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DEAKIN ALUMNI MAGAZINE ISSUE 6 2019 CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
02 DKIN
CE LEB R ATI NG
40 YE A R S
OF A LUMNI
I MPA C T 1978
04 Message from 08 Christopher Kelly 24 Pasan Muthumala
our President and Alumnus Class of 1969 Alumnus Class of
Vice-Chancellor 2005 and 2007
Professor 10 Wayne Eason
Jane den Hollander AO Alumnus Class of 1978 26 Jyoti Shekar
Alumna Class of 2008
06 Stay 12 Tony Arnel
Connected Alumnus Class of 1979
28 Lauren Hewitt
Alumna Class of 2010
14 John Stanhope AM
Alumnus Class of 1982
30 Naqib Azha
16 Sharn Bedi Alumnus Class of 2013
Alumna Class of 1995
32 Bennett Merriman
18 Renuke Coswatte
Alumnus Class of 2009
Alumnus Class of 2003
+
20 Sadie-Jane Nunis Shannan Gove
Alumna Class of 2003 Alumnus Class of 2014
22 Lawrence Lau 34 Melanie Orvis
Alumnus Class of 2004 Alumna Class of 2016
Deakin University Information in this publication
CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B was correct at time of printing.
DKIN 03
A ND R E S E A R CH
T H AT W I LL C HA NG E
O UR
2018
FUTU R E
36 Prison 60 Robots to 78 Giving
break the rescue to Deakin
Professor Joe Graffam Doctor Mick Fielding
42 Saving the 66 Sensing 79 Deakin
Baw Baw frog motion Advancement
Professor Don Driscoll and Associate Professor
PhD student Thomas Burns Pubudu Pathirana
48 The magic 72 The dark
of realism side of emoji
Associate Professor Doctor Elizabeth Kirley
Maria Takolander and Associate Professor
Marilyn McMahon
54 Recalibrating
multiculturalism
Professor Fethi Mansouri
Creative direction and design: Writing: Photography:
Studio Binocular Betty Vassiliadis Craig Newell unless otherwise credited
04 DKIN
Welcome to dKin 2018.
This will be my last time and a sustainable car industry, and the neoteric. Sustainability and
writing for dKin Magazine, together with stories on ecotourism, diversity continue, with an article on
the problems of plastic waste and multiculturalism from our UNESCO
so perhaps you’ll forgive a the Millennium Development Goals. Chair Alfred Deakin Professor Fethi
little introspection. The past Internationalisation and India were Mansouri, and one from Professor
eight years have been a time a focus, with articles on Deakin’s Don Driscoll and Thomas Burns
of great change for Deakin engagement in India, the value on the threat to the Baw Baw frog
and in the world, and it’s of international study and the and importance of maintaining
importance of teaching Asian our biodiversity. There is an article
fascinating to reflect on
languages. There were also articles on emoji by Dr Elizabeth Kirley
what has been achieved. on inclusion, diversity and the and Associate Professor Marilyn
Our alumni magazine gives us a importance of our cultural heritage, McMahon (we knew about emoji
snapshot of the issues that interest all issues that continue to be in 2010 but only just), and one
us at a moment in time, and I found important to us today. There was on robotics and Deakin’s Ozbots
it interesting to look back at the even an article on mobile phone by Michael Fields. An article
contents of Deakin University banking – quite remarkable when by Associate Professor Pubudu
Magazine 2010, the year I arrived you think the first generation iPhone Pathirana on a wireless motion
at Deakin as its Vice-Chancellor. only became available in 2007. capture device the size of a
matchbox is a reminder of how far
Sustainability was a major interest A look at what’s in store for the
technologies have advanced. Our
in the 2010 Alumni Magazine. 2018 edition of dKin Magazine
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor
There were articles on biodiesel is a fascinating mix of the familiar
DKIN 05
Message from our
PRESIDENT AND
VICE-CHANCELLOR Jane den Hollander AO
Joe Graffam has contributed an the Geelong Future Economy Deakin entered the prestigious
article on an innovative solution to Precinct on our Waurn Ponds Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic
breaking the cycle of disadvantage Campus has led to the creation of ranking of World Universities top 500
for Australia’s prison population. almost 2000 jobs through industry for the first time in 2014 and in 2018
partnerships and co-location it was ranked 211 in the world, and
These are important issues
opportunities. We have made a top 10 in Australia! Of course you,
for Australia, and a reminder
significant contribution to assisting our alumni are the most important
of how Deakin research is seeding
the Geelong region’s transition to evidence of Deakin’s success,
innovation and changing lives.
advanced manufacturing and the and this year Deakin celebrates
dKin Magazine is a very good
knowledge economy. And in an 40 years of Deakin alumni.
read indeed. Last year’s magazine
increasingly complex market, Deakin
competed against 52 universities I still have almost a year before
has experienced strong growth in
globally to be awarded gold in the I retire and I hope to meet some
student numbers, now we have
CASE Circle of Excellence Awards of you at the variety of functions
61,000 students (there were 39,600
for its design, photography and over this next period. Thank you
in 2010). The best statistic? For all
content – I think this year’s will for the significant role you continue
eight years Deakin has ranked first
be even better. to play in defining and shaping
in Victoria for graduate satisfaction.
the university Deakin is today.
Reflecting back on my journey with
Your University’s success is
Deakin over the last eight-and-a-bit- Jane den Hollander AO
reflected in its performance
years, there are some successes that Vice-Chancellor
in the international rankings.
deserve mention. In just five years,
Photography: Location:
Scott McNaughton Morgan’s walk, Melbourne
Burwood Campus
06 DKIN
40
DE AKIN
A LU M N I
1 9 78
C E L E B R AT I N G
4 0 Y E A R S
DKIN 07
20 1 8
Stay
Connected
Keep in touch with the Alumni Community
by updating your contact details online
at engage.deakin.edu.au/alumni-home
Our Alumni Community offers you
a variety of benefits, including events,
webinars, discounts and communications.
