The Australia China Alumni Association
About Us
The Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) was established in 2007 with support from the Australian Ambassador to China. 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 and receives backing from the Australian Government. The ACAA is grateful for the continued support from its partner universities, the Australian Embassy in Beijing, the Australian Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenyang, as well as Austrade. This support has been crucial in developing the ACAA into the largest Australian alumni network in 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, Mentor Program, Welcome Back Receptions, Career Development Events, and Industry Discussion Forums.
ACAA 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:
Build lifelong connections between Australia and China alumni
Mission:
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To connect students, alumni, universities, and industries
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To empower individuals with professional development opportunities
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To strengthen the Australia-China relationship through education exchange and collaboration
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
His Excellency
Her Excellency
Scott Dewar
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.
Management Team
Sara Cheng
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
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
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.