David Yip chairs the Future Skills Organisation's Innovation Taskforce. Find out why he changed his career to help transform education and how he is involved in a National Heritage Site.

David Yip reached the halfway point of his career two years ago. For 20 years he led diverse teams focused on winning and delivering large technology projects across multiple industries, including telecommunications, financial services, utilities, mining and the public sector.

"As I reflected on my career to date and all the customers I've had the privilege to serve, I found the education-related ones the most personally fulfilling."

He remembers winning a large contract for a university supercomputer to run a research lab. “It was satisfying because the technology was the catalyst for a whole ecosystem of innovation, research breakthroughs and new jobs. It really contributed to society,” said David.

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION

“So, I thought do I just want to continue doing large technology deals, or do I want to do something that serves a purpose and makes an impact? I chose the latter with a focus on transforming education.”

He began his new path as the inaugural APAC Education Industry Director for Salesforce, where he advised higher education leaders on how they could transform the student experience using technology. He left last year to start his own consulting and digital solutions business, helping customers turn their ideas to impact.

He has served as the Victorian Council Member for the Australian Information Industry Association and chaired its Digital Skills Policy Advisory Network.  David co-hosted its first ‘Skills Symposium’ bringing together industry, education and government stakeholders to advocate for the extension of post-study work rights for international students in Australia to help address skills shortages. Changes were subsequently announced by The Hon Jason Clare MP and The Hon Clare O’Neil MP in early 2023.

He also helped launch Monash College's ambitious Future Skills Unit in Melbourne, with a keynote and panel discussion around the opportunities that AI will bring to those equipped with new skills.

BRING THE BEST THINKING

Now as Chair of the FSO’s Innovation Taskforce, he will steer the FSO’s strategic approach to innovation, technology, and workforce development.

"There’s so much fantastic innovation going on" says David. “I’m aiming to weave together the best thinking around a couple of big transformational themes and I’m lucky that the Taskforce has an impressive list of leaders from across industry, education, and Government to help me do this," he added.

High on the agenda will be the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on skills and jobs. David’s recognised expertise in AI goes back to 2012 and underpins his perspective that AI is probably the most transformative technology ever and that new thinking and approaches are required to harness its power and avoid the pitfalls.

HUMAN SIDE MOST IMPORTANT

Also benefiting from David’s deep experience is Abbotsford Convent, where he is on the Board.

Just four kilometres from Melbourne’s central business district and spread over 16 acres, this not-for-profit social enterprise is Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct and on the National Heritage List. It is home to a vibrant creative community, wellbeing practitioners, a gallery, cafes, a radio station, two schools, and lots of green open space.

“There’re two reasons I got involved with Abbotsford Convent,” said David. “Firstly, they have a very ambitious master plan, and technology will be an important part of increasing their social impact.”

“Secondly, as much as I'm about technology, it's the human side that is most important.”

He says whether it is arts, culture or learning new skills, the key issues are much the same.

“It’s all about asking how people use technology. How do you bring people along? What are the skills people need to develop? And how do you help people transition into new ways of skilling and training?” 

Connect with David on LinkedIn here