To find out more visit
deakin.edu.au/alumni
1969 08 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI Christopher Kelly Diploma of Commerce (Gordon Institute of Technology) Graduate Diploma of Financial Management (UNE) Master in Economics (UNE) Class of 1969 – Gordon Institute of Technology Alumni of the Year Award 2012 In 2018 Deakin University celebrates Can you tell us about the Why did you decide the 40th anniversary of the first early days at Deakin? to teach at Deakin? graduation ceremony of students. Deakin was very fortunate from its When I first graduated I pursued Christopher Kelly was at that first outset to inherit many longstanding a career in chartered accounting, graduation ceremony and attended academic programs from the during that time I was approached subsequent Deakin University Gordon Institute of Technology by a former head of department graduations until his retirement in and the State College of Victoria, to undertake sessional teaching 2014. During his 40-year academic Geelong. In 1990 and 1991, at the Gordon Institute, that career in the Faculty of Business the academic programs of the was in February 1970 and by May and Law he taught innumerable Warrnambool Institute of Advanced that year I was teaching full-time! commerce graduates, many of Education and Victoria College I subsequently undertook higher whom have gone on to stellar were also incorporated into degree studies at the University careers in accounting, finance, the existing suite of programs. of New England and upon my banking and law. He has been In relating the history of the return from those studies I was honoured with a teaching award University it is worth recalling that offered a teaching position at the and was Alumnus of the Year in in these early days these institutional newly-minted Deakin University. 2012. We spoke to Christopher mergers, while challenging, So it was the case of being in the about those early years at contributed significantly to the right place at the right time insofar Deakin and his reflections current success of the University. as pursuing a teaching career. from his decades-long career.
DKIN 09
Is there anything you especially What was a highlight
remember about that time? of your career?
When I reflect on the myriad of The Faculty has achieved
roles that I have undertaken at accreditation with two international
Deakin, the role that I have enjoyed bodies – the US Association to
the most, without a doubt, has been Advance Collegiate Schools of
my teaching. Graduates continue Business (AACSB) and the European
to approach me after all these Foundation for Management
years with fond memories of our Development (EFMD). Looking
teaching and learning associations. back over my career, I could not
have imagined that I would have
How would someone describe you? had a lead role in what was a
Having taught for 40 years, I found rigorous process to meet both
myself teaching the children of the US and European quality
former students! That has happened assurance standards of both
to me four times. I recall one student these accreditation programs.
telling me his father spoke of me
as ‘firm but fair’, and I think that Photography: Location:
was an apt description. Craig Newell Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
1978
10 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
Wayne
Eason Bachelor of Science
(Information Technology)
Class of 1978
Wayne Eason recently retired after Why did you decide Can you tell us about your
a distinguished 42-year career in to study at Deakin? time at Deakin?
IT. He has been part of the Deakin I lived in Geelong and originally After I graduated I got a job at
family since Deakin first opened studied at the Gordon Institute of BHP in Melbourne. When the
its doors, being among the first Technology which later became job at Deakin came up I had been
graduates and an employee for Deakin University. I graduated with commuting for three years and
over 37 years. He also added to a Diploma of Information Processing was ready to work closer to home.
the Deakin family with two sons which was a very early IT qualification. I distinctly remember that there
who are graduates. Here he talks When Deakin was created Gordon were eight people on the interview
about the enormous changes he students were offered a conversion panel! I managed to get the job
witnessed during his career at course to a degree which required and stayed at Deakin for 37 years.
Deakin and the many technology two weeks on campus plus a 2000 My field transformed massively over
firsts attributed to Deakin IT. word thesis. I took up this offer and this time, I saw the introduction of
in 1978 I graduated in Deakin’s first PCs and project-managed the first
Did you always want to pursue the graduation ceremony. payroll system for the University.
kind of career you embarked on?
Is there anything you especially
Back in the early 70s the concept
remember about that time?
of computers didn’t exist. It was my
love of maths that got me into IT. My The first Deakin graduation ceremony
degree included units in electrical, was held in a striped circus tent at the
mechanical and civil engineering Waurn Ponds Campus. At the time
and the highest possible maths. there were only three buildings on
The belief was that we would assist campus and nothing big enough
engineers or bankers with their to accommodate the numbers of
mathematical calculations. graduands. For a new university there
were a lot of graduands because
of the transition courses that were
offered to Gordon students.DKIN 11 What was a favourite aspect What did you enjoy about What are your passions of your career? working for a university? outside your work? Deakin was always at the forefront I enjoyed working in education. When my children were growing up of IT so I was always working on I regularly attended graduations and I was very involved with their schools the latest technology. At certain when I managed staff, I encouraged and sporting endeavours. These points we deployed some of the them to attend graduations so that days I enjoy my car. I belong to the first equipment ever in the world. they could see the result of our Renault Car Club and I am working In 1993, we were the first Victorian work – young people receiving on resurrecting the club magazine. and possibly Australian university their degrees and happy families. to employ microwave technology How do you think Deakin has between campuses. The microwaves Have any other family members changed since you studied there? went across the bay from Geelong attended Deakin University? When I first started working at to Burwood. In 2002 we were Both of my sons have graduated Deakin we had one campus, three the first to use a Cisco multilayer from Deakin. Ben graduated last programmer analysts and the director switch – basically a massive year with a degree in sports science University had 300 staff. These hard-drive. We had serial number and Sam graduated a few years days the University is much bigger one. Deakin has the lowest IP ago with a Bachelor of Education. but still has a welcoming feel. address of any organisation in Ben is currently an AFL trainer for Australia because we were the the Geelong footy club and Sam first to apply for one. We were was recently offered a permanent Photography: Location: leading the pack as far as the teaching role. Craig Newell Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus internet was concerned and that continues to this day. We were always a young, nimble IT department ready for change.
