Jacob Choi is an adventurer in life, Army officer and all-rounder who enjoys bridging cultures and teams to see them grow.

Jacob was born in New Zealand to parents from Vietnam and Hong Kong, immigrated to Australia as a teenager, and has since lived abroad in North Asia and the Americas.

Jacob’s professional suite of experience includes a vocation in teaching (secondary school in STEM), the profession of arms, technology, public service in the cultural sector and partnership coordination for Australian institutions. He is grateful for a healthy start to these trajectories thanks to his first job in a local Coles supermarket, working in the deli to serve customers.

Recognised as the public sector winner for the 2023 Asian Australian Leadership Awards, Jacob is focused on bringing energy to teams to see them perform regardless of the challenge.

Between working in education, military, arts and diplomatic environments, Jacob seeks to work with anyone, on any problem, anywhere.

This has varied from working with Microsoft on a language model to transcribe Army’s combat radio transmissions, to STEM communication to support the CSIRO, and advising CEOs on opportunities within the strategic environment. Jacob’s international work includes working alongside foreign partners for exchanges, planning and dialogues – most recently at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

Jacob’s work has been featured on The Lowy Institute’s Interpreter, professional journals and the ABC. In more exciting adventures, Jacob trains for triathlons, enjoys the outdoors with his family and serves at church.