From all corners of the globe, this committed community of UQ ChangeMakers organise and host Global Connection events.
They are responsible for sourcing and booking an appropriate (and fun!) venue, selecting the event day and time, working with the UQ Alumni Team on event promotion and hosting the event attendees! They are our experts on the ground that help make Global Connections possible.
We hope you can meet our Global Connection Coordinators in person at an event near you! Until then, check out their profiles below.
Are you interested in becoming a Global Connections coordinator? Get started with the Digital toolkit
We'd love to hear from you! Connect with us at uqchangemakers@uq.edu.au.
Melbourne, Australia
Paul Gibney, MBA '91
I am an accountant who has worked in large construction and engineering projects in Australia and Asia (living in Thailand for 10 years). Currently, I am involved as a part owner of a specialist remedial engineering business in PNG and the near Pacific region. My relationship with UQ was renewed in 2014 and since then I have served on the Melbourne Alumni Council; most recently as the Chair for the last three years. Global Connections is a perfect casual way to connect or reconnect with fellow alumni and to build networks for social and professional reasons.
Contact Paul: gibneys@bigpond.com
Santiago, Chile
Mary Robinson, MBus ‘15
I’ve been a Business Developer for Land & Water area at CSIRO Chile since 2019. In 2015, I completed the Master of Business in the field of Sustainability at UQ BEL. Since 2016, I have co-coordinated the Santiago de Chile Global Connections. I am enthusiastic about collaborating in activities led by UQ that allow Chilean alumni to continue in contact with the University, as well as maintaining a community that can be a support network for new alumni! Connect with Mary on LinkedIn
Rodrigo Zarate, MBus '13
I am a Presales Manager at Cognitiva Chile, a tech consultancy firm that specialises in solutions using Artificial Intelligence capabilities to solve complex business problems. I am a passionate UQ BEL alumnus, and have been organising Global Connection events in Chile for several years. My advice to new graduates is, “Always keep moving, have a purpose and make connections" and my favourite UQ professor was Associate Professor Frank Alpert. Connect with Rodrigo on LinkedIn
Beijing, China
Jiaying (Joyce) Wu, MTHEM ‘17
I am a hospitality marketing strategy and campaign professional leading the communication between outlets and guests. This year, I've started volunteering as a GC coordinator. The sense of community and inclusion means a lot to us UQers abroad, and I am sincerely looking forward to organise more gatherings in my area. Connect with Joyce on LinkedIn
Guangzhou, China
Erice Wu, BPsySc ‘10
I've been working in the area of PE/VC investment for seven years before starting my own company in 2018. I’ve been reconnecting with UQ alumni through the Global Connections program since 2015. Global Connections is a very good opportunity for us to find local connections and reunite. It means a lot for overseas UQers and helps us bond with each other. Connect with Erice on LinkedIn
Shanghai, China
Hazel Zheng Wang, MBus ‘11
I have worked in the automotive industry for more than 10 years with demonstrated experience of brand digital marketing and consumer market research. I am very happy to be a Global Connections coordinator and I hope I can help many UQ alumni to connect with each other, make more friends and generate more business opportunities! Connect with Hazel on LinkedIn
Vanessa Gu, MCom ‘07
At Global Connections in Shanghai, we aim to reunite UQ returnees, build up networks and enhance professions. As a founding Global Connection Coordinator, I have made quite a few friends and always recalled the good time in UQ. Connect with Vanessa on WeChat: vanessagujj
London, England
Paul Kelly, BCom(Hons) ‘09, BBusMan ‘08
Hi! I’m a professional strategy consultant and chartered accountant, currently leading the Next Generation strategy at HSBC Private Bank in London. I began working at PwC in Australia and in the 12 years since graduating, my career has taken me from Brisbane to Cambridge and now to London. Global Connections in London is a great chance to network and meet new friends over a drink or two in one of the world’s great cities! Connect with Paul on LinkedIn
Martin Shaw, BA '12
Tokyo, Japan
Tim Tout, BA ’90, MBA ‘98
As Co-founder, MD and Executive Coach of HummingByrd Inc., I am focused on maximising the potential of people and organisations to postitively impact our world. My career covers leadership positions in the agricultural, fashion retail, tertiary education and training & development sectors. I am currently Co-Vice Chair of the Technology, Innovation, Education & Research Committee for the Australia & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Connect with Tim on LinkedIn
Seoul, Korea
Seung-Tak(Dane) BAEK
I am currently the Corporate Actions Analyst at Citi Korea, catering to the needs of foreign investors venturing into the Korean financial markets. Outside the office, I have also served as the Head of UQ Alumni Network Korea since 2018. The local chapter welcomes all UQ alumnus and current students alike, and we strive to enrich the range of both personal and professional opportunities by strengthening our connection via diverse networking events. Please don't hesitate to reach out should you happen to find yourself in our wonderful city, Seoul.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Calvin Tan, BComm '13 Calvin is currently the Employer Engagement Lead at the Asia School of Business. Calvin's primary mission is to foster strong bonds with external employers to enhance students' career prospects. Prior to this role, Calvin dedicated 4 years to banking, where he honed his skills as a project manager. Following his passion for education, he then spent 2 years as a Teaching Fellow as part of the Teach For Malaysia Fellowship program. Calvin's professional interests are as diverse as they are exciting, encompassing innovation, organizational development, and tackling vital socio-economic challenges. He's on a mission to grow the UQ Alumni community in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia through engaging networking events and activities. He hopes to create a space where fresh connections flourish and new opportunities abound. Connect with Calvin on LinkedIn.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Byambaa Tumurbaatar, BBusMan/BA '17
Byamba is a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) with a focus on InsurTech, sustainability, innovation and partnerships, and has worked with leading brands including Shangri-La Group (Singapore), Event Entertainment Group (Australia), and Khan Bank, the largest financial institution in Mongolia. He has experience spanning across technology startup, digital marketing, talent management, finance, event management and client-side environments globally across Australia, USA and Asia, and thrives working with diverse and dynamic teams to make a difference. He spent almost 8 years living and studying abroad in Australia and the United States before returning to his home country in 2019. UQ Global Connections is an excellent casual approach to connect or reconnect with fellow graduates and to create social and business networks. I am thrilled to be a Global Connections coordinator, and I intend to assist many UQ alumni in connecting with one another, making new friends, and generating new business prospects!
