and the influence it has had on her perspective and values. The importance of embracing discomfort and finding joy in challenging experiences, like Aadya's experience hiking the Australian Alps. You can find and follow Aadya on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aadya-m-534025211/

14. 

    19 Jul 2023

    Ben Brien on facing your challenges, studying remotely, and applying and interviewing for the NCP

    In this episode, I'm speaking with Ben Brien from Charles Sturt University. Ben is early in his NCP journey, and in this conversation, we talk quite a lot about the application and interview process. But Ben's story is fascinating. Growing up in Western New South Wales, Ben faced a lot of challenges, and he's really open about some of the things that he's faced and faced down. This is a great story about how you can turn challenges and perceived "weaknesses" into strengths in an application. Ben studies a Bachelor of Social Work via distance education with CSU, which is a really different experience to many NCP Scholars. As a result, he's got some great insights into interviewing remotely and building a community of people around you who can support you. Ben is authentic and generous with his story and I hope you enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Ben Brien.

15. 

    11 Jul 2023

    Ella Sinclair, Lily Kennedy and Paul Kaletsis - LIVE in Vanuatu on the NCP Journeys podcast

    G'day and welcome to the NCP Journeys Podcast. This is a very special episode, recorded on location in Vanuatu with three fantastic scholars: Ella Sinclair, Lily Kennedy, and Paul Kaletsis, who are currently studying, interning and doing language training. This is a fantastic conversation that I think you'll enjoy! We dive right into the detail of what it's like to live and study and work in Vanuatu. This episode is perfect for you if you: - Are thinking about making Vanuatu your NCP destination - Have been there and want to revisit some of the good memories, or - Have never been to Vanuatu, but you're curious as to what it's like. We have a lot of fun in this conversation. A lot of good laughs and a lot of really great information. These guys are fantastic and I hope you enjoy this awesome conversation with Ella, Lily and Paul live on location in Vanuatu.

16. 

    11 Jul 2023

    Introducing NCP Journeys

    Welcome to NCP Journeys, the unofficial podcast of the New Colombo Plan Scholar community. This show is dedicated to uncovering the stories and impact that this community has on the fabric of Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. Join me, Rob Malicki, one of the original co-architects of the NCP, as you get to know current and former NCP Scholars from across Australia. We explore their careers, projects, experiences and advice across the full breadth of the NCP. ✅ Business and entrepreneurship ✅ Arts ✅ Culture ✅ Politics and International Relations ✅ Development ✅ Education ✅ Travel ✅ Science and technology ✅ Diversity and inclusion ✅ First Nations And much more! But what's even better? This is your community, your network. We're all bound by this incredible program, the New Colombo Plan. Use the connections you make through this show to connect with others in the network, incubate your ideas, and further your career and impact.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

4.6 / 5

9 ratings