Angliss Talent Showcases Australian Hospitality at Osaka Expo
William Angliss Institute alumni and students played a major role in showcasing Australian hospitality on the world stage during Expo 2025 as part of World Expo held in Osaka, Japan with the theme of “Designing Future Society for our Lives.”
Expo 2025 served as a global platform for over 160 nations and organisations to showcase innovations, cultural exchanges and collaborative solutions for pressing international challenges like climate change and aging societies.
“When I first walked into Angliss more than 37 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined how far that training would take me,” said Nicholas Kalogeropoulos, an Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management graduate.
Now Director of Global Hospitality Group, Nicholas led the Australia Pavilion’s food, beverage and retail operations.
“Working alongside Angliss alumni and students again - this time as a Project Director - was an extraordinary full-circle moment.”
“The scale in the event spaces and at Café Koko in the forecourt was extraordinary,” added Nicholas. “Across 184 days we delivered more than 180 business-to-business events, operating four dedicated event spaces within the Pavilion.”
The Australia Pavilion’s hospitality offering also extended to a public retail operation. Located in the forecourt, Café Koko welcomed more than 10,000 guests each day and served a range of iconic Australian favourites including Four ’N Twenty pies, crocodile brioche rolls and lamingtons.
The Umi Room served as the main event space, seating up to 120 guests for formal sit-down functions. The Acacia Terrace, featuring one open side, became a guest favourite with live canapé cooking on the BBQ creating an interactive dining experience. The Mori Room, a 24-seat boardroom, hosted VIP lunches, small seminars and showcase events.
Many of the culinary and event experiences delivered at the Pavilion were brought to life by William Angliss Institute alumni and students. From chefs and event managers to degree students completing their professional practice year, Angliss talent played a key role across every aspect of the operation.
Their contribution also supported a broader purpose. Japan remains a key tourism and trade partner for Australia - a relationship reinforced throughout Expo 2025 by the strong presence of Australian products in the Japan market and across the Pavilion.
“Japan has a strong interest in Australian produce, and that relationship creates steady demand for our food, wine and hospitality expertise,” Nicholas said. “Events like Expo 2025 strengthen not just trade ties, but professional and cultural exchange within the industry.”
Angliss Talent on World Stage
The Pavilion team included Angliss alumni Robin Turner, Elisha Kesici, Kimberly Tang, Nick Karavias, Keeley Egan, Noah Horton and Will Wright alongside current students Natalie Hutchinson, Shioni Borg and Elena Aguirre.
Participants credited their Angliss training with prepared them for the scale, intensity and international standards of Expo 2025. Working in Japan sharpened the team’s understanding of global hospitality benchmarks.
“It showed them that they can hold their own at a global level - both front-of-house service delivery and culinary execution,” Nicholas said.
Adaptability proved to be a defining strength. Teams managed long service days, heavy production schedules and diverse cultural expectations with professionalism and confidence supported by strong foundations in food safety. Teamwork and service excellence.
“The dedicated teachers at Angliss gave me constructive feedback and encouragement to back myself in high-pressure environments,” said Chef Will, a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and Diploma of Event Management graduate. “Moving from busy kitchens to the international event stage was the next step in my career and enabled me to connect with like-minded professionals.”
Elisha, now a member of the Australian Culinary Olympic Team, credited the Institute’s industry connections for helping her launch her career while studying the Certificate IV in Patisserie.
For Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism student Natalie, the experience was unforgettable. “Being part of the Japan World Expo was incredible. I’ve made lifelong friends and experienced parts of Japan that many people may never get to see.”
Shioni, studying the Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, said the opportunity strengthened her career direction. “Angliss gave me the opportunity to travel, connect with hospitality professionals and explore the many pathways available in the industry.”
Chef Kimberley Tang said her studies laid the foundation for leadership and growth in every kitchen she has worked in. “Studying at Angliss gave me a solid grounding in front-of-house and inspired me to pursue cookery and continues to support me through competitions and masterclasses.”
Completing the Diploma of Event Management helped shape Keeley’s career path, leading to roles including Deputy Functions Manager at the Australia Pavilion for Expo 2025.”
Bachelor of Culinary Management student Elena described her international placement a “turning point” made possible through the Institute’s alumni and industry network.
A Global Network, A Lasting Impact
Chef Robin reflected on a career that has taken him around the world after completing the Certificates III and IV in Commercial Cookery.
“The pride I felt returning to Angliss to host a masterclass, just five years after completing my apprenticeship, still warms my heart. I hope to return one day - perhaps as a teacher - to create some new memories.”
Nicholas said the success of Angliss alumni at Expo 2025 demonstrates the Institute’s lasting impact.
“Angliss provided not just training but the networks and confidence to pursue opportunities we never imagined,” he said. Standing alongside the next generation of graduates at Expo 2025 was a privilege. Together, we demonstrated the strength of Australian hospitality and the enduring influence on an Angliss education on the global stage.”
To learn more about courses and student opportunities at William Angliss Institute, contact our Future Students team on +613 8595 5334 or via email enquiry@angliss.edu.au to find out about Angliss info sessions and campus tours.
Published 19 March 2026
