A first-generation Australian of Samoan-Chinese descent living in Yagara and Yugamba Country, Phoenix Potoi is a third-year student at Griffith University studying a Bachelor of Government and International Relations/ Bachelor of Asian Studies, majoring in International Relations and Politics, Law and Justice in Asia.

An aspiring politologist, Phoenix’s interests are in Global South Governance, Pasifika Anthropology, Political Economy and Critical Theory.

Phoenix’s academic journey has led him to an interest in the Australia-China bilateral relationship and Chinese Governance. His works examine the political economy and ideological genealogy of Chinese Socialist-Consultative Governance and how ‘Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era’ seeks to elevate China into a ‘Great Modern Socialist Country’.

Involved within his university community, Phoenix has served as Vice President and President of the Griffith Government and International Relations Society (GGIRS) and as Vice President of Griffith University Amnesty International (GUAI). In these positions, he fostered ongoing collaborative partnerships with government, inter-government, non-government and student societies to provide students with networking, internship and professional development opportunities throughout Griffith University and beyond.

In 2021, Phoenix was awarded the Australian Government’s prestigious New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship for China, with plans to study at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU).

Phoenix is a mentee of Emeritus Professor Colin Mackerras and Associate Professor Huiyun Feng.