2019 New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholar, Jack Steed, has made the most of his NCP journey to follow his dream of working in the sports industry.
Despite his experience being interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2019 NCP Scholar Jack Steed finds it hard to believe the opportunities he has had through his NCP program.
“I have had a very interesting and exciting NCP journey. The program has allowed me to travel to multiple countries. I undertook language training in Shanghai, studied at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Shenzhen and have interned with companies in Singapore and Thailand.”
When Jack applied for the NCP Scholarship, he was studying a double degree in business and commerce, majoring in accounting and sports management. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic halting his NCP program, he has since started a Master of Business Administration majoring in International Business at the University of Newcastle, which he believes will help him further his career in the professional sport industry.
“My number one passion is sports. I chose to study this was because it has such a big impact on people’s lives. Sport brings people from all walks of life together and provides them with a platform to communicate without even needing to speak the same language. It not only provides health benefits but also gives people the chance to come together and form lifelong friendships and memories, which are priceless.”
Jack says he wanted to commence his NCP program in China because of their rapid improvement and success at the Olympic Games, particularly at sports that are not often associated with Asian countries. “It is evident that they have programs and processes in place to provide their athletes and people with the ability to achieve great results. To ensure Australia has that similar success, I wanted to get firsthand experience of how sports development works in China.”
Moving to China was a big step for Jack. Prior to commencing his NCP program, he had barely left Australia. “I’m a typical country boy who loves his surfing and footy, and here I am moving to a country where I cannot speak the language or even use chopsticks!”
Despite these challenges, Jack found that adjusting was easy through adopting a positive mindset and saying yes to learning opportunities. “Living with a local host family really helped me navigate the cultural adjustments. They gave me the ins and outs of daily Chinese life, and introduced me to the most authentic and best tasting local Chinese restaurants. The Shanghai xiao long bao is to die for!”
During his NCP journey, Jack has had some incredible experiences that he will never forget, including working alongside The R&A (a worldwide golf governing body) and sports marketing firm IMG, where he had the opportunity to meet famous golfers.
“I would say my most treasured NCP memories are holding some of the most prestigious trophies in world sport, such as the Claret Jug (British Open Trophy), the FIFA World Cup and the HSBC Women’s World Championship Trophy, which I got to present to world number one, Jin Young Ko.”
But away from the famous sporting stars, some of Jack’s favourite moments have come through immersing himself in local communities. “I got to visit a local park outside the Forbidden City in Beijing where I was able to enjoy a meal with the elderly locals and challenge them to a game of ping pong and badminton.”
Jack says his NCP experience has shaped him into the person he is today.
“The NCP has been lifechanging for me and I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the opportunities it has provided. Not only has this program allowed me to learn new skills such as speaking Mandarin, but it has also given me insight into the cultural differences that impact sporting events and industries in the Indo-Pacific region.”
“Being part of the NCP I have had the ability to work with some of world’s leading sporting organisations and gain experience at major events. These have included The Honda LPGA Classic in Thailand and UFC275 in Singapore. This experience is priceless and has allowed me to connect with likeminded individuals and people who I aspire to be like in the future.”
Jack’s NCP experience continues to shape his career trajectory.
“I have been lucky enough to secure work with my host organisation and IMG moving forward in 2022 which will see me part of the team at the 150th British Open in St Andrews Scotland and other events in countries such as South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.”
Jack now wants to bring his expertise home to help Australia’s sporting programs.
“I would like to use the skills and knowledge I have gained from my NCP journey to work towards ensuring that Australia’s youth have access to the best sporting programs and facilities in the world. A dream would be to work on major events, such as the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, to highlight our nation in a positive light on the world stage.”
The NCP is an initiative of the Australian Government. The program aims to lift knowledge of the Indo Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.