1979
12 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
TONY
Among the first students
ARNEL
to graduate from Deakin
University, Tony Arnel
has had a distinguished
career with the Victorian
State Government,
the City of Melbourne,
Bachelor of Architecture and as the Victorian
Class of 1979 Building Commissioner.DKIN 13
Tony Arnel has become an international leader in sustainable planning and design, was a founding Director and
Chair of the Green Building Council of Australia, Chair of the World Green Building Council, and is the current
President of the Energy Efficiency Council of Australia. He is an Industry Professor at Deakin’s Faculty of Science,
Engineering and Built Environment and is Chair of the School of Engineering advisory board. He is also Global
Director of Sustainability at Norman, Disney & Young, a world-wide engineering company. Here he talks about
his interest in sustainability, reviving the City of Melbourne and Deakin’s Geelong Waterfront Campus.
Why did you decide Can you tell us about your What are the challenges to
to study at Deakin? time at Deakin? creating a sustainable city?
Deakin University didn’t exist when I I enjoyed four fantastic years at the Melbourne has been a leader
started architecture in 1973. I enrolled Waurn Ponds campus which was in terms of sustainable urban
in the Bachelor of Architecture entirely surrounded by farmland planning and green buildings.
degree at the Gordon Institute of filled with sheep and cows. There has been obvious success
Technology which became Deakin in transforming the top end of
University in my second year. The What has been the highlight the new building market, but more
Gordon course was one of the oldest of your career? needs to be done in the housing
architecture courses in Australia My work with the City of Melbourne section and existing building space.
and was very highly regarded was a distinct highlight. Twenty I’m a trustee of the Sustainable
by practitioners and the industry. years ago Melbourne was a very Melbourne Fund which provides
different city. No one lived in the city low-cost loans to building owners so
Is there anything you especially centre, Docklands was a wasteland, that they can retrofit their buildings
remember about that time? commercial buildings were vacant to make them energy efficient.
I was awarded a state government and retail shopping was a disaster.
cadetship in the second year of the I worked with fellow directors of the How do you think Deakin has
course. These cadetships paid tuition City of Melbourne on important urban changed since you studied there?
fees and a living allowance with the policy and city planning initiatives Some 40 years after I walked out the
requirement that you work for your that helped shape Melbourne into door of the Waurn Ponds Campus,
nominated government department the vibrant world-class city it is today. it is unrecognisable. As an architect,
during the holidays, and for two years I feel that one of the most significant
after graduation. So when everyone How did you become interested things that Deakin has done is to
else went surfing I was working at in sustainability? create the Waterfront Campus.
the Housing Commission which later My interest in sustainability was The buildings are a great example
became the Ministry of Housing. sparked by a building science lecturer of adaptive reuse of existing
at Deakin. He talked about energy historic buildings and are also
How has your Deakin degree efficiency, water saving and passive very sustainable. It was pure genius
assisted you in your career? design at a time when the word from a planning and architectural
Architecture was a six-year course. ‘sustainability’ wasn’t used. It was only point of view. It helped revitalise
You had to do four years full time some years later that I realised what the Geelong Waterfront area,
and then work for two years while an impact he had on me and many transform the old woolstores and
studying part time. In the sixth year of my fellow students. When I got to it is an amazing facility for students.
you also had to do a design thesis. the City of Melbourne and started to
It was a very thorough and practical connect some of these ideas I realised
course that gave me knowledge and that I could put them into practice
skills that I have used throughout through some of the policy work I was
my career. doing at the time. Melbourne was
one of the first cities in the world to
Photography: Location:
pursue the idea of a sustainable city. Craig Newell Melbourne CBD1982 14 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI John Stanhope AM Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Economics) Class of 1982 Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award 2014
DKIN 15
John Stanhope AM is one of Deakin’s many successful alumni. Mr Stanhope had a long and successful career at
Telstra culminating in the role of CFO and Group Managing Director, Finance, from 2003 until his retirement in
2011. He is currently Chairperson of a number of organisations including Australia Post, the Bionics Institute, the
Melbourne International Jazz Festival and the Port of Melbourne. Mr Stanhope has been a proud member of the
Geelong Cats for over 50 years and his passionate support has never wavered, through good times and bad. He
has been a member of Deakin University’s Council since 2012 and was appointed the University’s sixth Chancellor
in 2015. Here he talks about his memories of OWeek, making himself marketable and his vision for the University.
Why did you decide What do you believe Deakin What has been your journey
to study at Deakin? University has given you as since finishing your course?
I lived in Geelong but that wasn’t a person? I started work at 15 years of age at
the only attraction. I was interested The Deakin commerce degree Telstra and was totally focused on
in commerce and Deakin offered was a very practical help for me my first pay packet so that I could
a broad degree that included in my career. My goal was to make buy a set of drums. Fortunately,
accounting, marketing, economics myself as marketable as possible there were some guys I was working
and auditing. I was a mature age and that is what that course offered with who encouraged me to go back
student – I had been working for me. Deakin’s course offerings have to school. I completed my HSC via
10 years before I started the course always been focused on what you correspondence and enrolled in the
– so I was logical in my choices. need to get a job and build a career. Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin.
Is there anything you especially What advice would you give I spent 45 years at Telstra. I always
remember about that time? graduates wanting to pursue believed that you should move
a similar profession? around within an organisation
I particularly remember Orientation
and that is what I did. I wanted
Week at Waurn Ponds. The two I had a philosophy of never saying
to understand all the elements of
headline bands on the first night were ‘no’. People may not remember
the business. I originally worked
Midnight Oil and a band playing one when you say ‘yes’ but they do
on economic analysis then I went
of their first gigs in Victoria – INXS. remember when you say ‘no’,
into marketing and advertising.
and they stop asking you.
Can you tell us about your I was then offered the role of Chief
time at Deakin? If you want to go into a leadership of Staff to the Managing Director
role you should generalise as much and from there went on to become
I studied part-time for the first
as your course allows you and the Deputy CFO and then CFO.
three years. I worked at Telstra
move around within an organisation.
in Melbourne during the day and What has been the highlight
The broader your knowledge, the
attended classes in the evening. of your career?
more marketable you will become.
