Earlier this July, I participated in the Venture Makers Global Exchange held in Kansai, Japan’s innovation capital. The program saw students from universities across Japan, Canada, the UK, India, and Australia collaborate on tackling real-life challenges through a lens of innovation and entrepreneurship.
During the exchange, I engaged in a variety of experiences – from attending insightful lectures, company visits and workshops, and deep dive into local Japanese culture.
As part of the Venture Makers Innovation Challenge, we were divided into groups to address the specific needs of corporations. I chose to work on a co-creation space called Anchor Kobe. Here, I was able to draw on my experiences at a leading co-creation hub called The Sentry in Saigon, which I visited as part of my Vietnam Study Tour in February this year.
With the guidance of mentors from across the world, my multilingual team developed the start-up idea, creating the birth of an app called Connect. This app was designed to facilitate seamless connections between entrepreneurs, start-ups, and businesses – especially in consideration of the dynamic co-working spaces across Japan.
As we reached the homestretch of the challenge, we then presented our concept to an audience at the final conference – comprising of peers, teachers, and corporate representatives, including the CEO of Innovation Dojo, Joshua Flannery. Throughout this process, I refined cross-cultural communication skills, nurtured my creativity, and fine-tuned the art of a compelling pitch and presentation.
Beyond the challenge itself, the true essence of growth was found in experiencing everyday life abroad. At some point, I struggled to find my way home after a night out and learned how to use non-verbal communication effectively to navigate my way home. During lunchtime conversations with Japanese friends, I learned about lesser-known aspects of the Japanese way of life. During my solo trek to Nunobiki Falls, I discovered my first waterfall – a dream come true.
The people I met on the trip were incredibly diverse, each contributing an insightful perspective that made the tour just that much better. The celebratory wrap-up even brought tears to the eyes of a few (including our support staff), a testament to the tight bond formed between the program’s participants.
Facilitated by MEXT, this collaborative initiative between Launch Pad – Western Sydney University and Kansai University of International Studies was a treasured opportunity I am deeply grateful to have been part of. This cultural exchange program was a truly life-changing experience.
Although I have left Kobe, I carry a toolkit of experiences to guide me as I continue my journey to improve the world. Among the many incredible experiences I’ve had as part of my degree, this journey has exceeded my expectations. And this trip is just one small part of that journey.
To my fellow Western Sydney University (WSU) peers looking to delve into the global start-up ecosystem, make sure to apply for the next instalment of the program! Click here to find out more information.
Nataša Aster-Stater is an editor for W’SUP News, and became Director of Student Publications in July 2024. She is studying for a Bachelor of Communication at Western Sydney University, with an aspiration to be a journalist. She is also a member of several social clubs on campus, such as the WSU Book Club, where she enjoys reading and discussing novels and authors with other students.
She enjoys writing articles, interviewing people, and telling their stories. She was appointed a WestWords Academian for 2024.
She was the winner of the adult category for Blacktown in the Living Stories Western Sydney Writing Prize 2024.
