OUR PEOPLE

Institute Volunteers

Zara Yap

Neil Bouchard

Neil Bouchard is a postgraduate student at The University of Queensland in Australia, where he is pursuing a Master of International Relations. He holds a BA in International Studies from Kyung Hee University in South Korea and also has a background in IT from France. His interests lie at the intersection of technology, governance, and international affairs, with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region, human rights, and international political economy. At UQ, he serves as Student Representative for International Relations and is also involved in student mentoring and postgraduate advocacy. He brings experience in cross-cultural engagement, policy communication, and community outreach, and is fluent in French, English, and Korean.

Vaidehi Tyagi

Vaidehi Tyagi is a multimedia storyteller currently completing a dual Master’s degree in Marketing and Media and Communications at Macquarie University in Sydney. Her interests lie at the intersection of communication, creativity, and technology, with a focus on translating complex ideas into engaging digital content. She has experience working with small organisations and startups where she managed social media strategy, content creation, and multimedia storytelling from concept to execution.
Curious by nature, Vaidehi is particularly interested in how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity shape society and public conversation. Through her work, she aims to make complex topics more accessible and engaging for wider audiences. Outside of work, she enjoys singing, basketball, and exploring films as an amateur movie enthusiast.

Shaun Holfert

Shaun Holfert is a Master of Public Policy graduate from The University of Sydney, where he specialised in political economy. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a management focus from Macquarie University. During his studies, Shaun developed strong skills in policy analysis, research synthesis, and clear, accessible communication. His experience includes business internships in market analysis, quality assurance, supply‑chain operations, and organisational research. His master’s thesis examined authoritarian environmentalism and deliberative democracy in China and Australia, strengthening his interest in governance and equity‑focused policy design. He is driven by a commitment to contributing to a more equitable world and to supporting policy approaches that promote long‑term social and environmental sustainability.