Sean (Yukun) Wang
Doctor of Philosophy candidate
His goal is to pursue a career as a researcher and lecturer in the field of esports, says PhD student Sean (Yukun) Wang who came to AUT as an international student from China.
“My research looks at the potential inclusion of esports in the Olympic Games from a New Zealand perspective. I chose this topic because esports is growing rapidly, and the International Olympic Committee has also become increasingly involved in esports through initiatives such as Olympic Esports Week and the proposed Olympic Esports Games. However, whether esports should eventually become part of the Olympic Games is still an open question. Through my PhD, I want to understand how people in New Zealand, including those involved in the Olympic system and esports as well as the wider public, view this possibility, and what shapes their support for or concerns about esports becoming part of the Olympic Games.
“Completing a PhD is an important step towards my goal to work as a researcher and lecturer in the field of esports – it provides me with rigorous academic training and helps me develop the research and communication skills needed for my future career. I chose AUT for my PhD because of its supportive research environment and the opportunity to work with a strong supervisory team. I feel very fortunate to be supervised by Dr Mel Johnston and Dr Michael Naylor, who have given me unwavering support and valuable guidance throughout my PhD journey.”
Growth and support
AUT has given him the opportunity to challenge himself and grow, Sean says.
“I’ve volunteered at the AUT Esports Arena at the City Campus for three semesters, helping with customer service and event coordination. It has been a valuable opportunity for me to connect my academic interests with practical experience. More importantly, I’m grateful to have the chance to contribute to the AUT student community. Esports can bring together students with different interests, backgrounds and abilities, and the arena provides a relaxed and exciting space where students can meet, communicate and build connections with one another. Some students also compete at a higher level for AUT, where they can challenge themselves and represent the university with pride.
“English isn’t my first language, so I found things quite difficult when I first arrived. As both a PhD student and a volunteer at the AUT Esports Arena, I’ve needed to communicate with people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. It wasn’t easy at the beginning, but most of the people I met at AUT were patient, respectful and supportive. Their encouragement gave me more confidence to keep learning and moving forward. Over time, I’ve developed my skills and become more confident in handling challenges and unfamiliar situations. I’m very grateful to everyone who has trusted, encouraged and taught me along the way.”
In addition to his studies, he has also appreciated being able to serve the local community in Auckland.
“In my spare time, I’ve volunteered at the FGS Temple, where I helped lead meditation and Chinese martial arts activities for the community. This experience has given me a chance to step away from the pressures of academic work while also contributing something positive to the wellbeing of the local community, which made it especially meaningful to me.”
Advice for other students
Sean’s advice for other students is simple: a PhD is a long journey, so trust the process.
“We may not always find the answer straight away, but with patience and persistence, the way forward gradually becomes clearer. Resilience is essential. Every difficulty teaches us something and helps us become stronger for what lies ahead.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to other students interested in sport leadership and management.
“I’d absolutely recommend AUT. It’s ranked among the world’s top 25 universities for sports-related subjects in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, and it has a strong and supportive supervisory environment. As postgraduate students, we have the opportunity to work with supervisors whose expertise matches our research interests, which can make a real difference throughout our studies.”
