Strengthening national security through diversity: an interview with ASIS’ Chief Technology Officer

How did a Sri Lankan migrant go from new arrival to Chief Technology Officer in Australia’s secret intelligence service? 

What barriers can migrants and members of ethnically diverse communities face while trying to forge a career in Australian intelligence? 

What steps are being taken to create more opportunities for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds at ASIS, and in the National Intelligence Community more broadly? 

In this first-of-its kind interview with an unidentified Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) officer, Carl Chang and Caroline van Heuzen talk to Raj about his journey of migrating to Australia and finding his place working with Australia's overseas secret intelligence agency. 

Raj shares the impacts of work ASIS is doing to improve CALD representation within intelligence organisations, and what this means for Australia’s national security. 

While the name and voice of this ASIS officer has been changed to protect their identify, their story remains unaltered. 

Carl Chang is co-leader of the Mission Management Division at the Office of National Intelligence (ONI) and is ONI's Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Champion. 

Raj (name changed to maintain anonymity) is the Chief Technology Officer at the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS). 

Caroline van Heuzen is a Deputy Head at the ANU National Security College on secondment from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 

Show notes: 

• Careers at ASIS: find out more 

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