I was then awarded a scholarship
The highlight of my career has
by my workplace to complete the What has been your focus been the entire evolution of
remainder of the course full-time. as Chancellor of Deakin? telecommunications, from the
That was fantastic because it meant
As Chancellor of Deakin University introduction of mobile phones
no more commuting and every
I am passionate about the success to the development of smart
now and then I could afford to
of the University. This passion phones. I was in a financial and
eat in the bistro with the lecturers!
embraces making our graduates strategy role when mobile phones
How has your degree assisted the most job-ready in Australia and took off in Australia and I had to
you in your career? also commercialising our fantastic predict the take up – I got it wrong
research so that we can fund even by 10 times on the right side of
The strong finance skills that I got
more research. Deakin University the equation! It was great fun.
from Deakin helped me immensely
has improved so much over the
in my career at Telstra. I had many Another highlight was being made
years because it is agile – an
different roles but I tended to a Member of the Order of Australia
important competitive advantage.
gravitate toward my majors, which for my contribution to finance
were finance and economics. and telecommunications.
Photography: Location:
Scott McNaughton Melbourne Burwood Campus16 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
Sharn
Bedi Bachelor of Business,
Economics and Marketing
Class of 1995
Since graduating from Deakin Sharn that draws on her experience
Bedi has had a successful career in health, neuroscience and positive
across diverse industries including psychology to promote gender At {embrace} we are not
automotive, healthcare, advertising, diversity and the economic waiting for people to turn 40
to get their ’aha!’ moment –
publishing and web portals. In 2015 empowerment of women. Here she
to find purpose in their career.
she launched {embrace} worldwide, talks about Deakin’s impact on her
an executive leadership consultancy career and starting {embrace}.1995
DKIN 17
Can you tell us about What do you believe Deakin Is there any advice you would
your time at Deakin? University has given you as give to a person who is starting
Deakin was a great choice for me a person? out in your career?
because it instantly felt like home. Going to Deakin was the making Many people see their identity
It aligned with what I have now of my success. Given the level of according to their qualifications or
defined as my values. My first confusion I had about what I wanted the role they have in an organisation,
semester at Deakin ignited to do it was good that my degree instead of the transferable skills. It is
my passion for learning. The was not too narrow in focus. I important to think about the skills
combination of practical and discovered how to learn and how you are developing and how you
theory shaped my mind in such a to be agile. These are skills that you can use those to add value to any
way that I haven’t stopped learning. don’t necessarily learn from books. organisation. I see so many people
who are 20 to 30 years into a career
Is there anything you especially What is {embrace}? with an identity as an engineer
remember about that time? {embrace} worldwide is a professional or computer programmer. If they
I remember winning an ANZ case development organisation focused on become redundant they are lost.
study award as part of my studies. empowering women, championing
I think I started the first Indian club at diversity and creating high- What are your passions
Deakin – the Curry Munchers Club performing, emotionally intelligent outside your work?
at the Burwood Campus. At the and resilient leaders. The program is My hobbies and interests centre
time there were a lot of Sri Lankans, inspired by Harvard Business School’s around nurturing, learning and
Pakistanis and Indians at Deakin. I ‘service profit chain’ and the notion creative expression. I love to nurture
also remember the inclusiveness of that happy, successful, and diverse through cooking and as part of
Deakin. There were people of all ages employees generate greater value for pursuing this passion I was fortunate
and cultures. The University managed corporations. We work with schools, enough to have a cooking show that
this diversity really well. There was organisations and universities. was telecast on Zee TV – an Indian
no status or hierarchy even in the international satellite TV channel.
faculty, which was also diverse. Have you always wanted to I also hosted a talk show titled
pursue the kind of career you ‘Secrets of Womanhood’, which
How do you think Deakin has have embarked on? covered topics such as domestic
changed since you studied there? I did not consciously pursue my violence, sexual harassment,
The Burwood Campus has current career but I feel that I have relationships and careers, to help
expanded a lot since I attended. come full circle since my first job at empower women by changing the
Despite its growth, I think it still has RMIT as a coordinator of in-house mindset of a society held back
its homely, comforting feel because training. I’m now working in by traditional cultural stereotypes.
it is surrounded by nature. I enrolled development and training but with For learning, I love to read and
in psychology at Deakin last year a lot more meaning. I have a huge to express my creativity – my
as Deakin is well regarded for its interest in human behaviour and hobbies are dancing, painting
psychology graduates, and I found development and my mission in life and jewellery making.
the online and distance learning has evolved into helping others
services to be world-class. Moving become the best of themselves.
forward, I would eventually like Photography: Location:
to do a PhD through Deakin. Craig Newell Melbourne, Domain18 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
Renuke Coswatte’s career took What do you believe Deakin How has the course assisted
off after he completed his Deakin University has given you as you in your career?
MBA. He has worked in hotel a person? Applying the knowledge I gained
management around the world, from The most valuable thing I learned from the MBA to my work helped
Sri Lanka and the Asia Pacific to the from my studies at Deakin was that me a great deal in my career.
Middle East. Here he talks about the you never stop learning. It’s a starting Another benefit of studying at
value of a Deakin MBA, working in point in your career when you get the Deakin was the experience of
Oman and why his job is his passion. degree. I also gained the confidence interacting with students from
of holding a Deakin degree. different cultures. The open and
Why did you decide Wherever you go in the world your accepting mindset that Deakin offers
to study at Deakin? resume is considered above the rest has made it easier for me to work
I was working in hotel management when you have an MBA from Deakin. successfully around the world.
and wanted to get a broader
What has been your journey Have you always wanted to
perspective in terms of the business
since finishing your course? pursue the kind of career you
aspects of the industry. I chose
Briefly outline your career path. have embarked on?
