2021 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
幹部
STEVE SHAO
President
3rd year, Psychological Science
What is an interesting fact about you? As I write this, I have not broken any bones in my body YET Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? I joined NSA as a curious first year searching for friends while also learning Japanese beginner’s 1A. It has since then drawn me in and got me acquainted with a group of the most fantastic people. Now, it has become a big part of my university life, my source of socialisation, and responsibility. This year I would like to introduce NSA as a wholesome and welcoming community to anyone interested because honestly, joining a good society is one of the best things a university student can do. What is your favourite Japanese Word? 金 (かね/kane). I named my beginners class Okanegumi since we are like money (cool and fabulous) and we are going to make a lot of it in the future! Also, our class was on a Friday so 金曜日! |
HATTIE LIANG
Vice-President
2nd year, Psychology (Hons.)
What is an interesting fact about you? At one point, my family had about 8 pet rabbits, 3 budgies and 2 tanks of fish Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? I joined NSA to connect with a community who was equally passionate about Japanese culture as I was. After joining, I realised how much of a warm community it was, having late night calls with other subcom members, playing games and organising different events. NSA is like a family of older brothers and sisters #perksofbeingoneoftheyoungest What is your favourite Japanese Word? 暖かかった (Atatakakatta) - because it’s fun to say |
CLAIRE NEWTON
Secretary
2nd year, Aviation (Management)
What is an interesting fact about you? I enjoy really bad reality TV shows and can cook some mean 和食 (washoku) dishes. Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? NSA is a place where I can enjoy social activities and build memorable uni moments with close friends. it has also been a great place for meeting and getting advice from seniors and being introduced to opportunities regarding working or studying in Japan. What is the best Japanese snack? I am obssessed with じゃがりこ(jagariko). I have always been in love with deep fried potatoes, what can I say! It beats every type of potato snack out there. Favourite flavour would be タラコバター (tarako butter) for sure! |
ALEX HUANG
Treasurer
4th year, Finance (Math and Statistics)
What is an interesting fact about you? My brian automatically shuts down when people starts to talk about politics 🙁 Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? I started watching anime since I was 4/5 years old [Initial D/One Piece/ Naruto/ blahblah]. I became really keen on Japanese culture and joined NSA when I came to uni. NSA is a very welcoming and friendly society with so many amazing people. I really enjoyed my first event with NSA fams and couldn’t stop coming. Attending the NSA events has already become part of my life routine and I would say NSA is one of my most precious treasures. What is your favourite Japanese word? 遥 (はる/haru). I like the intonation and the kanji. For its meaning: far off, which makes me feel challenged and passionate about my goal/dream. |
ANTHEA TRUSLER
Events Coordinator2nd year, Media (Sound and Screen Production)
What is an interesting fact about you? ... I like... ikemen 😙 Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? I joined NSA to find like-minded people and help me deal with my reverse culture shock after coming back to Australia after spending a year on exchange in Japan. To me, NSA has now become a society filled with beautiful hoomans that I would call my family 🥺💗 What is your favourite Japanese Word? Favourite Japanese word is わからへん (wakarahen) because I learnt my Japanese in Kansai and I don't know what's goin on most of the time 🤡✌🏻 |
FIONA WU
Media Coordinator
2nd year, Commerce and Mathematics
What is an interesting fact about you? I’ve lived almost exactly half my life in NZ and half my life in Australia Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? I loveedddd learning Japanese in school. My class was AWESOME and we had the best time together. Going into uni I really missed that, so I sought out on a journey to find amazing people, and that’s when I discovered NSA! NSA is full of the most passionate, reliable and hilarious people! And of course, the most AMAZING people I’ve met (weirdest as well 😆)! I’ve learnt so much in NSA and I gotta say, I am super happy to be here! 🥰 PekoPeko What is your favourite Japanese Word? ペコペコ (PekoPeko) |
SAYRA VINCENT
Communications Officer2nd year, International Studies/Media (PR and Advertising)
What is an interesting fact about you? I was once scouted to become a child model when I was visiting family in Japan! (I could’ve been famous by now😭) Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? I originally joined NSA because of the fun vibes the 2020 exec team gave off during the O-Week stall! Being a first year and moving to Sydney by myself was vERY daunting and I saw that I could make friends and become more confident in talking to new people by hanging out with fellow Japanese culture enthusiasts. As cringe as it sounds, NSA has become my home away from home and I hope that we can give this feeling to new and existing members! What is the best Japanese snack? じゃがりこ (jagariko) WILL FOREVER BE THE SUPERIOR CHIP SNACK! How can you hate it? It has the perfect crunch, perfect salt levels, perfect packaging which preserves the perfect cylindrical shape of the chip… perfection. |
SERENA CHIU
International Liaison
2nd year, Psychology (Hons.)
What is an interesting fact about you? I was born with a small hole next to my eye. According to Google it's something 0.05% of people in the world have. Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? I joined NSA because the execs at the O-Week stall were funny and nice, even though I wasn't particularly interested in Japan. Now it's really just become "working in a team to help other people make friends and feel happy and stuff" aheeeeeeee What is the best Japanese snack? I think Hajime Isayama for writing AOT 😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏 |
RIKI WALMSLEY
Sponsorship Director
5th year, Science (Statistics)/Arts (Japanese)
What is an interesting fact about you? It is my 4th year being an exec at NSA 😮 (yes I am old) Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? I joined NSA hoping to expand my Japanese connections and ended up staying for the free food, fun events, and kind members. Being able to meet many of my close friends at NSA has made me realise that NSA is a place where I can meet like-minded people with similar interests who are pretty cool and easy to get along with. What is the best Japanese snack? This may not be the best Japanese snack, but I need to settle this. Kinoko no Yama (きのこの山) > Takenoko no Sato (たけのこの里) ANY DAY! If you don’t know what they are, they’re both a chocolate covered biscuit snack made by the same company, which is the root of a never-ending battle that has split Japan between team Kinoko no Yama and team Takenoko no Sato. Keeping this short, the mellow sweetness and joy of successfully nibbling away the chocolate top makes Kinoko no Yama the superior snack. |
INGRID CHEN
Language Workshop Coordinator
2nd year, Bachelor of Commerce/Arts (Japanese Studies)
What is an interesting fact about you? Not that interesting but I desperately want a cat despite tragically being allergic. If you have a cat and let me see it I will love you forever! Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? As a first year I was extremely worried that I wouldn’t be able to make any friends or do well in my courses. I joined NSA in hopes of meeting new people and believed it was an opportunity to help me improve my Japanese. Now, the team at NSA has become an irreplaceable group of friends as well as a place where I can consistently develop myself and be involved with Japanese culture. What is your favorite Japanese word? Not really a word but I love the phrase はい、どうぞ (hai, douzo)! In the time I spent travelling in Japan, I didn’t understand much of the language but this was the phrase I heard the most especially at train stations and I ended up continuously saying it. |
NAOKI HIRAI
Arc Delegate
2nd year, Social Science
What is an interesting fact about you? I am extraordinarily normal Why did you join NSA and what has it become for you? When I was studying in the Foundation Course, I wasn't sure if I would be able to make friends, so I joined to meet some people who could speak Japanese. What is the best Japanese snack? Takenoko no Sato (たけのこの里)! (edit: Riki and Naoki are now facing off in an epic war to decide the winner of the Kinoko vs Takenoko battle) |
