Isabella Hewitt

Isabella Hewitt

Bella is one of our Content Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020 and is currently in her fourth year of studying a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of International Security Studies.

What is your favourite food dish/cuisine from the Asia Pacific region and why?

I would happily eat roti canai for breakfast every day! It is my go-to meal whenever I travel to Asia and the Pacific and brings back happy memories of walks to the markets in the glaring sun, early morning conversations with friends and family, and bottomless teh-tarik.

What has been your favourite course so far at the ANU and why?

My absolute favourite course that I have taken at the ANU was a Pacific studies field school which looked at the subject of regional policy making and development in the Pacific region. We travelled to Fiji, the hub of Pacific policymaking, for two weeks and had the opportunity to speak to a range of important decision-makers in the policymaking field for example, the Pacific Islands Forum and the Pacific Community. As part of the course we were also involved in facilitating the Pacific Update, an annual forum held at the University of the South Pacific which discusses topical issues impacting the region. Prior to participating in the field school, I had no knowledge of the Pacific region and the challenges that it faces both internally and externally. However, since returning from Fiji I have a newfound passion for the Pacific region and wish to work in Pacific policymaking in the future.

What does the 2020 APW theme 'When Oceans Rise: Surging Voices and Hidden Perspectives' mean to you?

The theme of this year's APW perfectly encapsulates what I perceive to be the purpose of the conference, that is bringing together students and young professionals from across Asia and the Pacific to discuss, debate and confront the rise of new challenges impacting their region and their future. I associate the thought of rising oceans not only with the emergence of these new challenges, but also with the image of unified voices of future generations rising to face these new threats and have their perspectives heard. I think that this year's theme is empowering for younger generations as it allows us to associate the threat of rising oceans not with fear and uncertainty, but with the immense force of our voice.

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Updated:  11 May, 2022/Responsible Officer:  Dean, ANU College of Asia & the Pacific/Page Contact:  CAP Web Team