We spoke with PhD candidate Iriana Freitas De Jesus Ximenes about her being invited to the 21st IISS Shangri-La Dialogue and Southeast Asian Young Leaders’ Programme from 30 May to 2 June, and also learned how her studies will benefit her home country, Timor-Leste.
What does your work focus on?
I’m a PhD candidate from College of Social Sciences and Arts and President of the CHASS Postgraduate Association. As a recipient of and ARC Linkage related PhD scholarship, I also serve as a Focal Point and liaison advisor between the Timor-Leste government and Flinders University on the ‘Wellbeing Impacts of Temporary Labour Migration in Timor-Leste.’
My research topic is “Reintegration of Return Migrants: A Case of Temporary Labour Migration Programmes in Timor-Leste”. This research is essential due to the often-overlooked reintegration phase for Timorese labour migrants. Typically, more attention is given to their departure and remittances sent home. I firmly believe in prioritising labour migrants, not just during their overseas employment but also to ensure a successful transition to their home country. Moreover, my work reaches beyond the Australian Seasonal Workers Programmes to include the Employment Permit System in South Korea, where Timor-Leste also participates. This comprehensive approach allows me to analyse labour migration dynamics from various angles, providing valuable insights into the discourse on labour mobility and reintegration strategies in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions.
What journey brought you to this point in your career?
Before transitioning into academia, I was a National Senior Advisor to the Minister of State and Presidency of the Council of Ministers for my country’s government. That experience provided me with invaluable insights into policy formulation and the legislative frameworks governing State bodies. I also assumed the role of coordinator for the Cabinet of Economic Affairs in Timor-Leste, where I oversaw the tutelage of labour institutions. This responsibility gave me the opportunity to investigate the intricacies of labour dynamics within the country.
Given Timor-Leste’s youthful population and the imperative to comprehend and address labour dynamics comprehensively, I realised the significance of deepening my expertise in this subject. Therefore, when Flinders University announced its scholarship program, I promptly applied, recognising the opportunity to specialise and further my understanding of this subject. I’ve also discovered there are few PhD graduates in my country, particularly women. I’m motivated to inspire people to pursue higher education in my country and hope to serve as a role model and encourage more women from my community to embark on their own educational journeys. Breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in academia is essential to empower future generations of Timorese women to excel and lead in their society.
What do you love most about your work?
As a PhD candidate, I love the profound sense of curiosity ignited in me, especially pertaining to my specific field of study. Transitioning from a government position to academia has enabled me to learn about analytical and strategic thinking. Engaging with my diverse cohort of fellow PhD candidates, who each bring their own unique backgrounds and diverse experiences, has been incredibly enriching. Despite being a PhD candidate, I remain actively engaged in collaborative projects with policymakers back in Timor-Leste, fostering a bridge between academia and practical application. Ultimately, my aspiration is to complete my PhD and return to my home country of Timor-Leste, where I aim to disseminate my research findings and inform meaningful policy decisions.
What would like people to know about your role?
Brain drain is a key problem for developing countries, so perfecting structured migration schemes that involve the return and reintegration of workers means that both the host country and the home country win. It’s a solution for peace and development.
What are you most proud of?
I’m honoured and proud to be part of the negotiation team tasked with delineating Maritime Boundaries alongside Australia. Our aim is to foster an amicable resolution that serves the interests of both nations. This ground-breaking endeavour is firmly rooted in international law, particularly the principles outlined in UNCLOS. Engaging in these negotiations has given me a profound opportunity to deepen my understanding of sovereign rights within the framework of international law and to refine my skills in diplomatic negotiations on the global stage.
What does a normal day look like for you?
My daily routine involves heading to the university at night to focus on my research project. Occasionally, I also attend daytime meetings with my supervisors and work on other projects, such as for the student association. I tend to prefer night-time for my research work, given that I’m not just a student but also a mother to four daughters, with a particularly attention-demanding toddler at home. Balancing the demands of motherhood with my PhD studies keeps me quite busy.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I usually reserve weekends for quality time with family and friends. I have to find balance between PhD work and relaxation to fully immerse myself in quality moments with loved ones. I prioritise maintaining a healthy lifestyle, often indulging in exercises like Zumba at Flinders University Fitness Club, which I’ve been passionate about since 2016. For leisure, I adore exploring the picturesque landscapes of Adelaide. In autumn, I delight in the vibrant hues of Adelaide Hills, savouring wine tastings and culinary delights, to make the most of the beautiful scenery and local culture.