Daiwa Scholars 1993

Gavin ANDERSON

Gavin Anderson was awarded a B.SC (HONS) in Economics by the University of Surrey in 1989. Subsequently he became an assistant consultant at Anderson Consulting. During his year in Japan he worked at Daiwa Securities.

Gavin’s homestay in Japan was in Sapporo City in Hokkaido. His work placement was at Daiwa Securities, working in equity sales.  From 2016 to 220 Gavin was director of the British Council in the United Arab Emirates.

He is now Managing Director Europe, Middle East, Africa for Cognition Education Ltd.

Professor Hugo DOBSON

Hugo Dobson was awarded a BA (HONS) in International History and Politics (1st class) in 1992 followed by an M.A (HONS) in Modern International Studies, both completed at Leeds University.

Hugo’s homestay in Japan was in Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture. His work placements were at University of Tokyo and Aoyama Gakuin University. His research was into relations between Japan and the Soviet Union.

He was awarded a PhD from the School of East Asian Studies, University of Sheffield in 1998. His thesis explored Japan’s participation in United Nations-sponsored peacekeeping operations.

He is Professor in Japan’s International Relations at the School of East Asian Studies at the University of Sheffield.

You can read more about Hugo in the “Scholars Experiences” section of the website.

Dr Alice FERREBE

Alice Ferrebe was awarded a M.A (HONS) in English Literature (1st class) by Edinburgh University in 1993. During her year in Japan she worked at Kirin Beer, and on her return was hoping to work in public relations in the Scottish whiskey industry. She completed her PhD in English Literature at Edinburgh University in 2003.

Alice’s homestay in Japan was in Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture.

She is a Senior Lecturer in English at Liverpool John Moores University.

Christopher GASELTINE

Christopher Gaseltine was awarded a BA (HONS) in Natural Sciences by Clare College, Cambridge in 1992. He then completed a year as an in-service teacher trainer at the Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education in Durban South Africa.

Christopher’s homestay in Japan was in Fukushima City in Fukushima Prefecture. His work placements were with the House of Councillors’ Policy Study Group and at the Yomiuri Shimbun.

He is currently senior manager at the e-commerce company WorldPay.

David HEIGHT

David Height was awarded a BA (HONS) in Architecture in 1987, followed by a Diploma in Architecture in 1990 both by Jesus College, Cambridge. From 1991 to 1993 he was an assistant architect at the BBC.

David’s homestay in Japan was in Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. His work placement was in Kajima Corporation where he engaged in architectural design work in the multidisciplinary design studio of the Kajima Corporation in Akasaka. He was involved in the design of a new Junior High School for Kaisei Gakuen in Nishi Nippori, Tokyo.

On returning to London he joined ARUP and was also the first Chair of the Daiwa Scholars’ Alumni Association.

After working at ARUP in London, David joined Mitsui Fudosan UK in 2016, where he is Director of Planning and Engineering.

Bohdan KURPITA

Bohdan Kurpita was awarded a B.SC (HONS) in Mathematics (1st class) in 1987 by Durham University, and an M.A (HONS) in Mathematics with Distinction in 1988 by the University of Warwick, as well as a PhD in Knot Theory in 1992 by the University of Toronto, Canada.

Bohdan’s homestay in japan was in Yamagata City in Yamagata Prefecture. His work placement was at the Graduate School of Education, Waseda University.

He is now the Head of e-commerce and Internet Strategy at William Ashley in Toronto.

Merryn SOMERSET WEBB

Merryn Somerset Webb was awarded a BA (HONS) in History (1st class) in 1992 by Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. She then worked as a professional assistant at Nagoya University of Business and Commerce for one year.

Merryn’s homestay in Japan was in Niigata City in Niigata Prefecture. Her work placement was with NHK, the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation.  She was based  at NHK’s international division, working in children’s television and as a producer on one of the news programmes, while also working for some of  NHK’s radio stations.

Her ultimate aim was to pursue a career in journalism.

She is the Editor-in-chief of Moneyweek Magazine.