Deakin because it was a strong
MBA with a good reputation After I graduated I went back to I always wanted to be a pilot. My
that offered a variety of subjects. Sri Lanka, and worked for a small father pointed out that I was scared
luxury hotel group called Jetwing of heights so that might not be
Can you tell us about your Hotels. I became one of the an ideal profession. He suggested
time at Deakin? youngest managers in the group that I try hotels. Hotels were a
I had a fantastic experience when I was promoted to manage new concept in Sri Lanka from the
during my course. The lecturers the St Andrews property which 1950s. At that time the country was
and students that I met were very is a replica of the St Andrews peaceful and tourism was increasing.
helpful. When you study and work property in Scotland. It is the Once I started my undergraduate
full-time in the industry you realise second oldest golf course in course I realised that it was for me.
how relevant the course is to your Sri Lanka. From there I went
to the Sur Plaza hotel in Oman. Why are you involved in the
career. The course structure and
Deakin Sri Lanka Alumni Chapter?
the research are very practical. Oman is a wonderful place to work,
After I graduated and got to a certain
the people are very hospitable.
Is there anything you especially level in my career I wanted to give
I managed to turn the property
remember about that time? something back to Deakin, which had
around from a loss-making venture
One of the memorable parts of given me so much. I have connected
to being profitable. After this
the course was getting to know with other alumni in Sri Lanka and
experience I came back to Sri
the other students and learning we are building up the network here.
Lanka to work at Best Western. We
from them. We were from different We want to make sure that there
managed to double the occupancy
cultures with different experiences is strong support for Deakin in Sri
by identifying medical tourism
and we all interacted very well. Lanka. It’s a great achievement to
as a niche market. I am now the
get to 40 years and I look forward
General Manager at Amagi Hotels,
to the next 40 years of innovation.
boutique luxury resorts in Sri Lanka.
Photography: Location:
Four Square Sri Lanka The Galle Face Hotel, Colombo2003
DKIN 19
Renuke
Coswatte
Master of Business
Administration
Class of 200320 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
Why did you decide Was there anyone you met at What has been the highlight
to study at Deakin? Deakin who has had an impact of your career?
My parents were visiting the on you? A few years ago I was nominated
university fairs in Singapore and I keep in touch with quite a number of by my workplace to be part of a
Deakin kept popping up because the people I met at Deakin. They are government group called Inspirit.
it was the top university at the time. from all over the world. Some have Youth leaders from the private
I was doing my marketing diploma siblings who are studying at Deakin. sector are asked to be advocates
at one of the polytechnics in I also keep in touch with some of my and champions for national issues.
Singapore but the aim was always to lecturers such as Mark Sheehan. He Through this, I represented Singapore
go overseas. Deakin felt right and challenged me, motivated me and in a Singapore-Brunei youth leadership
they gave me exactly what I wanted. built my passion for public relations. exchange program. Through Inspirit,
I was also given the opportunity to
Is there anything you especially What has been your journey be a Governing Council member
remember about that time? since finishing your course? for the Singapore Kindness
Waurn Ponds was such a melting After I finished my degree I returned Movement (SKM) in July 2015.
pot and Deakin’s ability to get all to Singapore and started working for
the cultures together was fantastic. a book distribution company. I did the What are your passions outside
There were multicultural days where marketing campaign for Harry Potter your work?
every culture was represented in and met authors such as Jeffery Archer I am a member of the Governing
some way, whether through food, and Jung Chang. While I was there Council for the Singapore Kindness
music or fashion. It was a great I decided to pursue my MBA and Movement. This organisation
thing to do to help people was head-hunted for a job at the promotes kindness among the
understand other cultures. Singapore Institute of Management general community. It’s a challenge!
(SIM) as an account manager. I have I am also a book fairy. Emma Watson
What do you believe Deakin stayed there in various roles since started the book fairy movement,
University has shown you/given then. I am currently Editor, Publications which involves leaving books in
you as a person? Manager and Head Librarian. public places for people to read.
Apart from the knowledge and I regularly attend Comic-Con in
skills I needed for my career, Deakin Have you always wanted Singapore and I dress up as comic
gave me the confidence to apply to pursue the kind of career book characters. I have gone as a
these skills and a desire to continue you have embarked on? female Captain America and this year
growing and developing myself. When and how did you realise? I am going as Spock. I speak a little
The internship program cemented When I was a kid I wanted to be a Vulcan although I am not as fluent as
all my knowledge. I was able to doctor and then I nearly died from I used to be due to lack of practice!
do mine in Singapore and my boss dengue fever. That experience put
let me turn one of his rental spaces me off. Then I wanted to be a lawyer How would someone describe you?
in Malaysia into a bubble tea shop because I enjoyed debating but I have been described as resilient,
as my project. I think Deakin was my mum dashed my dreams when optimistic, motivated and driven.
one of the first universities to she pointed out that by the time Some of my friends describe me
start international internships. I completed my studies it would be as quirky, funny, sensible and kind
difficult to find a job. So I decided (which helps since I’m involved in
on writing. I was the editor of the the Kindness Movement). My partner
yearbook when I did my diploma. calls me Science Officer Dork
I loved writing and I was interested (instead of Science Officer Spock)!
in human behaviour.2003
DKIN 21
SADIE-JANE
NUNIS
Bachelor of Arts (Public Relations)
Class of 2003
Since completing her Deakin degree
Sadie-Jane Nunis has been following
her dream to work as a writer, editor
and publisher. Here she talks about
the Deakin melting pot, the benefits
of living on campus and Comic-Con.
Photography: Location:
Edmund Leung Henderson Waves, Singapore22 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
Why did you decide What has been your journey What advice would you give
to study at Deakin? since finishing your course? graduates wanting to pursue
I am a CPA by training. When I Briefly outline your career path. a similar profession?
decided to do my master’s degree I started my career as an auditor It is important to remember that
I had been working for 10 years at KPMG in Singapore. I then knowledge is not a rare commodity;
and I thought that it was time to joined General Motors’ Asia pacific it is freely available from Google and
build a new skillset. I also wanted headquarters in Singapore where other sources. What is important
to build a network of people who I stayed for 11 years. While I was is to develop insights from that
I could learn from. At the time there I undertook the Deakin MBA. knowledge. Remain curious, ask
I was working in Singapore for After I graduated I was promoted questions and be ambitious.
