"Be a Unicorn, not a Horse."

On the 9th of September 2022, WiTWA and NBN organised a joint event, "Diverse Women in Tech." I was privileged to be invited to be one of the speakers with stellar female leaders in WA, such as Ayor Makur Chuot MLC , Corinne Hawke , Eva Chye , Bec Nguyen , Kathryn Gledhill-Tucker , Alana Atkinson , and Kay Hargreaves MICDA .?Special mention to my dear friend, Walter Gomes , who actively pushed to make this event happen

Why is this event special for me?

This event reminded me of my 14-year journey in Australia. Born in Indonesia, I came to Australia from Singapore to pursue my dream of getting a Ph.D. fourteen years ago. I was born in Indonesia.?

As an international Ph.D. student, I had a great experience, and my university supported my work and family. As a Ph.D. student, I never ran out of opportunities for teaching and research opportunities.

In 2012, I got my first full-time job in an Australian company. We decided to stay in Australia. However, I did not have a smooth experience as a professional compared to my experience when I was a student. As an independent entity, I had no strong support as a student. ?

I had some extreme experiences working at different places, such as meeting employers' unrealistic expectations and receiving many rejections because of my Ph.D. Degree.?

I had an identity crisis at one point while figuring out how to live and work in Australia.??

Finally, I decided to start my own digital UX business because I wanted to connect the companies and organisations in Indonesia with Australia and vice versa.

I was more "in control" of what happened to my life. I had clear visions, missions, and action plans to execute. Yet, the reality was not as shiny as I had expected.

"My qualification was not my problem. My Asian face, skin colour, and funny accents often gave people a look of hesitance to collaborate with me."

It was not an easy journey because I did not feel I belonged.?

While in Phase of No Return, I decided not to give up on what I had started. I worked 200% harder like a horse to make my voice heard, a common experience for people of colour.

I learned to accept who I am and tried to find a unicorn inside me.

The Unicorn exists in people's minds; the Unicorn gives people hope and happiness. The Unicorn is brave enough to be different, not just follow the majority.?

"I am different and have to consider those differences as assets when I reflect on my work and life."

Once I found the Unicorn inside me, I started to stand on my feet and build my confidence. My brain became more creative as I injected more positive vibes into it.

I am no longer shy and ashamed to have Indonesian heritage, and I see myself as a human connector between Australia and Indonesia.?I have a crystal-clear purpose that I want to achieve.

Indonesia is the biggest economy in Southeast Asia. By 2050, Indonesia is forecast to be the 4th largest economy in the world. Indonesia, on Australia's doorstep, is still the stranger next door. Today Indonesia has more Unicorns than Australia; yes, Indonesians love technology.?

There are opportunities to help support trade and investment, and women can lead this work. I have done many projects with the Indonesian and Australian governments, institutions, and companies to keep the bilateral relationship through the research, design, and consulting we do at UX Indonesia and Customer Experience Insight Australia.?

I am proud of myself and what I have achieved.?

"Whoever and wherever you are, no matter what situation you are in, you need to believe that you are unique and your uniqueness can take you wherever you want to go. It may not be easy, but it is not impossible."

Top (Left to Right): Alana Atkinson , Walter Gomes , Ayor Makur Chuot MLC , Corinne Hawke , Kathryn Gledhill-Tucker

Front (Left to Right): Wilson Tucker , Christine Hamilton-Prime JP GAICD , Eva Chye , Teagen McEwan , Bec Nguyen , Kay Hargreaves MICDA and Dr Eunice Sari (QPR)