Towards A More Inclusive and Sustainable Society
05 Dec 2023
Emeritus Prof Eugene Clark, National Academy of Professional Studies
On Dec 2, 2023 was a keynote speaker hosted in Malaysia: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY (ICMASS).
My keynote address was entitled: Strengthening Legal Policies in the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities through Research and Innovation to Address Economic Inequality
The primary goal of this conference was to bring together science, technology, and management areas of research. While the Information Age has empowered an ‘explosion of knowledge’ it has resulted in increasingly specialised disciplines that talk seldom talk with one another and indeed create their own new language and vocabulary that makes them even more isolated. My main message was that: If we are to manifest the wisdom to use this new knowledge and technology for the advancement of humanity, we must get better at talking with one another, respecting one another, sharing our insights and finding the best path forward to a sustainable future.
In my short time, I made the following brief points.
1. Leadership
If we are going to create a sustainable future we require leadership—at every level of society. In the 21st Century we need to think of leadership not as a pyramid, but as a web with all of our disciplines at the centre of it.
We should also be mindful that “The Leadership Challenge” is in the words of Alan Keith is “ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen.”
Know also that everyone can be a good leader and good follower in word and deed, inspiring each other to be what we know we can be.
2. Pragmatism/Practicality/Operational excellence
In the world of academia, we tend to over-emphasise theory and ignore the importance of practical applications that make a positive difference in the world. As management expert, Simon Sinek argues: “Pure pragmatism can't imagine a bold future. Pure idealism can't get anything done. It is the delicate blend of both that drives innovation.”
A leading example of someone who combined vision and application is Thomas Edison, who noted: “Vision without execution is but an hallucination.”
Operational excellence
We need common-sense, operational excellence. It is easy to tear things down. We need to focus on building things. We need operational excellence--pragmatic, practical, common-sense applications and commitment to making things work and getting things done. We do this by taking one step at a time. As the management mantra goes: “Think big; start small”.
3. Institution Building
Leaders build institutions and institutions build lasting change. In today’s world, it seems that every major institution in society is under attack and failing.
It is vital that professionals from all disciplines use their talents to help strengthen the institutions in society: government, schools, family, law/courts, religious and philanthropic institutions, community groups etc
4. Inclusivity
Paraphrasing former US VP, Hubert Humphrey: The moral test of a sustainable society is how that society and its institutions treat those who are at the dawn of life, the children; those who are at the twilight of life, the aged; those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the homeless, the needy, the disabled, etc. While the world has many things on its agenda, it is imperative that we not forget the important needs of all of these groups.
Special Education Early Childhood Education. I had the opportunity a few years ago to serve at the CEO of a US company that was the largest private provider of special education services in the US. Not only did I meet some of the most amazing and dedicated people I have ever known, but I saw first-hand what a huge difference special education could make in the lives of individuals, their families and the whole community. I received numerous letters from parents thanking our organization for providing a therapist. Typical were the words of one parent who, wrote: “Thank you for giving me back my son.” Because of his speech problems he could not get along with his classmates or even family members. Your intervention changed not only his life, but our lives.” If a child is one of the estimated millions who suffers from autism and as a result cannot communicate effectively, that impacts not only the child’s life chances, but also creates a terrible strain on the family and the community network in which that child is a part.
The latest research indicates that the best investment in early childhood education and special education comes with early intervention, even before the child goes to school. The most effective intervention is that taken while the brain is in these early stages of development.
It is also important that we see people and disabilities, not as ‘problems’ or only as ‘broken’ but that we appreciate the tremendous contribution they can make to the world. This point is eloquently made in this little story by author Kevin Kling, who is himself disabled:
“Back in the days when pots and pans could talk...there lived a man. And in order to have water, every day he had to walk down the hill and fill two pots and walk them home. One day, it was discovered one of the pots had a crack, and as time went on, the crack widened. Finally, the pot turned to the man and said, "You know, every day you take me to the river, and by the time you get home, half of the water's leaked out. Please replace me with a better pot." And the man said, "You don't understand. As you spill, you water the wild flowers by the side of the path." And sure enough, on the side of the path where the cracked pot was carried, beautiful flowers grew, while other side was barren. "I think I'll keep you," said the man.”
We need to see people with disabilities, not for the cracks in their pots and what they don’t have—but for the many special talents they do have and the many blessings they bring to the lives of all of us.