General Motors and I needed an and given the opportunity to work
online course that had real practical in Shanghai and China. At General What are your passions outside
experience. The Deakin course Motors I started as a finance person your work?
attracted me because it was online, but then moved into the business It has been three consecutive years
specifically a CPA MBA and had a arena working on a lot of mergers that I have taken part in the Asia
reputation for being very practical. and acquisitions – for example, Pacific Business School Desert
I was involved in the Daewoo Challenge, which is a three-day 70 km
Is there anything you especially acquisition in Korea. I left the trek in the fourth largest desert in
remember about that time? automotive industry to enter the China. I was very proud to represent
The MBA included an on-campus fast-moving consumer retail sector Deakin as the first Australian
component which was an amazing as Finance Director of L’Oreal China. university to participate since the fifth
experience. The subject I chose After that I spent more than four race in 2016. This keeps me physically
to undertake on campus was crisis years as Head of Finance at Owen fit and also pushes my boundaries.
management. I had done a lot of Corning in Asia Pacific. I found I have been learning how to drive a
training on crisis management during my company in 2014 with prime boat and jet ski and recently got my
university and at General Motors but focus on renewable energy. marine licence. Almost every year I
what impressed me with the Deakin travel with an international medical
course was the technicality and What is your favourite aspect team to remote regions in China to
practicality. We did a role play where of your current role? What are provide medical assistance to the
I was acting as a CFO of a company the challenges? community. I also help the China Red
that had an accident in the middle of I really enjoy the travelling. Cross provide education resources
the night. There was a knock on my Renewable energy is usually out for children who don’t have access
hotel door while I was asleep and in rural areas, sometimes in the to a first-class education.
I was confronted by a journalist middle of nowhere, so I get to travel In 2018 the Shanghai
and camera crew. It felt so real – to areas that not many people go Alumni Chapter celebrates
exactly as it would happen. Then I to. In China, I go to places many its five year anniversary.
encountered a media team and had Chinese people have never been
to represent the company to talk to and get to eat some interesting Photography:
Philippe Roy
Location:
Yan’an Elevated Road,
about the ‘incident’ at a radio station. local cuisine, such as insects. (KoreStudios.com) Shanghai
This left a lasting impression and I still
use those techniques in my career.2004
DKIN 23
Lawrence
Lau Master of Business
Administration
Class of 2004
Lawrence Lau helped establish the
Deakin Alumni Shanghai chapter in
2011 and subsequently served as the
first President until 2014. He is the
Executive Director of Yellow Sand
Capital based in China and Singapore
specialising in consulting services,
coaching and investment in clean
energy, education and real estate.
Here he talks about crisis management
training, eating insects and the Asia
Pacific MBA School Desert Challenge.24 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
PASAN
MUTHUMALA Bachelor of Computing
(Computer Science and
Software Development)
Class of 2005
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
Class of 2007
Pasan Muthumala hasn’t looked back since completing his degrees at Deakin. He is currently working
in the medical imaging industry in London and helping tech start-ups in his spare time. He continues
his connection with Deakin through his activity on the UK Alumni Chapter Committee. Here he talks
about competitive open-water swimming, Deakin friendships and stand-up comedy.
Why did you decide Is there anything you especially Was there anyone you met
to study at Deakin? remember about that time? at Deakin who has had an
Growing up in Sri Lanka I loved I was at Waurn Ponds which is a impact on you?
swimming, so when I was looking beautiful campus. The University I met three of my closest friends at
for a place to study in Australia worked hard to encourage student Deakin. Luke Maguire, an economist,
one of my criteria was a place interaction. There were events was my best man when I got married
that was close to good beaches. almost on a daily basis that a few years ago. I did my honours
Deakin University had a good brought students together. year with Adam Kirk and then we
reputation and the Geelong Waurn These interactions prepared me traveled to Europe together. Then
Ponds Campus was perfect as to come to London and deal with there’s Lakmal Abeysekera, who
it was close to the coast. people from many different cultures. is a lecturer at a leading university
in Melbourne. These relationships
Can you tell us about your What do you believe Deakin are very special to me.
time at Deakin? University has given you as
It was my first time living away from a person? What advice would you give
home. I was only 18 and didn’t know Deakin allowed me to be part graduates wanting to pursue
anyone in Australia. The transition of something special. It was the a similar profession?
was really easy thanks to the peer whole package, starting with Whatever your goal is – to change
support student group, but there the environment at the Geelong the world or have a comfortable
was still some culture shock. I had Waurn Ponds Campus, to the life – keep it as your north star. Things
to get used to the Australian accent, close communities in Geelong. around you will start working out. Stay
drink beer out of a can and try The lecturers and tutors and support hungry, travel, go into an environment
to figure out what AFL football staff for international students that you haven’t been to before,
was all about. were amazing. They allowed be silent, look at the stars, meditate,
me to achieve my full potential. enjoy the moment and listen to Bob
Marley. That is what I did and still do.2005 2007
DKIN 25
Have you always wanted What are your passions
to pursue the kind of career outside your work?
you have embarked on? I enjoy open-water swimming
I have always wanted to have my and running. Open-water racing is
own business and I wanted to do something I got into when I moved
something with computers which to Australia. In 2017 I completed
is why I initially did the degree in the Pier-to-Pub in Lorne and came
computing. After I started working 123 out of 4488. I’ve also completed
at the Geelong Hospital I could see a few half marathons. I also like
the real benefits of technology when watching stand-up comedy and
applied to healthcare. My dream is I am going to explore my creative
to work with a team that will change side by doing some stand-up
the delivery of healthcare with the comedy myself. My first gig is set for
aid of technology. later this year at a London comedy
club. I’m really looking forward to it.
How has it assisted you
in your career? How would you describe
The education I got from Deakin Deakin University?
was integral in the work I do now. Agile and innovative.