Auckland, New Zealand
Louis Lan, MBus '12
I am a curious person and can't stop exploring the world. I have worked in different countries, including Taiwan, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Currently, my wife and I are living in Auckland, New Zealand. As an NZ coordinator, it will be lovely to meet you and share your experience and memory at UQ! I met my future wife :) Auckland New Zealand.
Khae Pothipat, MBus '12
I am currently working in the education sector in Auckland. My work is related to planning, data, and performance analysis.
I have many good memories of life at UQ from day one. I love our beautiful St. Lucia campus, the unique grassy great court with modern facilities with an excellent academic environment to learn and grow academically and professionally. Besides recognizing the knowledge's degrees, I have invaluable friendships, memories, and connections from UQ that last for life.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Yushan Tharanga Abeykoona, MGPP ‘18
I'm currently working as the Director of Customs at Bandaranayake International Airport Colombo, Sri Lanka. I'd love to connect with UQ alumni around the Asian region and around the world as well to learn more about the world.
Lima, Peru
Ines Valenzuela, MTHEM ‘13
I have worked in public and private sector tourism for over 9 years. My background in communications and passion for travel have led me to my current role – where I develop and promote unique travel experiences in South America for travellers from all around the world. For me, Global Connections is a special space for us to broaden and strengthen our personal and professional networks and be inspired by other alums' projects and stories. Connect with Ines on LinkedIn
Taipei, Taiwan
Arthur Liu (Kuan-Hung Liu), MBus ‘18
I am a financial professional with experience in M&A transactions, auditing, and banking. Apart from the financial experience, I am also a Career Coordinator specializing in recruiting accounting and finance positions. I am a Director-at-large at the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Taipei Chapter, where I am responsible for organising the chapter events and coordinating Chapter management with the IMA Singapore office. Connect with Arthur on LinkedIn
San Francisco, USA
Andrew Roberts, Bachelor of Science (Comp. Science) '98
Andrew is a founder, entrepreneur and strategic advisor in the tech start-up industry. He's been building software companies for 25+ years, and now advises founders on building, funding and selling software as a service (Saas). Andrew looks forward to meeting fellow UQ alumni in San Francisco and the bay area. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn.
New York, USA
Matt Tochterman, Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) '04
Matt works in Data and Analytics for Morgan Stanley's Wealth Management Business and is currently based in New York. Matt moved to California to undertake a masters degree in 2012 and moved to New York after finishing that program. His previous roles have been in Sydney and New York spanning Accounting, Finance, Valuation and Analytics across a number of Investment Banks. He's looking forward to connecting with fellow UQ Alumni in New York!
Nashville, USA
Graner Thorne, Study Abroad '08
Graner is a veteran Sales and Business Development professional based in Nashville, Tennessee. He has extensive experience in the space sector previously developing national geospatial programs for sovereign governments. Graner served 10 years in the US Marine Corps as an MV-22 Osprey pilot and Operations Officer and brings experience from multiple combat deployments to the Middle East. Graner looks forward to meeting fellow UQ alumni in Nashville. Connect with Graner on LinkedIn.
Washington DC, USA
Mitchell Smith, Bachelor of Engineering '09, Master of Commerce '19
Mitchell is experienced in Project Finance, Energy Trading, Financial Analysis and Asset Management for the Energy sector. This includes Electricity/Power Generation (from Gas, Wind, Hydro and Solar) and Natural Gas/LNG. He blends together technical engineering experience, management skills, a project finance skillset and energy market/trading experience to work within a Asset Management/Finance team. Mitchell looks forward to meeting fellow UQ alumni in Washington DC. Connect with Mitchell on LinkedIn.