5. Innovation/Entrepreneurship/Law as an example
Innovation and entrepreneurship are keys to the achievement of a prosperous, sustainable society. As Margaret J. Wheatley in Leadership and the New Science, reminds us:
"Innovation is fostered by information gathered from new connections; from insights gained by journeys into other disciplines or places; from active, collegial networks and fluid, open boundaries. Innovation arises from ongoing circles of exchange, where information is not just accumulated or stored, but created. Knowledge is generated anew from connections that weren't there before."
"We are living through an innovation famine, not an innovation feast—particularly in areas other than digital ... if we can do more innovation, we will not destroy the planet. It’s quite the reverse. It’s the safest way of saving the planet." — Matt Ridely speaking with Naval Ravikant
In common with other institutions, the legal system has struggled to keep up with technology and struggled to devise mechanisms whereby all citizens have access to services. In more recent times, however, suggest that new models are emerging that have the potential to re-engineer legal services so that justice and legal services are more accessible to all. Below is a summary of some of the barriers to access and how technology can help.
Knowledge barriers
In general terms technology advancements are leading to new models of learning that are tailored to the needs of individuals. Developments such as the Khan Academy have brought education to millions of people around the world. The higher the level of literacy in a society, the more informed and engaged its citizens will be.
Before the Internet, laws were found mostly in government, law firms and university law libraries. Law books were very expensive. Thanks to "open government" and other social justice and consumer movements, the laws of most countries are today freely available online. Just one of many examples, is the World Legal Information Institute. With almost 2000 databases on this site, one can find laws from over 130 jurisdictions around the world.
Today, websites can monitor activity, interact with users and tailor information and services to the needs of particular users. Aided by AI legal research will offer new solutions and even help resolve disputes.
Software can also help people navigate across many different government programs to help determine whether they are eligible for low-income legal assistance.
Language and cultural barriers
In our diverse and multi-cultural world, it is also important that the laws be made available in multiple languages. For those who do not speak other languages, software translators are rapidly improving. Moreover, many jurisdictions will make the key legal information available in multiple languages that reflect the diversity within their local community.
Software requires rules and standards to be effective across legal systems. This is the focus of projects like the EU Grotius Project 98/GR/131. Its aim is to promote consistent best practice standards in relation to legal interpreting.
Technology also has the potential to help better tailor legal education models to meet the needs of a more diverse student population and thus play a part in serving the educational needs of those underserved by traditional models.
Technical barriers
The law is also a language of its own and even native speakers can be intimidated by and alienated from a legal system that uses highly formal and technical language that is only understood by those with professional legal training. Software packages make it easy to provide links that put technical terms in plain language and diagrams that make it easier to see how things fit together.
Financial barriers
New models of legal practice, aided by technology, have promise to reduce financial barriers. Leveraging technology (e.g. electronic document assembly) one lawyer can today do the work of many. Virtual law firms mean that lawyers do not have to incur the costs of an expensive office and all the trappings that go with it.
Physical/geographic barriers
Modern courtroom designs are taking into account the "community of users" who are involved. For example, in Charlotte, North Carolina, jurors are provided with comfortable waiting rooms and various services (food, childcare, business services) that make it more convenient for them to wait as well as enabling them to carry out their daily activities while also doing their civic duty of jury service. Mobile courts are also becoming more common
Legal education barriers
Note the roles that virtue reality, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, gamification and other developments will play in educating the next generation of lawyers about the role of technology in enhancing access to justice
Time barriers
Technology enables a 24/7 world of work and access. In an Internet environment matters can be resolved asynchronously and after hours and not be limited to court times and normal business hours.
Innovation barriers
Lawyers and judges tend to be highly risk averse. However, in a time of rapid change and transformation, there is a need for the profession to embrace change and become more innovative or face serious disruption. Legal education, admission policies, law firm models, courts, legislatures, governments -- all aspects of the system must adapt and reboot in order to meet the needs/demands of an Information Age and an increasingly inter-connected, diverse and complex world.
Competition barriers
The legal profession in every country is highly regulated. In many cases professional bodies, such as bar associations and law societies, play a major role in this regulation. While such regulation offers protection to consumers of legal services, it can also result in anti-competitive effects that have inhibited innovation and made the profession resistant to change.
6 Technology tempered by wisdom
Isaac Asimov, Russian-born American author and biochemist wrote: “The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom." Similarly, Swiss author, Anne Louise Germaine de Staël, concluded: “Scientific progress makes moral progress a necessity; for if man's power is increased, the checks that restrain him from abusing it must be strengthened."
