Interviewing Australian people
working in Australian enterprises

 

Interview: Davy Loo Davy Loo has always been interested in education. Originally from Melbourne where he studied both science and education, he worked as a relief teacher throughout Victoria before jetting off to Japan for an 18-month stint at an English conversation school in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture. Returning to Australia, Davy took his teaching experience to Sydney where he joined the education program Kumon eight years ago. Living in Manly Vale, he enjoys the attraction of Sydney beaches and surfs in his free time, as well as practising Kyokushin karate, reading and watching movies. Davy is also completing a Masters in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations.

What did you learn from living in Japan?
I loved my experience living and working in Japan. The Japanese culture is so rich and I like how the old traditions are blended with the modern. For instance you could walk down the street and see women in kimono alongside people in suits at a bus stop or find charming old traditional bars nestled amid skyscrapers. I was also impressed by Japanese technology, such as the taxi doors that open automatically or the toilets that are like mini computers complete with music! One of the biggest things I learned in Japan was how to be neat and organised. Compared to Australia space is really limited, especially in apartments, so you have to be neat or you would never find anything. Living in Japan also allowed me to resume studying the language; while there I sat for level four of the language proficiency test.

You work for Kumon. Tell us what Kumon does.
Kumon is a home-based learning program that originated in Japan, and has since spread to over 45 countries around the world with over four million students enrolled. Kumon students study through a series of worksheets designed to support self-learning through simple step-by-step calculation (for maths) or reading (for English). Twice a week the students have the opportunity to go to an education centre to get feedback on their progress, receive help with their work and praise for their achievements. It is Kumon's goal to have students studying ahead of the grade level through self learning.

Describe your job.
As team leader of Human Capital Development and Communications, I look after two fairly different departments so my daily work is quite diverse. With the Human Capital Development team I manage many human resource functions such as recruitment, training and staff performance. With the Communications team I work to promote the Kumon brand through our publications, advertising campaigns and through student stories from the education centres around Australia and New Zealand. Currently I am working on the Kumon advertising campaign for 2008 as well as helping to organise a conference for 80 staff members.

What are the biggest challenges and rewards in your work?
The scope of my role means there are many things to be done each day. For Kumon our biggest hurdle is changing the perception that only students who are behind in their studies need to do extra work. In fact many students use Kumon to enrich their studies and stay ahead so they can enjoy learning more while avoiding the pressures of having to catch up.

What are your future career plans?
I would like to continue working in education so a company like Kumon is ideal for me. In particular I would like to work with the creators of the Kumon program in researching and designing new worksheets and programs. Otherwise I would like to work at a top university as a lecturer or researcher in the field of education.

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Interviewing Japanese people working in Australian enterprises

Interview:Hanako Matsuura Moving to Australia was a change in lifestyle as well as culture for Hanako Matsuura. Born in Yokohama, Hanako worked as a paralegal at a law firm in Tokyo before moving to SydneyÕs northern beaches. She was qualified as a solicitor in NSW in 2004 and works in the North Asia Team in the Corporate Group at law firm Blake Dawson. In her work, Hanako crosses the divide between the Australian firm and its Asian clients, which include Japanese businesses. Living in Australia has spurred HanakoÕs love for the outdoors and among her hobbies are surfing, swimming and hiking. At the end of a busy week, she likes to go to the beach or have a glass of wine with her husband Tadasu on the balcony of their Dee Why home.

Why did you come to Australia?
My ideal life has always been one where there is a balance between working and the enjoyment of a relaxed lifestyle near the water. I applied for a residency visa only half-convinced, as I had never been to Australia before. However, my visa was approved so easily that I was amazed at AustraliaÕs generosity.

What made you decide to be a lawyer?
I didn't intend to pursue law when I came to Australia, but I became interested when I saw how different it was from Japan. Compared to Japan, there are many female lawyers and many people who balance careers with families and other interests in Australia, so I thought it might not be a bad idea.

What made you decide to be a lawyer?
I didn't intend to pursue law when I came to Australia, but I became interested when I saw how different it was from Japan. Compared to Japan, there are many female lawyers and many people who balance careers with families and other interests in Australia, so I thought it might not be a bad idea.

What was it like studying in Australia?
Australian law school was interesting because I realised that a different history and culture makes law different too. I learned the importance of looking at things from different angles, balancing interests among people with various backgrounds and communicating accurately.

Are there advantages or disadvantages to being a Japanese person practising law in Australia?
When dealing with foreign clients such as Japanese or Korean corporations, I can explain Australian law from their perspective and I can also explain basic differences between Japan and Australia. A disadvantage might be the challenge of working in a second language, because in law words are your weapons.

Describe your workplace and your current position.
I was introduced to the firm by a Japanese acquaintance working here. The firm has about 850 lawyers in Australia, specialising in every area so the workplace is like a treasury of knowledge. I deal mainly with mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures in natural resource development, as well as general corporate matters. I also assist with litigations and employment issues that affect Japanese businesses and do some marketing work.

What are the benefits and challenges for a Japanese person working in Australia?
They are two sides of the same coin. The Japanese language and some business customs and culture are not accepted in an Australian workplace. While that can be challenging, discovering new things is interesting.

What are your dreams and future plans?
I would like to see my parents more often so ideally I wish to have a work style that lets me go to Japan two or three times a year in the future.

What do you like about Australia?
I like the ocean, wine and the unique flora and fauna, and how even adults don't forget their inner child and enjoy life.