Speeches
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Tokyo Metropolitan Koishikawa Secondary Education School Year 10 Cohort
I am delighted to be here at Koishikawa Secondary School to meet you all.
As Governor of South Australia, I engage regularly with school students across the state, getting to know them and their aspirations for the future.
First, thank you for the presentations you have shared about your time in Adelaide.
Your reflections show great thoughtfulness, openness, and a willingness to grow from your experiences.
I encourage each of you to continue reflecting on your journey to South Australia: the friendships you formed, the challenges you overcame, and the new perspectives you gained.
These experiences are not only valuable memories, they will help to shape your thinking and future actions.
Hearing about your experiences reminds me how important it is to build your understanding and awareness of international contexts.
When you live and learn in another country, you see the world through different eyes.
You gain insight into another culture, build mutual respect, and develop a broader understanding of the many perspectives that coexist in our world.
Opportunities such as the one you’ve had, to travel to South Australia, are essential for shaping young people’s global experiences and mindset.
Embracing differences and sharing ideas across cultures not only widens your knowledge but also prepares you for the possibilities and challenges of tomorrow’s world.
I congratulate you on your courage and commitment in taking part in this international program.
It is not always easy to leave your home, your country and step into a new environment, but the bravery you have shown will be of great benefit as you continue to grow into future leaders.
I thank you for representing your school with curiosity, and respect throughout your time in South Australia.
You have built meaningful connections between our countries, and I hope you now feel inspired to continue learning, questioning, and seeking new opportunities to broaden your perspectives.
Remember, your experiences overseas and the friendships you have built are your strengths.
May you carry the lessons you learned in South Australia into your future studies, your careers, and your communities here in Japan.
Thank you for sharing your stories and insights, and congratulations on all that you have achieved.