Nick Hodgson (12352) was always keen to experience professional life in a region very different from New Zealand, with a longer term focus on Asia.

Following a gap year at Warwick School in the UK organised through Christ’s College, and graduation from University of Canterbury on his return to NZ, Nick looked for positions in far flung parts of the world and was particularly interested in developing countries.

“It had to be English speaking, and it had to be relatively safe, but also very different. I spent time in London before and wanted a cultural challenge. I got a few offers in different countries but I eventually accepted a role in Ghana, which was my focus, for a company in the chemical industry. After that experience, I really felt I could go anywhere and do anything. If you can survive working in West Africa, you can survive anywhere,” Nick recalls.

That was followed by a brief stint in Kenya, then lengthier roles in Australia, a short return to New Zealand and then Malaysia, before moving to Singapore in 2019 where he works in global sales.

“We travelled to Singapore regularly as a family during my school days as we had some close family friends living here and we used it as a base to travel within Asia. I remember stepping out from Changi Airport into the wave of tropical heat the first time when I was around 10 years old and after that, I was always enchanted by Singapore,” Nick says.

“A couple of years later when we were there, I took the MRT (metro) into Little India by myself (still young!) as it was so safe and I always knew I wanted to spend time living here. So Singapore had always been subconsciously in my mind.

“After five years here, I can safely say it's a place I'm very happy to return to, even after a vacation. I’m constantly impressed by Singapore. It’s also a wonderful place to be with young family.”

Nick’s job takes him all over the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and, occasionally, the Americas. He also visits New Zealand a few times a year.

“I do love going back to NZ. Living in the tropics, and being from NZ, you miss the amazing outdoors and nature, but also the general nature of Kiwis who talk to you in the supermarket unlike in Asia. New Zealand really is a gem and I’m fortunate to be from there.”

But Asia, and, in particular, Singapore, keeps beckoning Nick back.

“What Singapore has achieved as a small island nation is extremely impressive over a short time since independence. The country has a long term vision, extremely high standards for itself and is also a melting pot for people from all over the world working in very interesting roles. Their ambition as a country is amazing. On any metric, I find myself admiring how well thought out and executed their plans are, be it defence, diplomacy, economy, education, housing, infrastructure, justice, transportation...the list goes on.

It’s a very dynamic and fast paced environment.”

While Nick is unlikely to call New Zealand home again, he’s keen to help Kiwi businesses abroad.

“Asia is a huge emerging region with massive potential and a young demographic. I understand it well and there are many SMEs in New Zealand doing incredible things, and the NZ brand abroad is very well received. When I’m overseas, the response to being a Kiwi is always overwhelmingly positive.”

• After losing contact with College for some time, Nick recently reconnected at a CCOBA event in Bangkok, Thailand. While there, he caught up with a past friend from his same year group and knows of several Old Boys living in Asia.