As we see in recent debates about harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), if we continue to develop our technology without wisdom or prudence, our servant may prove to be our master and maybe even our executioner.
7. Optimism
When watching today’s news with its over-emphasis on all things negative, it is easy to be pessimistic. Indeed, a pandemic of pessimism and cynicism destroys families, undermines institutions and speads gloom and despair to individuals, communities and even whole nations.
Optimism and hope are necessary to inspire and generate the enthusiasm required to make the effort to make things better. As President Franklin D Roosevelt exhorted during the Great Depression: “Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.”
8. Urgency
Finally, it is crucial that we have a sense of urgency. As the poet, Rumi stated so eloquently:
Travelers, it is late.
Life's sun is going to set.
During these brief days that you have strength,
be quick and spare no effort of your wings.
Rumi
That urgency should be accompanied by a spirit that does not shrink from problems but welcomes them as opportunities to grow and bring about a better society. In this task our motto should be “Ad astra per aspera” ---“To the stars through difficulties.” John James Ingalls
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My Strategic Journey as an Accounting Student
When “accounting” is discussed, it is usually thought of as numbers, calculations and boring spreadsheets. I was not any different either. But now, as an accounting student, having amassed a lot of knowledge, I have realized that it is much more than that. It is more about understanding how money works, how businesses survive and grow and how important it is to keep things fair and honest. Accounting is just that.
Why I Chose Accounting?
I chose accounting because I wanted to do something practical and useful. Every business need someone to manage its money properly. That means no matter where I work big company or small shop, accounting will always be important.
Also, I enjoy organizing things and solving problems, and accounting gives me that chance. There is a certain satisfaction when your numbers match, or when you figure out where something went wrong and fix it.
What I’ve Learned So Far?
My academic experience has enabled me with the ability to prepare and interpret key financial documents such as balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements. I have developed and improved technical ability in recording transactions, analysing financial health and finding risk.
On an equally important note, I have also adapted essential soft skills like time management, team collaboration and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts in accessible terms. Accounting has taught me that trust and ethical responsibility are foundational. A minor miscalculation or lapse in integrity can compromise not just financial statements but entire organisations.
The Struggles Are Real
Studying accounting has its challenges. Mastering complex standards, reconciling financial differences and meeting academic deadlines can be overwhelming. There are times when the pressure to support accuracy and consistency feels relentless. However, every challenge has reinforced my analytical mindset, attention to detail and persistence traits which are essential for both professional success and personal growth.
My Hopes for the Future
In the future, I want to become a professional accountant, even get my CPA or CA license. I want to help businesses make smart decisions and stay financially healthy. Most of all, I want to do a job that makes a difference.
Final Thoughts
If you are thinking about studying accounting, just know this it is not easy, but it is worth it. It teaches you responsibility, patience, and problem-solving. And once you get into it, you will see that it is actually interesting.
Being an accounting student has helped me grow not just academically, but as a person. I am proud to be on this journey, even on the days when the calculator and I do not get along!
22 May 2025
Rising Demand, Real Impact: Why the Bachelor of Social Work is the Future of Care and Community
As Australia faces growing challenges in mental health, aged care, family services, and community wellbeing, social work is emerging as a vital profession for the country’s future. The Bachelor of Social Work is more than a degree—it’s a pathway to a meaningful, stable, and in-demand career.
National Trend: A Growing Need for Social Workers
The Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights report highlights that the demand for qualified social workers is expected to grow strongly in the coming years. Between 2023 and 2028, social work jobs are projected to grow by over 23 percent.
This increase is driven by:
- Greater focus on mental health services
- Expanding aged care and disability support
- Government investment in child protection and family services
- The need for culturally competent professionals in ever increasing multi-cultural communities
Why International Students Should Consider Social Work
Social work is recognised as a skill shortage area in several Australian states, which opens doors to potential migration opportunities through state nomination and skilled visa programs.
Other benefits include:
- Qualifications that are nationally accredited and recognised (often through AASW – Australian Association of Social Workers)
- Diverse employment opportunities in government agencies, non-profits, healthcare, education, community organisations and pathways for research careers
- Opportunities to build strong professional skills in communication, cultural sensitivity, and case management
- A career that provides emotional rewards alongside professional growth
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates with a Bachelor of Social Work may pursue roles such as:
- Mental health social worker
- Child and family support officer
- Community development worker
- Hospital or school social worker
- Aged care or disability services coordinator
- Crisis intervention or domestic violence case manager
Many of these roles appear on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, offering a clear path for international graduates who wish to stay and work in the country.
