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2025 Australia China Alumni Awards Ceremony and Scholarships Presentation Gala Dinner
SYDNEY
Sydney, 18 September 2025 – The 17th 2025 Australia China Alumni Awards Ceremony and Scholarships Presentation Gala Dinner were held at the Harbourview Ballroom of Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, with nearly 300 distinguished guests from government, business, academia, and the arts in attendance. The evening brought together alumni and friends from across both countries to honour remarkable achievements and to celebrate the enduring role of alumni in fostering Australia–China engagement.
Group photo of all winners and finalists
Celebrating Alumni Impact
Opening the evening, ACAA Co-Chair Professor Grace Li reflected on the Association’s growth since its founding in 2007. She noted that over 800 finalists and 160 awardees have been recognised across 17 years, spanning sectors from business to education, culture, and public service. Professor Li highlighted that the Awards are more than recognition of individual achievement – they serve as a bridge connecting alumni, students, universities, government, and industry.
ACAA Co-Chair Grace Li delivering the welcome speech
ACAA Co-Chair Sara Cheng gave the annual review, noting strong growth with membership rising to over 42,000 and volunteer numbers doubling. She highlighted the brand refresh, the launch of the Workplace Development & Social Integration Forum, and the inaugural Scholarship program which drew more than 400 applications, reflecting the Association’s commitment to investing in the future. She compared ACAA to an orchestra — sometimes not perfectly in tune, but always creating harmony through collaboration.
ACAA Co-Chair Sara Cheng presenting the ACAA Year in Review
Distinguished Voices
The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, delivered a keynote speech in English and Mandarin, applauding the contribution of Australia—Chinese alumni to bilateral relations. Drawing on his personal experience of studying Chinese at UNSW, he stressed the importance of resilience, cultural exchange, and mutual learning, and celebrated the extraordinary growth of the Australia–China education partnership.
The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Assistant Minister for Immigration, delivering the keynote address at the Gala
A congratulatory video message was delivered by Australian Ambassador to China Scott Dewar, who praised the alumni community for its role as a bridge for cultural, educational, and commercial exchange, and encouraged continued efforts in strengthening people-to-people ties.
Video message from H.E. Scott Dewar, Australian Ambassador to China
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Alumni Awards across multiple categories. Peter Chun, CEO of UniSuper, was named Alumni of the Year, the Gala’s most prestigious honour. Other awardees included acclaimed artist Guan Wei, entrepreneur Kyran Sze, lawyer Belinda Loke, community leader Dr Wesa Chau, innovator Alex Ma, and the Queensland Department of Education - DE International – Global Engagement.
In addition, three further Alumni Awards will be announced and presented at the Beijing Ceremony on 18 October 2025.
Alumni of the Year – Mr Peter Chun, CEO of UniSuper
Wei Guan
Belinda Loke
Kyran Sze
Dr Wesa Chau
Representative from the Queensland Department of Education - DE International – Global Engagement
The Gala also recognised the first cohort of ACAA Scholarship recipients, symbolising intergenerational support and continuity within the alumni network. With contributions from alumni enterprises and university partners, the program will nurture young talent in fields ranging from research innovation to law and medical sciences.
Award finalists
Scholarship recipients
Looking Ahead
The 18th Australia China Alumni Awards will open for nominations in February 2026, with ceremonies planned in Sydney and Beijing in September 2026.
