Mack Wilson

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Asian Studies/Japanese
Graduated 2002

I decided to study Japanese to become proficient in the language. My whole life took a turn for the better as my interest in Asian cultures (particularly Japanese) flourished, as well as my curiosity to see world history form an Eastern perspective as opposed to the typical western view of the world I was used to. The year I spent as an exchange student in Kansai Gaidai in Osaka also gave me an edge that only studying in a foreign university can give.

My honours course work focused on the comparison of perceptions of Australian and Japanese education systems by Japanese students whom have experience in both. My thesis was titled: 'Japanese Schools in the Australian Mirror: Perceptions of Schools amongst Japanese Students in South Australia'.

After graduating, I rode my bicycle around Japan for ten months, subsidising my ride by working in a busy Tokyo Ramen store as well as being a roadie/security person for concerts in Sapporo. I rode over 6000km, and filmed the whole event, creating over 100 hours of video diary. I partnered up with a graphic design friend and produced a five minute short film of the journey which was invited to be screened at the 2006 Short Short Film Festival in Japan.

In 2003 I returned to Tokyo and got a position working with Japanese company Creer Corp, where I was responsible for supporting emerging technologies from Japanese universities in obtaining overseas patents, and finding potential investors and buyers in the technology. This position allowed me to travel extensively through Asia.

In 2005 I was offered a position in a boutique graphic design firm as an account executive. I enjoyed working on very large accounts such as Fuji Xerox and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Through my increasing business networks in Tokyo, I was told of a new position at the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan (www.anzccj.jp). I applied, and was eventually successful, and I am now Operations Manager. This position involves supporting and promoting Australian and New Zealand business in Japan through networking events and seminars, as well as lobbying the Japanese government on issues dealing with the cross-Tasman countries. My research skills, particularly developing the right questions to ask, ensure a good understanding of information where time is essential. The basics of my writing skills from my Bachelor of Arts have developed further, and ensure I am as diplomatic as possible, especially where delicacy is required. The fundamentals of the Japanese language and culture also allow me to converse in business negotiations in a foreign country with ease.