I always found learning Japanese to be a major challenge as it made me think in ways which were completely different to other subjects. I was able to see the benefit of learning Japanese when combined with my science studies and that was a major factor in continuing Japanese at university. It has played a big role in me being awarded an inaugural New Colombo Plan Scholarship which allows me to return to Japan in 2015 for a 6 month internship program at the National Institute for Materials Science.

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Daniel Ednie-Lockett

Daniel Ednie-Lockett is the founder of Language Connection, a not for profit which runs language exchanges and conferences for native speakers and learners of English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Daniel speaks fluent Japanese and Mandarin and has worked as a TV presenter in Mandarin in China for the last two years.

Helen Kapalos

I began my career as a reporter on ABC Radio in Newcastle in 1994 before moving to SBS after winning a national scholarship. In 2001, I was approached to join the Nine Network as a reporter on National Nine News where I covered breaking news events such as the Waterfall train disaster and the historic Sydney Gang rape trial. I played a key role in the 2004 Athens Olympics coverage, where I reported for several news and current affairs programs from the Greek capital and across Europe. Upon my return I was appointed host of the Late News program Nightline. In addition to that role, I presented a weekly news segment on the Network's flagship current affairs program Sunday, alongside host Jana Wendt.

GARANG DUT

First Sudanese refugee to obtain a Medical degree in Victoria

Dr Linny Phuong

State Finalist Young Australian of the Year 2013

Fablice Manirakiza

Maintaining language culture is very important not just to me but to all the diversity communities as well as the wider community of Australia, English is my second language, I understand the importance of it, not just in our everyday life but also in connecting with the world politicly, economically and other aspects, but to most of us this wouldn't slow us in maintaining our main language, the world of today is about creating and sharing we should all be proud of who we are and share our cultural across the world, but it all start with your own identity of where you come from, I believe maintaining language is important to achieve all the desire of making this world a better place.

Robert DIPIERDOMENICO

"I was born to play in Grand Finals," says Robert DiPierdomenico, somewhat humbly.

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