Before becoming a diplomat with the Australian Government in 1986, Mr Bruce Miller AO mastered a foreign language while studying Arts and Law at the University of Sydney.
In his address as distinguished guest speaker at the 2026 School of Languages and Cultures Awards Ceremony, he reflected on how his choice to study a language paved the way to a rich and fulfilling journey.
Language studies spark impactful career
In 1979, Bruce pursued Japanese studies with a strong focus in modern and classical literature as well as reading and writing. In 1980, he received the annual AL Salder Prize for Japanese, which continues to award undergraduate students with the best results in Japanese language today.
After thorough language learning at university, Bruce spent a year in Japan in 1982 where he put his skills to practice in a real-world setting and rapidly advanced in his language proficiency.
Bruce Miller AO with Adeline Tong, 2025 recipient of the AL Sadler Prize for Japanese, and Japanese Studies Lecturer Dr Masafumi Monden / Photo: Aman Kapoor
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LinkFollowing his graduation in 1986, Bruce went on to become an eminent public servant for more than 30 years. He took on three postings at the Australian Embassy in Japan for over 14 years, which included his role as the 16th Ambassador of Australia to Japan until 2017.
Bruce was appointed Officer in the Order of Australia in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his distinguished service to public administration through diplomatic roles and bilateral trade agreements, and to fostering cultural and strategic partnerships with Japan.
In 2020, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by the Japanese Government for his outstanding contributions in strengthening bilateral relations, and fostering friendship between Australia and Japan.
Today, Bruce frequently travels between the two countries and serves as Non-Executive Director on company and government boards.
There is a magic in learning a language and in studying their literature, culture and society. When you learn a language…you’re the people best able to understand the world we live in because you know what it is to see the world from multiple perspectives – not just your own.
Bruce Miller AO (BA(Hons) ’84, LLB ’86)
University of Sydney alumnus and former Australian Ambassador to Japan
Language skills empower cross-cultural conversations
In Bruce's ambassadorial role, conversing in the language of another country and culture strengthened both his interpersonal relationships with important figures and bilateral relations between nations.
“I had different and more powerful conversations from those that would have been mediated through an interpreter,” recounted Bruce.
His language fluency was pivotal, as he spoke in Japanese with the Emperor of Japan, the Prime Minister of Japan, Japanese cabinet ministers and business leaders.
“Language is how I ended up with personal and direct relationships with key decision-makers, including the then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It is also how we're able to shift Japanese thinking on issues that mattered to Australia, trade access, security and defence cooperation, as well as promoting our people-to-people links.”
Discipline Chair of Japanese Studies Dr Mats Karlsson, Head of School of Languages and Cultures Professor Avril Alba, alumnus Bruce Miller AO and Japanese Studies Lecturer Dr Masafumi Monden at the 2026 School of Languages and Cultures Awards Ceremony / Photo: Aman Kapoor
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LinkLanguage mastery is your competitive edge
In his parting words to students who were awarded scholarships and prizes for their academic excellence in language and culture subjects, Bruce emphasised the distinct cross-cultural competence and relationship-building skills that come with language learning which cannot be replaced by a translation app and AI.
“When you learn a language, you are learning how another culture imagines the world. You have more insight and a deeper understanding of another society,” said Bruce. “You better understand people's motives for what they say and do in another language. In other words, you can read a room in another language.
“You understand what matters and what doesn't matter to another society. You can speak with people you would never have otherwise been able to speak to. You can work collaboratively with people in another language and another culture.”
Mr Bruce Miller AO delivering his address at the 2026 School of Languages and Cultures Awards Ceremony / Photo: Aman Kapoor
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LinkAnd, what, according to the former Australian Ambassador, is the big secret to learning languages that he shares with students in the School of Languages and Cultures?
“It's just so much fun.”
Watch Mr Bruce Miller AO’s full address on the School of Languages and Cultures’ YouTube channel.