Wai Sin Wan | Class of 2013

Wai Sin Wan | Class of 2013

Public Speaking Spotlight: Finding Your Voice, Creating Opportunities

As we count down to the Corpus Christi College Public Speaking Competition on Wednesday 12 August, we’re celebrating alumni whose experiences show the lifelong value of communication, confidence and leadership.

Wai Sin Wan graduated from Corpus in 2013 as Romero House Captain and credits the College’s Public Speaking Program with helping to shape his confidence, leadership skills and professional journey. From competing in Rostrum Voice of Youth and the Plain English Speaking Award to speechwriting, international engagement and establishing his own consulting business, communication has remained a constant thread throughout his career.

Today, Wai works at the intersection of international trade, technology and cross-cultural engagement across the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating how the skills developed through public speaking can open doors far beyond the classroom.

What are you currently doing, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Currently, I work at the interface of Australia’s relationship with the Asia-Pacific through commerce, technology and the arts.

Commercially, I work with global technology companies to support their business strategy, sales, marketing, distribution and customs management across the Australian and Chinese markets. More recently, I established my own consulting business, Greater Bay Partners, which focuses on assisting governments, organisations and companies involved in international trade and exchange between Australia and China.

What I enjoy most is the variety of the work. It allows me to continue developing my technical, commercial and communication skills while learning about new technologies, cultures and opportunities.

What role did public speaking play in your time at school?

Public speaking played a significant role in my later years at Corpus Christi College. I first became involved in the Public Speaking Program in Year 11 and quickly realised the importance of strong communication skills.

The confidence I developed through public speaking encouraged me to put myself forward for leadership opportunities and helped me communicate with greater clarity and purpose as Romero House Captain. Looking back, public speaking became one of the foundations that shaped my confidence, leadership and sense of service.

How did participating in public speaking competitions shape your confidence and skills?

Participating in public speaking competitions taught me how to communicate clearly under pressure. Over time, I became more comfortable organising my thoughts, managing nerves and presenting ideas with confidence.

One of the most valuable skills I developed was the ability to think on my feet through impromptu speaking. Learning how to quickly structure a response and deliver it confidently has continued to serve me well throughout my career and leadership roles.

How do communication and public speaking skills play a role in your work today?

Communication and public speaking remain central to my professional life. Whether I am delivering a sales pitch, presenting in a boardroom, negotiating across cultures or speaking at an event, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently is essential.

Public speaking has become more than a school activity or professional skill; it has been one of the most important tools in helping me build relationships, create opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the communities and industries I care about.

What advice would you give to students preparing for this year’s Public Speaking Competition?

Learn from as many speakers as possible. Watch others present and pay attention not only to what they say, but how they say it. Consider what makes their message engaging and think about how you can adapt those strengths into your own authentic style.

Keep your speech authentic, focused and engaging. A strong speech is not about overwhelming the audience with information; it is about leaving them with a message they can remember.

What would you say to students who feel nervous about speaking in front of others?

Remember that you have very little to lose and so much to gain.

Nerves are normal, and they often show that you care. The key is not to wait until the nerves disappear, but to step forward anyway. Trust your preparation, embrace the opportunity and remember that every time you speak, you become a little more confident than before.

As one of my teachers often said: practice makes progress. And making progress is already a big win.

Stay Connected

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisiswai/

Website: https://www.greaterbaypartners.com/

Quote to Remember

“The best ideas do not belong to any single country. When we remain open to learning from one another, regardless of our backgrounds, cultures or systems, extraordinary things can happen.”