Why Social Work Matters
Social work combines professional knowledge with a deep sense of empathy and service. It is a career for those who want to make a lasting impact—whether by supporting individuals through hardship, strengthening families, or advocating for vulnerable communities.
If compassion is in your DNA, the world needs you now more than ever.
The challenges around us are many — injustice, inequality, suffering — but what we need are people bold enough to face them head-on. People with heart. People with courage.
At NAPS, we don’t just train social workers — we shape change-makers.
We’ll equip you with the skills to think critically, act creatively, and respond with innovation in the face of real-world problems.
‘Let's get this right, when compassion meets action, everything changes'
24/04/2025 Professor Venkat Pulla
Choosing to study a Bachelor of Social Work is both a smart and compassionate decision. It leads to a career with strong job prospects, personal fulfilment, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to Australian society. For international students, it also offers long-term opportunities and a chance to be part of a profession that changes lives.
15 Apr 2025
IFRS in Australia: A Guide to Financial Transparency and Accountability
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) form the backbone of financial reporting in Australia. Since their adoption in 2005, IFRS has shaped how businesses communicate financial information, ensuring consistency and transparency. But what does this mean in practical terms for businesses, investors, and the broader economy?
The Role of IFRS in Financial Reporting
IFRS is a set of internationally accepted accounting standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Its primary goal is to create a common financial language that facilitates comparability and reliability across global markets. Over 140 countries, including Australia, have adopted IFRS, making it a fundamental element of financial regulation and reporting.
In Australia, the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) is responsible for implementing IFRS while considering local economic and regulatory factors. This ensures that financial statements meet global expectations while addressing specific national requirements.
Why IFRS Matters to Australian Businesses
For companies operating in Australia, IFRS compliance is not just a regulatory obligation but a strategic advantage. Standardised financial statements help investors, creditors, and stakeholders make informed decisions, reducing uncertainty and enhancing market confidence.
Before IFRS, different national accounting standards created inconsistencies that made financial comparisons difficult. Now, whether an investor is assessing an Australian firm or a European counterpart, IFRS ensures that financial data is presented in a uniform and understandable manner.
Key IFRS Standards Impacting Australian Businesses
Several IFRS standards significantly impact how companies report financial information in Australia:
- Revenue Recognition (AASB 15/IFRS 15): Establishes clear guidelines on when and how businesses recognise revenue, reducing discrepancies and enhancing consistency.
- Lease Accounting (AASB 16/IFRS 16): Requires companies to record most lease obligations on their balance sheets, offering a more accurate picture of liabilities.
- Financial Instruments (AASB 9/IFRS 9): Regulates how businesses classify and measure financial assets and liabilities, improving transparency in risk assessment.
How IFRS Affects Investors and Everyday Australians
IFRS extends beyond businesses and accountants—it influences anyone with an interest in financial markets. Investors, for instance, rely on IFRS-based reports to assess company performance and make informed decisions. Superannuation funds, which manage retirement savings for millions of Australians, also depend on IFRS-compliant financial statements to evaluate asset performance and risk exposure.
Moreover, IFRS supports economic stability by promoting confidence in financial reporting. When businesses adhere to a globally recognised standard, stakeholders can trust the accuracy of financial information, reducing the likelihood of financial misstatements and corporate scandals.
The Future of IFRS in Australia
Financial reporting standards continue to evolve, reflecting changes in business models, digital transformation, and sustainability concerns. The AASB actively monitors and updates IFRS standards to ensure they remain relevant to Australian businesses and investors.
One emerging area of interest is sustainability accounting, which integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial reporting. As global markets place greater emphasis on sustainability, new IFRS standards are being developed to provide consistent reporting frameworks for ESG disclosures.
Final Thoughts
IFRS plays an essential role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust in Australia’s financial system. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or finance professional, understanding IFRS helps you navigate financial statements with greater confidence.
At NAPS, we are committed to equipping future professionals with the knowledge to interpret and apply IFRS effectively. Stay tuned for our next blog, where we will explore Sustainability Accounting—a growing field that integrates environmental and social considerations into financial reporting.
Aflah Tasnim
24 Mar 2025
Easter Breaks in Australia: Tradition, Symbolism, and Social Reflections
Easter is a significant holiday in Australia, widely observed with a mix of religious, cultural, and commercial traditions. For international students, especially those in social work, understanding the historical and social aspects of Easter can provide deeper insight into the cultural landscape of Australian society and its impact on various communities.