The course content may not have
directly impacted my career path Photography: Location:
but the skills that I gained have Dan Ross: www.dan-ross.com Millennium Bridge,
Raccoon London: London
been essential. www.raccoonlondon.com26 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
Jyoti Shekar had such a great experience during her time at Deakin that she is planning to return next
year to take on a PhD. After spending 10 years as in-house counsel providing legal services across various
industries she recently started working as an independent legal consultant and is pursuing a number of
ventures aimed at empowering women in India and around the world. Here she talks about being a lawyer,
starting a magazine and breaking stereotypes.
Why did you decide Is there anything you especially What has been your journey
to study at Deakin? remember about that time? since finishing your course?
At the time, law students in India I worked part-time at a grocery store After the course I joined the law firm
usually chose to go to the UK or US. which was a completely different Clifford Chance LLP where I worked
I did not want to follow the crowd experience for me. They put me in on international transactions in
so I decided to come to Australia. the deli working on the meat counter. India, London and New York. Two
I liked the mix of European and I am a vegetarian so for the first years later I joined the corporate
Asian cultures. I had narrowed week I couldn’t eat after finishing finance department at Sahara Group
my choice down to the top three my shift! But soon I overcame where we handled all the acquisitions
universities and decided on Deakin this and enjoyed my work a lot. for the firm. I was involved in
because I was impressed with the the acquisition of a Formula One
subjects allowed in the courses. What do you believe Deakin team, the Plaza New York and many
University has shown you as others. I was also involved in aircraft
Can you tell us about a person? acquisitions and financing. After
your time at Deakin? The course has helped me a lot, three years I decided that I wanted
I had a wonderful time at Deakin. not just in terms of employment to work on Indian transactions
It was interesting to explore a but also in understanding different so I went to Indian law firm Legasis
different education system. It was perspectives and backgrounds. That Partners. I recently started my
a more open culture where it was gave me the confidence to work own practice, launched Empower
possible to approach the professors with people from different cultures. Women of India Tour and my
and I was very impressed with own online magazine for women:
the quality of the teaching. Eyra – eyramagazine.com2008
DKIN 27
Jyoti
Shekar Master of Laws
Class of 2008
Why did you decide to Which of your roles is your Is there any advice you would
become a consultant? favourite? give to a person who is starting
I had been working as a lawyer for I really enjoy everything I do. out in your career?
10 years and the time was right to I particularly enjoy giving guest Do not get stuck into being a
become an independent consultant. lectures and conducting training stereotype, especially in law. Many
In any case, I wanted time to start on topics related to gender equity. young people have preconceived
my magazine and spend more time This is the kind of thing I want to ideas about what it means to be a
on my female empowerment do more of rather than being tied lawyer. Today, people with law degrees
initiative. Last year a friend and down to a full-time job. I will keep are not restricted to the traditional
I began an online initiative called publishing and balance my time roles played by lawyers, there are
Empower Women of India Tour. between academics and publishing. legal journalists, publishers etc.
It is a virtual tour where we provide
advice to women about how they What has been the highlight How do you think Deakin has
can stand up for themselves. That of your career? changed since you studied there?
project gave me the idea to start A highlight would be the first Deakin’s reputation is growing every
Eyra, a magazine that focuses on transaction I ever did on my own. year. Deakin is doing a lot more
inspirational women with a particular I was with the Sahara Group and in terms of research, women, and
focus on the obstacles they have I was asked to work on the purchase overall development. The University
overcome on the journey to of a Formula One team. It was is bold in this area. It’s nice to see
achieving their goals. the best learning experience. that. It makes me even prouder
to say that I am a Deakin alumna.
Photography: Location:
Jananni Rajan Lodhi Garden, Delhi28 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
LAUREN Master of
Human Nutrition
Class of 2010
HEWITT
Lauren Hewitt is a track and field sprinter
who has represented Australia at three Olympic
Games, six World Championships, and three
Commonwealth Games in which she won two
gold, one silver and three bronze medals. This
year, as Deakin celebrates the 40th anniversary
of its first graduation, Lauren Hewitt will be
celebrating her 40th birthday. She credits her
Master of Human Nutrition as the springboard
for her post-athletics career. Here she talks
about online learning, her love of travel
and her plans for the future.2010
DKIN 29
Why did you decide What has been your journey since What has been the highlight
to study at Deakin? finishing your course? Briefly of your career?
When I decided to do a master’s outline your career path. My highlight post-athletics has
degree I was still training and After I completed my master’s been becoming a mother to Izzy.
travelling so I needed to find an I started Lauren Hewitt Nutrition and Career-wise it was developing the
online program. I was coming worked with various organisations schools program – ‘Growing Up
to the end of my athletics career such as Mission Australia, the With Good Nutrition’.
and I wanted to use my health St Kilda football club, Athletics
and wellbeing background in my Australia and VicSport. I worked on What has been the biggest
post-athletics career. The Deakin VicSport’s Healthy Choices program, influence on your career?
Master of Human Nutrition was which involved providing them My parents have been an enormous
exactly the course I was looking for. with resources to engage canteens influence. I am very grateful that
to provide healthier options. they advised me to continue with
Can you tell us about your my study so that I could have this
time at Deakin? My family and I have just returned
second career.
from five months of travelling and
The online program was a great
I am starting to think about the Is there any advice you would
experience. There was a forum that
next phase of my career. I think it’s give to a person who is starting
was very helpful and I found that the
important to start early with nutrition out in your career?
lecturers were prompt in responding
advice and would like to work with
to questions. The contact was great In whatever you choose to do make
school children as a mentor and
because it meant that I was not sure that there is a passion. That is
coach. They have their teachers
working in a vacuum. the building block. Passion makes
to support them with their school
you want to learn and it is easier to
What do you believe Deakin work but we want them to be
impart that knowledge onto others.
