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The Australia China Alumni Association
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About Us
The Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) was established in 2007. Since then, it has expanded significantly and now connects with a network of over 40,000 Australian alumni across Australia and Greater China.
As a non-profit charitable organization, the ACAA is supported through partnerships with universities and corporations. The ACAA is grateful for the continued support from its partner universities and the Australian Embassy in Beijing. This support has been crucial in developing the ACAA into the largest Australian alumni network between Australia an China, on fostering people-to-people connections.
The ACAA welcomes all Australia and China-based alumni and students of Australian universities, offering a range of services, programs, and events. These include the annual Alumni Awards, Student Scholarship Program, Career Development Events, and Industry Discussion Forums.
ACAA has Chapters in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, and volunteers in many major cities. The ACAA serves as a vital platform for promoting the contributions of alumni to commercial and cultural exchanges between Australia and China, and for helping students and alumni across Australia and China reconnect and thrive.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision
To foster lifelong connections among Australia–China alumni, creating a supportive and inspiring global community.
Mission
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To connect students, alumni, universities, and industries through meaningful engagement.
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To empower individuals with professional growth and career development opportunities.
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To build inclusive social networks that strengthen alumni bonds and enrich their lives.
ACAA Patrons
The Australian Ambassadors to China
Since its establishment in 2007, the ACAA has had the privilege of having all Australian ambassadors to China as patrons, including the current ambassador. This underscores the significance of collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening international ties, education and cultural exchange.
His Excellency
Scott Dewar
His Excellency
Her Excellency
Graham Fletcher
Jan Adams AO PSM
Current Australian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
2024 -present
Former Australian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
2019 -2023
Former Australian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
2015 - 2019
Her Excellency
His Excellency
His Excellency
Frances Adamson AC
Geoff Raby AO
Alan Thomas
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Former Australian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
2011 - 2015
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Former Australian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
2007 - 2011
Former Australian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
2007
Advisory board
Kevin Magee
Mr. Magee is a former Australian ambassador with a 34‐year career at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He served as the Australian Representative in Taipei (2011–2014), Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (2008–2011), Consul-General in Guangzhou (2003–2007), Deputy Head of Mission in Moscow (2001–2003), among other diplomatic roles. Kevin is now an Adjunct Fellow at the Australia-China Relations Institute.
Throughout his career, Kevin led initiatives focused on China and Russia and played a key role in establishing the National Foundation for Australia China Relations, serving as its interim CEO. His deep interest in Asia began in 1985–86 during his first visit to China, where he taught conversational English and later studied Mandarin in Beijing and Taipei. His research interests include Australia–China bilateral relations, Cross Taiwan Strait relations, and China’s ties with the Middle East and Russia. Kevin holds a B.A. (Hons) and LLB from Monash University, and he has been recognized as a distinguished alumni by both Monash University and the Taipei Language Institute.
David Goodman
Professor David S G Goodman is Director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. 2017-2021 he was Vice President Academic Affairs at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou; and 2004-2008 he was Deputy Vice Chancellor for International Affairs at UTS.
The Jiangsu provincial Government recognized Prof Goodman with a Friendship Award in 2014; and the Suzhou city government appointed him as a friend of Suzhou in 2019.
George Wang
Mr. Wang is the founding Executive Chairman of AIMS Financial group. Established in 1991, AIMS Financial Group is a diversified financial services and investment group, active in the areas of mortgage lending, securitisation, investment banking, funds management, property investment, private equity, venture capital and high-tech investment. AIMS Financial Group also owns the Sydney Stock Exchange (SSX).
Mr Wang is also a patron of the Taronga Foundation which is affiliated with the Taronga Zoo based in Sydney, Australia which operates wildlife conservation programs. Mr Wang is the Chairman of AIMS APAC REIT which is listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX-ST). He is also the Executive Director of the Sydney Stock Exchange. Mr Wang holds a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering from Donghua University, China.
Board of Directors
Sara Cheng
Co-chair
Sara Cheng is a distinguished thought leader and one of Australia’s foremost experts in international business. With a 30-year career spanning senior management roles in Australia and China, she brings a wealth of cross-border expertise to her current position as Managing Director of China and Beyond.