The Meaning of Easter and the Holiday Break
Easter, primarily a Christian festival, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, which places it between late March and April. In Australia, Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays, leading to an extended break. This time allows families and communities to gather, reflecting on faith, renewal, and togetherness.
For social work students, Easter presents an opportunity to observe how different community groups engage with the holiday. It is a time when charities and social organisations focus on helping the vulnerable by providing meals, organising events, and addressing social isolation among the elderly or disadvantaged groups.
The Easter Bunny and Eggs: Where Do They Come From?
The Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs have become synonymous with Easter celebrations, but their origins predate Christianity. The rabbit, or hare, is an ancient fertility symbol associated with Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and renewal. German immigrants brought the tradition of an egg-laying hare (the "Osterhase") to other parts of the world, including Australia. Over time, chocolate manufacturers commercialised the idea, making Easter eggs a beloved tradition.
Eggs, which symbolise new life and rebirth, were originally exchanged and painted in early Christian communities as a representation of Jesus’ resurrection. In modern Australia, this symbolism has evolved into Easter egg hunts, an activity enjoyed by families and communities nationwide.
Easter's Social Implications in Australia
From a social work perspective, Easter highlights various aspects of Australian society, including multicultural inclusion, commercialisation, and social equity. While many enjoy celebrations, others face financial hardship, loneliness, or food insecurity. Organisations such as the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul run initiatives to support marginalised communities during this period.
For international students studying social work, Easter offers a chance to participate in community service, observe Australian social structures, and reflect on the importance of cultural traditions in community bonding and support systems. It also serves as an excellent case study of how religious and cultural traditions are adapted within a multicultural society like Australia.
Easter in Australia is more than just a holiday; it is a reflection of history, tradition, and community welfare. Understanding its roots and contemporary impact can provide social work students with a broader perspective on cultural diversity, community support, and the role of social services during national celebrations. Engaging with Easter from a professional and academic viewpoint enables students to appreciate the social fabric of Australia and contribute meaningfully to community well-being.
24 Mar 2025
AI and its Importance to Students in the Professions (Part I)
What is AI?
AI Potential and Fears.
Many experts write of the many positives that AI will bring to almost every field of endeavour. Reflecting upon the immense potential of AI Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee wrote in 2018:
Most of the fears about AI are about general AI. At the extremes, some experts think What are the risks to humanity itself when most of the ‘intelligence’ in the world is machine made rather than man-made. The essence of these concerns is captured by world renown theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking, who noted:
AI Issues for students preparing for a career in the professions.
- Industrial opportunities and challenges in developing AI
- Enhanced data collection, big data analytics/algorithms and ever-increasing application to new areas of human activity.
- Understanding society-wide impact in key areas, eg introduction and rapid expansion in use of automated transport
- Expanding the application of blockchain technology in providing solutions to multiple industries
- The role of AI in the biological sciences and breakthroughs in health informatics
- The role of AI in enhancing the productivity and intellectual power of humans
- Role of humans in interacting with AI products to ensure they are safe and do what we want
- Speech recognition developments to promote universal applications and enhance human-machine interactions
- The impact of AI on digital marketing and other business activities
- Commercialization challenges and opportunities in relation to AI
- Capturing video and incorporating it in AI applications
- Machine and deep learning in the next generation of AI applications
- How to better define and control the boundaries on AI systems
- Growing movement towards singularity and machines approaching and in an increasing number of areas surpassing human intelligence.
- Capturing the potential of big data analytics while at the same time dealing with challenges of discrimination and prejudice that can occur
- How to build AI to Scale and gain return on investment
- Internet of things: use of AI to help build systems in which various technologies are connected and working together to transform organizations and industries.
- The impact of robotics and AI on employment.
- Education: how do we bridge the talent gap needed to develop this important new area? How can universities, through their research mission, better support the growth and development of this important industry? How will AI change how education is delivered and to whom?
- Geopolitical questions such as regulation across national borders, impact on security, cyber warfare and so on
- Challenge of regulation so that AI advances promote industry advancement and at the same time protect important human values such as privacy.
- Law as infrastructure: how can a legal framework be put into place that achieves the benefits of AI while at the same time limiting and guarding against potential harms that may result? How does law, which tends to work on a linear path, keep up with technology which is growing exponentially?
Conclusion
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