University has shown you/given well-rounded people. I was 17
People can tell if you are genuinely
you as a person? and still at school when my athletics
interested and excited about what
career took off and I was lucky to
Lauren Hewitt Nutrition you are doing. Being an athlete was
have a whole team supporting me
(www.laurenhewittnutrition.com.au) my passion. I was lucky to be talented
– excellent teachers, supportive
came about because of the Deakin at something but I was also willing to
parents, a coach, a medical team
master’s degree. When I started work hard and put in the training that
and a dietician. I think schools
the course I was thinking of retiring. was required to be at that level. That
are realising that all children need
The master’s program gave me the is how I feel about nutrition now.
someone other than their parents
knowledge and confidence that
and teachers to help them achieve What are your passions outside
I needed to speak expertly to
their goals. your work?
others about nutrition. In a field
like nutrition where there is so much What is your favourite aspect I am privileged to have a child and
misinformation, it is important to of your current role? I have enjoyed every single minute
have the facts. of being a mother. I also love to
I really enjoyed working as a
travel. My family and I just returned
How has it assisted you nutritionist with Mission Australia
from five months travelling around
in your career? in the Dandenong area mentoring
the world. My husband and I
Afghani and African women. We
The course has allowed me to are both turning 40 this year and
took their traditional recipes and
capitalise on being an athlete. our daughter is still young so we
made them healthier rather than
I was able to add to the knowledge thought it was a good time to go.
changing their cuisine. There was
I gained during my athletics career
a mutual respect and we learned How would you describe
and articulate it to a wider audience,
from each other. Deakin University?
from policymakers to five-year-old
kids. I attribute that to having access Deakin University is the best at what
to the latest research and the great it does. It is academic, innovative and
lecturers at Deakin. constantly pushing the boundaries.
Photography: Location:
Craig Newell Tooronga, Melbourne30 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
Why did you decide Is there anything you especially What has been the biggest
to study at Deakin? remember about that time? influence on your career?
I completed my Bachelor of The night sky is clearer in Geelong In architecture I have been
Architecture at Limkokwing University than it is in Kuala Lumpur. I could see influenced by Zaha Hadid, Norman
in Kuala Lumpur and then decided that all the constellations vividly. During a Foster and Rem Koolhaas. They
I needed to consolidate my knowledge camping trip to Wilsons Promontory all produce brilliant and inspiring
with a master’s degree. My fellow I was able to see the Milky Way, the architecture. In science I have been
classmates recommended Deakin to governing structure of our galaxy, influenced by Kip Thorne who is
me and the location in Geelong at the which made me feel how tiny we are in an astrophysicist and was awarded
Waterfront campus appealed to me. comparison to the size of the cosmos. the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2017.
It was a wonderful experience.
Can you tell us about What advice would you give
your time at Deakin? What do you believe Deakin graduates wanting to pursue
Going to Deakin was my first time University has shown you/given a similar profession?
living overseas and away from home. you as a person? Architecture study is rigorous and
I was a bit apprehensive but found The master’s degree helped me to you need to be prepared for the
that despite cultural differences, a articulate my ideas about science amount of work that it will require.
common ideology and appreciation and architecture. The professors The best advice is to find a way
of modern life means that our were all experts in their field and to organise your time. If you want
similarities are greater than our had a depth of knowledge that to succeed you need to put in the
differences. Geelong has elements opened up my mind. In particular, hours, although it is still important
of the past, present and future within Professor Des Smith, who was the to get enough sleep!
one city. The Waterfront Campus is head of the Faculty during that time,
a fantastic example of contemporary was amazing. I had never before What are your passions
industrial architecture and I lived encountered such an intellectual outside your work?
in an original Victorian-era house. way of thinking. He helped me to I enjoy heavy metal music and travel
understand that being an architect to Australia to see my favourite
is beyond creating a built form; bands, such as Slipknot. These bands
architecture is a product of don’t usually come to Kuala Lumpur.
intelligent design, not another
means of making profit. How would you describe
Deakin University?
Deakin is a microcosm
of the whole universe.2013
DKIN 31
Naqib
Azha
Master of Architecture
Class of 2013
After completing his Master of
Architecture, Naqib Azha embarked
on a freelance career as a designer
of commercial architectural projects
and also launched a creative venture
called Qaaon Karya which translates
to ‘in the artwork of creation’.
Qaaon Karya is a creative studio
that combines Naqib’s interests in
imaginative futurism, technological
living and metaphysical conceptions.
Here he talks about the night sky in
Geelong, his love of heavy metal
music and hyperspace architecture.
Photography: Location:
Edmund Leung Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur32 40 YEARS OF ALUMNI
BENNETT
MERRIMAN Bachelor of Commerce
(Sports Management)
Class of 2009
Entrepreneurs Shannan Gove and help them find full-time work after Why did you decide
Bennett Merriman are co-founders graduation. In just eight years they to study at Deakin?
of two complementary businesses have built an international business BM: I chose the Bachelor of
– Event Workforce Group (EWG), with clients such as Tough Mudder, Commerce (Sports Management)
a workforce management company Ironman and the Super Bowl in because I wanted to work within
that provides temporary staff the USA. They have since teamed sport and develop my business
nationally, and Rosterfy, a workforce up with a third technical co-founder, operations skills, but most of all I
management software platform Chris Grant, and now have 14 staff wanted to work with Cricket Australia.
used by large-scale events globally across the globe with offices in
to better manage their workforces. Melbourne, San Francisco and Cricket was a main interest of
The cousins started what became London. Here Bennett and Shannan mine and the staff who ran the
EWG in 2010, while Shannan was discuss the benefits of living on Deakin course had a number of
in the middle of his Deakin degree. campus, how the idea for Event contacts within Cricket Australia
The aim was to provide tertiary Workforce Group was born and who I hoped would improve my
students and new graduates with the importance of networking. chances of landing my dream job.
work opportunities that would SG: I wanted to work in international
game development for the AFL.
I knew that the game had expanded
in Europe and thought that I could
combine my love of sport with
my love of travel.You can also read