A passionate advocate for global trade, investment, and cultural exchange,
Sara has held leadership roles across academia, industry, and the not-for-profit sector. She currently serves as a Board Director of the Export Council of Australia and a Council Member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, having previously contributed as a Committee Member of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Her insights into Australia-China business dynamics are further reflected in her co-authorship of the book Engaging China: The Realities for Australian Businesses. Specializing in international strategy, market expansion, and mergers & acquisitions, Sara has led her team in supporting over 1,000 businesses—including iconic brands such as Woolworths, Sanitarium, and WestPharma—to succeed in global markets. As a Board Director of the Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA), Sara leverages her multifaceted experience across government, private, and non-profit sectors to shape strategic direction, foster alumni engagement, and unlock new opportunities for collaboration. Sara holds an MBA from Mt Eliza Business School / Melbourne Business School and remains a driving force in strengthening Australia-China business and educational ties.
Grace Li
Co-chair
Professor Grace Li is an experienced legal educator and Associate Dean (Internationalisation) at UTS Law Faculty. She is a strong advocate for global learning and cross-cultural collaboration. From 2021 to 2025, she served on the Executive Committee of the Australia-China Relations Institute, and was an Endeavour Fellow with the Department of Education from 2009 to 2019.
With over two decades in higher education, Grace has taught internationally and served as a foreign expert arbitrator in complex international trade disputes. Her contributions to the higher education sector have helped deepen ties between Australia, China, and the wider global community. Committed to social justice, she champions inclusivity and international engagement in education and beyond.
Bruce Whall
Director, Treasurer
Bruce is the Founder and Principal of Bruce Whall Consulting, an international advisory firm providing strategic and CFO services, capital raising, and turnaround management to clients across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. With over 30 years of experience, Bruce is a Chartered Accountant with a strong background in the manufacturing, distribution, not-for-profit, and film sectors.
Bruce has maintained professional links with China through his advisory work connecting Australian companies with Chinese investors, particularly in the resources, technology, and creative industries. He brings a cross-cultural perspective to business strategy and governance and is passionate about fostering meaningful economic and professional partnerships between Australia and China.
Award Committee
David Dukes
David studied Chinese at University of Sydney, and then studied in Beijing as an exchange student from 1975-77. Upon graduation, David joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1979, where he was based in Canberra and at the Australian Embassies in Beijing and Lisbon. David then worked as a business consultant for twenty years, assisting businesses in a variety of sectors. He returned to the public service as Commercial Counsellor at the Australian Embassy, Beijing from 2009-2016. David has been a member of ACAA since 2009. In 2019 he joined ACAA's Executive Committee and also served on the Board for several years. He has been an ACAA Awards judge and Awards event organiser on numerous occasions.
Angela Chen
Angela has been an active and dedicated member of the Australia–China Alumni Association (ACAA) since 2019, contributing to the growth, connection, and engagement of the alumni community across regions. She first served as the Chapter Leader for Beijing, where she helped strengthen alumni networks and support cross-cultural exchange. Now based in Australia, Angela leads the Brisbane Chapter, fostering community development and collaborative initiatives for local alumni. In recognition of her commitment and impact, Angela joined the ACAA Executive Committee in 2023, contributing to national strategy, event planning, and long-term organizational development.
In her professional role, Angela has been working in Insurance industry for more than 16 years across the insurance value chain, spanning operations, pricing, reserving, and underwriting. She currently serves as the Head of Pricing and Underwriting for the APAC and MEA region, where she leads regional strategy and execution, oversees market-aligned pricing, strengthens underwriting governance, and drives portfolio performance across diverse jurisdictions. Beyond her professional and committee roles, Angela is passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders. She volunteers her time mentoring emerging professionals, helping several mentees build capability, confidence, and career readiness. Angela is proud to contribute her experience, leadership, and community focus to the ACAA, supporting its mission to connect, empower, and celebrate alumni across Australia and China.
Student Committee
Weihong Liang
Chair
Weihong Liang is the President of the International Students Representative Council of Australia, the national peak body representing all international students in the country. He also serves as the Postgraduate Senate Fellow at the University of Sydney, an elected member of the University’s governing body, and was previously President of the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association between 2022-2024.
With over a decade of experience in student advocacy and higher-education governance, Weihong has led major initiatives at institutional, state, and national levels, including campaigns for public transport concessions for
international students in New South Wales and efforts to improve the affordability of on-campus food and accommodation.His work centres on building sustainable representation systems and advancing fair access, inclusion, and equity in higher education policy. As a PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Sydney, Weihong focuses on state–society relations. Before beginning his doctoral studies, he worked in university administration at ShanghaiTech University in China.
