Jason Chan, Senior Program Coordinator in the Widening Participation Unit (WPU), has a passion for education and working with youth from underrepresented backgrounds.

Jason has a background in primary education as well supporting primary, secondary and tertiary students from disadvantaged backgrounds with their education.

He started working at Macquarie in 2023 and was quickly appointed to his current role. His role is varied and involves implementing initiatives that target increased access, participation and success in higher education for potential domestic undergraduate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, and regional and remote areas, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The essence of WPU is about enhancing equitable access to learning; every student should be given the chance to aspire to higher education.

Jason is also currently the Macquarie delivery lead for the NSW Equity Consortium (NEC), a partnership between the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University, the University of New South Wales and five Greater Western Sydney high schools to deliver a literacy-focused program. The program is based on a unit of work called ‘Imagined Futures’, which seeks to expand students’ future educational and career opportunities.

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 1. Something you’d like staff to know about

We are always on the lookout for Macquarie students who would like to assist in the delivery of WPU programs and events, facilitated both on campus and within schools. Best of all, it is a paid position.

 2. Something you feel proud of

Working with a great cohort of Equity Ambassadors. We currently have more than 50 in the NEC Program – and staff to inspire our next generation of students in schools.

3. A person you admire at Macquarie, and why 

My manager Adeline Pandian, and not only because she is my manager, but also her enthusiasm and genuine motivation to make a difference to those around her and to the students we are trying to engage.

4. The coolest bit of equipment you use in your work, and what it does

We have an ex-ambulance vehicle that our team uses to transport resources to events and programs throughout New South Wales.

 5. Something you’ve watched recently that has had an impact on you

I have been watching a TED talk by actor America Ferrera discussing the importance of being your authentic self, even if you may not fit the mould. She says, “Change will come when each of us has the courage to question our own fundamental values and beliefs, and then see to it that our actions lead to our best intentions.”

 6. A favourite photo from your camera roll

I love taking photos. This picture was taken when I was walking through a disused tunnel under Wynard Station as part of an event called Dark Spectrum.

7. Your definition of success

I know it’s very clichéd, but success to me is when something I have done has made a difference or a positive impact.

8. The first person you go to for advice (and why)

My partner, Mo, who always seems to have a way with words.

9. A website or app you can’t live without

Recipetineats.com – I go to this website for inspiration of what to cook for weeknight dinners.

10. Where you live and what you like about living there

I live in the vibrant Inner West where there is always something to discover such as a new café or a local event. There is always a sense of energy around!