From Webster Vienna to ASEAN Leadership

Webster Vienna Private University (WVPU) alumnus Nararya S. Soeprapto is serving as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for Community and Corporate Affairs.

In this high-level role, he supports the Secretary-General of ASEAN in providing strategic direction and guidance on corporate, legal and public affairs, as well as outreach activities.

WVPU caught up with him to learn a bit more about his career path after studying International Relations at Webster Vienna.

WVPU: Where did you grow up, and what inspired you to move to Austria and choose Webster Vienna for your studies?

Soeprapto: I grew up across Europe — Geneva, Sofia, Vienna and London — shaping much of my international outlook. When my father was posted to Vienna, I chose Webster University because I was drawn by the city’s crossroads between Western and Eastern Europe. Vienna also has its rich arts and culture, friendly international academic environment for international students. 

WVPU: During your time at Webster Vienna, was there a particular course, professor or student club that had a lasting impact on you?

Soeprapto: International Relations with O’Grady left a strong impression on me. He sharpened my understanding of global affairs, critical thinking and frankly, my grades. Students at Webster University are a close second. We bonded through the arts, sports, hiking, skiing and many social activities. Personally, it was one of the most memorable moments of my life.

WVPU: How did your Webster Vienna education help prepare you for the complexity and multicultural dimensions of this role?

Soeprapto: Studying alongside students from around the world laid the foundation for the realities throughout my career. Majoring in International Relations was the substantive base. I had then upskilled from effective communication, building confidence in public speaking to punctuality and sensitivity to social norms. Both academic grounding and character development became two sides of the same coin in managing relationships with counterparts from different countries. What may seem like small details often make the greatest difference. They build rapport and trust and create a comfortable space for meaningful engagement.

WVPU: Many of our international relations students aspire to careers in diplomacy and international organizations. Based on your experience, what advice would you offer them?

Soeprapto: At the beginning, I assumed that as an international relations graduate, my career path would lead me to diplomacy and international organizations-related institutions. Over time, I realized that the value of an international relations background extends far beyond. Over the past 30 years, my career has taken me to work in international organizations, consultancy roles with government, trade associations, private sector, corporate leadership and even ventures in plastic management and ocean gardening. My advice is to broaden your horizons early. While you are young, explore, take on challenges, make mistakes, that is OK. You will get there eventually. 

WVPU: Is there anything else you would add about your career path from WVPU student to Deputy Secretary-General?

Soeprapto: My time at Webster University was the anchor in my journey with each meaningful step forward. In the process, I have followed the paths of friends who were students with me from those years and seen where life and career have taken them. They inspire me. We all turned out quite well, each in our own way. Genuinely wonderful people.