Big dreams take flight for Monash undergrad trio

May 1 2024

Monash Business School’s winning GDP participants,
Seung Chan, Angus Farquhar and Ronald Liu.

Three Monash Business School students are about to embark on a life-changing adventure.

Selected from a competitive pool of more than 280 applicants, Angus Farquhar, Seung Chan (Daniel) Hong and Ronald Liu will head from Melbourne to Manhattan to participate in the 10th annual Global Discovery Program in June.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the award-winning study tour is designed to challenge participants to consider how they can contribute to solving global issues.

Over two intensive weeks, the trio will connect with influential Monash alumni and industry leaders, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and gain invaluable insights into the inner workings of the global business world.

But what drives their passion - and how will they seize this opportunity to make a positive impact on their world?

Building a sustainable future

Most engineers want to build things, but second-year Bachelor of Engineering and Commerce student Angus Farquhar has set his sights a little higher.

He wants to build a better world.

Growing up in Tasmania - a place he describes as “a large part of my identity” - Angus developed a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Witnessing the devastating effects of climate change on his beloved island home has become a driving force in his life.

“Climate change is one of the most tangibly threatening problems humanity has faced,” he said.

“We all need to play a part; it could be as small as changes in day-to-day consumption decisions.”

He said the Global Discovery Program was an opportunity for him to connect with experts in the field, gain practical knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to combat climate change.

“I hope this program will allow me to build a deeper understanding of the globalised world and how I can operate within it,” he said.

“I want to better understand how to find solutions to problems that affect our environment.”

Launching the next generation of engineers

Seung Chan (Daniel) Hong isn't just passionate about engineering – he's passionate about helping the next generation reach for the stars.

Fuelled by the belief that “engineering and technology can change the world”, the fourth-year Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering / Commerce student co-founded a non-profit organisation while still in high school.

“I had recently returned from the Australian Youth Aerospace program where I met my two other co-founders,” he said.

"We noticed that while other STEM educational outreach programs had taken off in Australia, there was a gap in opportunities in space science and engineering, despite the clear demand and interest.”

The Australasian Youth Cubesat Initiative (AYCI) was born.

Comprised of students from around the world united by their passion to democratise access to space, the organisation provides high-quality educational space programs and resources to students regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, religion or location.

Daniel sees the Global Discovery Program as a launchpad for AYCI's mission to expand their education outreach programs across Australia.

“I feel very grateful and lucky to have this rare opportunity,” he said.

“For me, I think the GDP will help me promote STEM education in space through AYCI in two ways: gaining crucial insights and making important connections with influential Monash alumni.”

Building peace from the ground up

World peace might seem like a distant dream in the current political climate.

But second-year Bachelor of Laws and Commerce student Ronald Liu isn’t afraid to tackle complex issues - no matter how overwhelming they might seem.

“Growing up in China, I witnessed firsthand how critical geopolitical security is to the growth of nations and the prosperity of people,” he said.

“However, geopolitical security – and the idea of ‘solving’ it – is an extremely daunting notion that often leaves students feeling overwhelmed and disconnected.”

His conviction that education and collaboration are key to overcoming this challenge led him to create the Peacebuilders program - a global online forum that connects university students to discuss geopolitical security issues.

“Peacebuilders aims to demystify complex global issues by fostering genuine connections amongst students and empowering them to explore diverse perspectives,” he said.

The Global Discovery Program perfectly aligns with Ronald's desire for grassroots change.

“This trip is a spectacular opportunity to engage with like-minded peers and leaders in the field,” he said.

“I want to harness the collective power of young changemakers worldwide to address pressing global challenges and foster positive change.”

Learn more about Monash University’s Global Discovery Program.

Explore news from Monash Business School.