Doris Ding
What is your role and what are some of the things that you enjoyed doing this year?
I work as Partnerships Manager at Unitec. I look after Unitec’s international partners and some agent relationships to drive an increase in quality enrollments to Unitec, and I am responsible for managing and maximising impact from Unitec Institutional Partnerships aligned to network growth plans. One of the projects that makes me really excited is the new partnership we are exploring in China. I am looking forward to getting it across the line.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
In my spare time, I love watching movies, reading, doing cardio, and hiking.
Shaoxing
Where did you grow up and what’s interesting about that place?
I grew up in Shaoxing, a city located in east China. It is a 2-hour drive to Shanghai. My hometown has a long history and rich culture. It is famous for wines, architectures, bridges, and traditional boats. Nu Er Hong, one of its wines, is brewed and stored underground from the day of the daughter’s birth and opened for consumption on her wedding day. Though this tradition no longer exists, back in the old days, almost every household in Shaoxing had a jar of Nu Er Hong for their daughter(s).
Do you speak any other languages, what is special about that for you?
I speak mandarin which is my first language. I also speak Shaoxing dialect and to me it’s the most beautiful language in the world. When I speak the dialect, I know I am home and it makes me feels so good! I speak a vey little bit of French too. I wish I had studied harder while I was in university.
Tell us a funny memory from childhood…
This is a hilarious one. I can’t recall at all and was told by my parents. I don’t know why but when I was a child, I always confused my father with my grandfather. I called my father grandfather and grandfather my father…
Twelve Angry men
What is your favourite book or movie? Why?
Recently I have been watching legal movies and one of my favourites is 12 Angry Man. This film centres around the deliberations of a twelve member jury. Almost the entirety of the film’s 96 minute run time takes place in the hot confines of the jury room. It is considered as one of the most important films in American cinema history and has been hailed as “the greatest courtroom film” in the history of cinema.
Tell us an achievement out of work that you’re proud of.
I hadn’t cooked for many years since I moved out from my parents’ place. In the lockdowns, I had no choice and started to learn how to cook. To my surprise, I not only survived the lockdowns, but also kind of loving cooking now. My mum is super proud when I host friends at home.
Best concert/show/event you’ve ever been to? What made it special
The best concert I have ever been to is the one by Jonathan Lee in Auckland. It was more like listening to him tell his stories than listening to him sing which I enjoyed very much.
What’s your favourite food or signature dish?
Fried crab with sticky rice cake. It’s the Ding’s most popular dish for the lunar new year dinner.