OIU News caught up with Matt Dutaillis (OR2018), a recent recipient of a New Columbo Plan (NCP) Scholarship from UTS. Matt was on the phone from his dorm in Shanghai in the middle of a typhoon.

Matt: I'm actually bunkered down in my dorm room at the moment, as there's currently a typhoon in Shanghai. It's a bit crazy. Really windy, really wet. I think they're saying it's the worst storm that Shanghai's seen since 1949.

OIU News: Where did the idea come from? You've gone from filling out an application to being in the middle of a typhoon in Shanghai.

Matt: For context the New Colombo Plan is an initiative by DFAT to support Australian university students to undertake study, language training, and an internship in the Indo-Pacific region. So I guess this idea all began after speaking with a friend, Joe Clinton (OR2016). He also received the NCP scholarship and was planning on travelling to China for study and an internship, but unfortunately Covid affected his plans. But that was the first I'd heard of the New Colombo Plan. I'm lucky in the sense that UTS publishes a mountain of information about the New Colombo Plan. So I made enquiries with the staff at UTS, asked if my study program in China would satisfy the requirements of the scholarship, filled out an application, took a chance and next thing I know I was being interviewed by a DFAT panel.

OIU News: Did it surprise you the sort of questions they were asking or were they a bit more generic?

Matt: Not really. The questions they ask applicants are focused on determining whether the candidate is someone worth investing in? Are they interesting? Is the nature of their proposed study program beneficial for the future, not just for themselves, but also for Australia's relationship and position within the Indo-Pacific region. So in terms of my interview, I spoke about my desire to pursue a career in law, and how I'd love to establish strong ties and networks in China that could serve to benefit Australia within the Indo Pacific region.

OIU news: Why China?

Matt: I've always had a passion for the Chinese language and culture, inspired by the legendary Mr Liu back in Year 7 at Riverview. At UTS I've been undertaking a double degree of Law and International Studies, majoring in Chinese Studies. I've been in touch with Mr Lui and needless to say he's delighted to have a past student continuing study in Chinese and embarking on an immersion to China as well. This continued interest was definitely a big reason behind my decision to undertake an internship and further study in China.

OIU News: How are your NCP peers seeing Australia?

Matt: I guess the first interaction you'll have with anyone that you meet overseas as Australians is always quite funny, "I've heard Australia is such a dangerous place, I'm really scared of spiders, snakes, sharks. Do you have kangaroos in your backyard?". However, my main interactions so far in China have been with university students, so it's really interesting getting a better understanding of the day-to-day cultural differences uni students go through. As I have only been here a short while, I'm excited to continue to learn and gain deeper insights into the Chinese culture from my peers, but also to share with them with an understanding of our Australian culture too.

OIU news: So what do you hope to gain from your placement in Shanghai?

Matt: Going back to what I said before, I'd love to establish formal connections here with people and businesses - to establish relationships that keep me connected to China. Who knows given the growing importance of China in our region, there may well be an opportunity throughout my career to use the skills and relationships built to actually work in some capacity back here. I certainly don't want this stint to just be a great memory in 10 years time. So I am trying to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself, like joining the Shanghai Rugby Club and by participating in any events hosted by the Australian Embassy and Shanghai Consulate.

OIU news: China's is a special place in terms of the Jesuits' footprint in the east following in the footsteps of Matteo Ricci, it goes back hundreds of years. Is there a real sense that it's not a totally foreign territory, and with that history?

Matt: In 2016 our Chinese class travelled to Beijing for a cultural exchange, and during this trip we were fortunate enough to visit Matteo Ricci's shrine which was very significant and pretty special. But it is really nice knowing that many Riverview boys have pursued a similar path and continue to be drawn to the Indo-Pacific region in their work and travels. 

OIU news: Finally, as the Year 12 boys race towards their final exams, and they're starting to look over the horizon, any advice you could give to the young Old Boys in heading into Year 13, as to how wide is the world and how should you approach the opportunities that that that come their way?

Matt: Keep an open mind, keep all your options open and try different things. It's very easy to get caught up with what everyone else is doing. It can be daunting taking a risk and trying something that might not work out, but be brave and always try and have a go! Step outside your comfort zone. So if a new and different opportunity presents itself, think about it. Don't just shut it down immediately. It's all a learning experience, especially the first few years out of school. Most of you won't know exactly what you want to do straight out of the Riverview gates. But just enjoy it all and be yourself. Enjoy the process of finding out what you want to do.

OIU News: Thanks and good luck!