O’Keeffe Chan
Member
O’Keeffe Chan is an alumna of Griffith University and The University of Newcastle, with a background in Marketing and International Tourism & Hospitality Management.
She was selected as the sole 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar representing the Gold Coast, a program that deepens scholars’ understanding of Australia’s political, diplomatic and cultural institutions while fostering bilateral and cross-cultural engagement aligned with the ACAA’s mission.
O’Keeffe has received multiple recognitions, including second runner-up at the Shaoxing Global Entrepreneurship Competition (Shanghai Station), the Golden Key International Honour Society Outstanding New Member Award for the Asia-Pacific region, the Griffith Business School Leadership Award and the Academic Excellence Award, along with nominations such as the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award and the Gold Coast Student Excellence Awards. She also contributes to community wellbeing through volunteer service with the Red Cross, UNICEF, animal welfare initiatives and various campus engagement programs.
Ada Choi
Member
Ada Choi is a PhD Candidate in Marketing at the University of New South Wales, with more than ten years of experience in the higher education sector. Her professional background encompasses university governance, student engagement, recruitment and marketing, large-scale event management, and academic teaching across several leading Australian institutions.Ada is an award-winning emerging scholar and student leader, recognised for her academic excellence and her contributions to the wider university community. Her research is fully funded and supported by competitive grants from UNSW and international research organisations.
Ada has also held prominent governance and representative roles at both the University of Sydney and UNSW. At UNSW, she served as President of the Postgraduate Council and President of the Chinese Student Association, representing more than 40,000 students. At the University of Sydney, she contributed to university governance through the University Academy Quality Committee and the Graduate Advisory Student Committee. Across these roles, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening student communities, advancing international student representation and supporting Australia–China engagement. including UNSW Shivraj Ganasan Memorial Award, UNSW Research Student Awards, UNSW Students’ Choice Teaching Award, and a series of 2025 UNSW Culture and Arc Awards that celebrate her leadership in cultural engagement, student wellbeing and community impact.
Scholarship Committee
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Ranjith Pathegama Gamage
Prof Ranjith Pathegama Gamage is Professor of Sustainable Development of Energy and Resources and Director of the Deep Earth Energy Laboratory at Monash University. He is a globally recognised expert in sustainable subsurface engineering, carbon capture and storage (CCS), geothermal energy, critical mineral recovery, and waste-to-wealth technologies. Professor Ranjith has published over 650 research papers with an H-index exceeding 100. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE). He is also a Senior Fulbright Scholar and Humboldt Research Award recipient.
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Colin Hawes
Dr. Colin Hawes is an expert on Chinese corporate law and legal reform. He is an associate professor in the Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney, Australia, teaching Corporate Law, Asian Law, and Chinese Business Law, and a research associate at the China Studies Centre, Sydney University. He has an LL.B. and a Ph.D. in Chinese studies from the University of British Columbia, Canada, and a B.A. Hons. from the University of Durham, UK. He also studied Chinese language at People’s University in Beijing and Wuhan University for three years.
He has published widely on Chinese corporations, law, and culture, including three books, the latest of which is The Chinese Corporate Ecosystem (Cambridge University Press, 2022; paperback edition 2023). He regularly acts as an expert witness in Australian and international legal disputes involving Chinese businesses.
Mark Arnold
Mark Arnold has worked as a Secondary Mathematics teacher since 2004, across both the Catholic and Government sectors, as well as in comprehensive and selective schools. He has also taught in China, where he developed a deep appreciation for Chinese culture, and is recognised as an expert in cross-cultural engagement between Australia and China. Beyond the classroom, Mark takes an active role in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sport, clubs, competitions, and outdoor education. He is a member of the ACAA Scholarship Committee, where he contributes to the design and judging of scholarships.
Fred Deng
Fred is passionate about the education of young people. He takes an individualised and innovative approach that incorporates real-world problems and leverages developing technologies in his teaching to create a vibrant and empowering space for his students. Fred is fluent in both Mandarin and English and is committed to fostering cross-cultural connections in both the education sector and in the arts, where he is an active performer with the Meya Ensemble.
Fred holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Teaching from the University of Sydney. He currently teaches Mathematics at Barker College.