Jay Alparslan’s career in diplomacy and the public service has taken him all over the world. After completing his Bachelor of Commerce in 1974 and Master of Commerce in 1978, he began an exciting career in positions crucial to developing Australia’s international trade relations.
Highlights of Jay’s extensive career include positions as Diplomat at the Australian Embassy in Germany; Trade and Investment Envoy to the Middle East, Egypt, Turkey, State of Bahrain and UAE; Principal Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia as well as Trade and Investment Adviser to the Premier Minister and Minister for Industrial Development, New South Wales Government.
I made my career choice because...
Career planning is influenced by so many circumstantial factors beyond one’s own dreams, wishes and determination. It would be a little bit overconfident to think that career choice was the exclusive product of one’s good judgement. How many people in this world truly had the luxury of determining how or by doing what, they earn their daily bread? Not many I suppose, therefore personally my career choice was shaped by the available personal and external resources and opportunities at any given time, in training, education and other competences which later proved useful.
If I had known then what I know now, I would have...
I do not think that I know that much more now or whether I am any wiser now…! So the only thing I would have done much more intensely is to appreciate more and enjoy more the irretrievable fruits of being young, full of energy and boundless optimism. Enjoying the day rather than planning too far ahead.
My most impressive achievement is...
On behalf of the Australian Federal Government and in conjunction with the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) I was the main initiator and the architect of what is now a multi-billion dollar industry, the export of Australian Education Services. Success of this initiative goes well beyond its enormous financial benefits for Australia, particularly in terms of developing positive relationships and bonds with future political and commercial leaders of foreign countries who, while studying here, experienced and enjoyed the Australian way of life and developed fond memories of Australia. This in turn contributes immensely towards peaceful and cooperative co-existence of nations.
My most exhilarating experience so far has been...
My personal meeting with Chairman Deng Xiaoping in Beijing in1984 which lasted over an hour. Deng Xiaoping as the Chinese Politician, Statesman and Diplomat, Chairman of the Central Advisory Commission of the Communist Party of China discussed his vision for his people and China's future relationship with the world.
My biggest unrealised wish is...
I still look at unrealised wishes as ‘projects in progress!’
Others say I am ...
Perfectly capable of organising the building of cities, but not so good at building a kitchen.
At the moment I'm inspired by...
The perseverance of Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma and dedication of the Nurses and Doctors at the Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital Sydney.