As the first recipient of the prestigious Phoenix of the Year award at UNIS Hanoi, Nina McLean (Class of 2016) stood out as an all-rounder. Excelling in academics, co-curricular activities, and the arts, she embodied the school's spirit. "I simply couldn't choose between my love for studying, the arts, and sports, so I poured my heart into it all," she shares.
Looking back on her high school days and sporting triumphs—particularly during volleyball tournaments—Nina emphasises the enduring values of camaraderie and teamwork learned through sports at UNIS Hanoi. "My transition from sports to a policy career exemplifies the enduring lessons of teamwork and dedication," she shares.
Growing up in Vietnam, a person of both Vietnamese and Australian heritage, Nina witnessed firsthand the nation's rapid economic and social transformation. "This dynamic environment, coupled with UNIS' emphasis on sustainability, ignited my passion for creating positive change through a policy lens," she reveals.
Nina currently works at RMIT University and actively participates in the Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue (AVLD), an annual event fostering stronger ties between the two nations. As the Co-Director for Policy and Programs of the Dialogue in September 2023, she curated discussions on pressing issues like gender equality, education, innovation, and infrastructure development.
At RMIT, Nina's work aligns with Australia's growing focus on Southeast Asia. As the Southeast Asia Advisor, she offers a valuable Asia-centric perspective, shaping the University's strategic initiatives. With a strong emphasis on sustainable development, Nina's contributions pave the way for meaningful change in the region. Recently, she led RMIT's involvement in 14 engagements for the March 2024 Australia-ASEAN Special Summit in Melbourne, celebrating 50 years of partnership.
Looking towards the future, Nina aims to enhance her expertise in policy and strategy by furthering and facilitating two-way connections into and from Australia and the Southeast Asia region.