Jessicas Story: Discovering Innovation and Community in New Zealand
At just 17, Jessica Chiang left Taiwan for New Zealand—now she’s leading a biotech start-up transforming packaging with mushroom
Now 26, Jessica is the Chief Scientific Officer at BioFab, a pioneering company creating biodegradable packaging from fungi and agricultural waste. At the same time, she’s completing her PhD, researching native New Zealand fungi to unlock their potential as sustainable biomaterials.
"It’s fast-growing, insulative, hydrophobic, biodegradable, and of course, it’s completely natural,” she says. “Since New Zealand has been geographically separated from the rest of the world for so long, I believe it has unique fungi that we could find the value in to create a whole new industry for New Zealand."
A Supportive Place to Learn and Grow
Jessica’s journey began at ACG Senior College in Auckland, where she was drawn to the diversity and open-mindedness of New Zealand’s education system. She quickly progressed to the University of Auckland, studying biotechnology—a blend of science, engineering, and business.
But for Jessica, the real highlight wasn’t just the academics—it was the people.
I think I was lucky enough to be immersed in an environment which allowed me to network and grow as an individual.
She discovered a welcoming community that encouraged her to develop both professionally and personally. Through mentorship and student networks, she built the confidence and connections that would shape her future.
Once you get a circle of people doing amazing things around you, you get connected to the next circle of people doing amazing things, and you learn from them about how they achieved success.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Jessica’s time in New Zealand has been filled with achievements. She became CEO of Chiasma, a national student-led organisation connecting students with STEM industries. She co-founded New Zealand’s first student genetic engineering team and represented the country at the International Genetic Engineering Machine (iGEM) competition in the U.S.
Her breakthrough came when she won the top prize at the Gap Summit in Washington DC, pitching a fungi-based alternative to Styrofoam. That idea became the foundation for her work with BioFab.
A Life of Balance and Belonging
Jessica credits much of her success to the supportive culture she found in New Zealand.
There is a culture in New Zealand of being willing to help students develop their careers. I have gained access to people who are open-minded and willing to sit down and listen to young people.
She’s built a life that balances innovation with lifestyle—something she values deeply.
I love being in New Zealand. I have had the freedom to do what I want to do, and I’ve been able to balance my career with an outdoorsy lifestyle. I tell my friends back home that if they want a work-life balance they should come here.
Learn and Live in a Welcoming Community
Jessica’s success reflects the supportive, opportunity-rich environment New Zealand offers to international students. With a strong sense of community, access to world-class education, and a lifestyle that supports wellbeing, New Zealand is truly an easy place to live and study.
Study in New Zealand and you will learn and live in a welcoming community that will support you through your studies.
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