Sydney, 5 March 2025 – Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) commemorated a significant milestone with keynote speaker Senator the Hon. Penny Wong at its Gala Dinner at NSW Parliament House: 100 years since the first Chinese students arrived in Australia—decades before formal diplomatic relations began in 1972. Over the last century, this educational link has grown into an export industry worth $51 billion, making it one of the country’s largest services exports. Today, Australia welcomes over a million international students annually, with China alone accounting for around 22%.
Keynote Address: Senator the Hon. Penny Wong
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, opened the event by emphasising the importance of open, constructive dialogue between Australia and China. She underscored her belief that Australia’s multicultural identity is a vital source of national pride and power, noting that nearly half the population was born overseas or has overseas ancestry, and over one million Australians identify as having Chinese heritage.
Reflecting on her own connection to international education—she is the daughter of a Colombo Plan scholar—Minister Wong highlighted the profound benefits such exchanges bring to individual students and Australia as a nation. She added:
“Australia’s modern multicultural identity gives us an inherent ability to find common ground with people from all over the world. That is why ensuring a stable relationship between Australia and China not only serves Australia’s interests but also benefits regional stability and development. Maintaining dialogue is always in both sides’ interests for mutual gain.”
Minister Wong also praised ACAA for fostering strong educational and cultural ties between the two nations—an effort she said continues to shape Australia’s positive transformation on the global stage.
(Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister)
Australia’s Education Industry: A Global Powerhouse
Australia’s international education sector has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with foreign enrolments driving research, innovation, and a more global outlook. As a key pillar of the nation’s economy and culture, the sector generates billions of dollars and fosters cross-cultural partnerships, particularly with China.
Reflecting on this strong relationship, Professor Annamarie Jagose (Provost, University of Sydney) and Professor the Hon. Verity Firth AM (Vice-President, UNSW) praised their universities’ lasting impact on Chinese students, emphasising education’s transformative power. Other Australian university leaders attended, alongside Leigh Howard (CEO, Asialink Business, University of Melbourne), underscoring the sector’s role in deepening Australia–China educational ties. They joined key stakeholders—including Jason Yat-sen Li (NSW Legislative Assembly) and Yi Sun (Associate Concertmaster, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and recipient of the 2024 Australia China Alumni Award for Arts & Culture Achievement)—to commemorate a century of Chinese students studying in Australia.
ACAA’s Contribution to Bilateral Ties
In her remarks, Sara Cheng, Chair of ACAA, highlighted Australia’s unique competitive advantage stemming from its cultural diversity and large international student community:
“Migrant and international student communities broaden Australia’s global outlook,” Ms. Cheng said. “They bring valuable economic, cultural, and research perspectives. To unlock more opportunities for international students and alumni, we need collaborative efforts from government, businesses, industry bodies, alumni, and students themselves.”
Representing an 800,000-strong Australia–China alumni community, ACAA is a unifying platform across academia, business, and government.
(Sara Cheng, Chair of ACAA)
Reflecting on ACAA’s Journey
Dr. Grace Li, Co-Chair of ACAA, recalled the organisation’s evolution since its founding at the Australian Embassy in China in 2007. Now the largest and most influential not-for-profit charitable organisation in Australia–China alumni relations, ACAA supports alumni success through:
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Hosting the Annual Australia–China Alumni Awards (in its 16th year), recognising over 850 finalists and 160 outstanding winners.
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Offering scholarships, mentorships, and industry partnerships to expand opportunities for Chinese students.
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Organising professional networking and cultural exchange events that strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations.
“Over the past 18 years, we’ve witnessed remarkable growth in bilateral engagement,” Dr. Li said. “We remain committed to ensuring that Australian alumni—and Chinese students currently studying here—have every opportunity to thrive and contribute to ongoing cultural, academic, and business exchanges.”
(Dr. Grace Li, Co-Chair of ACAA)
Professor David Goodman, Chair of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney and a member of the ACAA Advisory Board, noted how the centennial celebration showcased the outstanding achievements of Australia–China alumni across diverse sectors while underscoring their pivotal role in fostering bilateral relations. As a key bridge connecting alumni, universities, and industry, ACAA will continue to deepen engagement with students and graduates, ensuring they can make even more outstanding contributions to Australian and Chinese societies.
(Professor David Goodman, Chair of the China Studies Centre, University of Sydney; ACAA Advisory Board Member)
Looking Ahead
With China maintaining its position as Australia’s largest source of international students, ACAA intends to broaden its initiatives in collaboration with government agencies and educational institutions. These efforts aim to foster innovative programs and expand the alumni network for deeper bilateral cooperation, setting the stage for a new era of Australia–China educational engagement.
“This centennial celebration sets the stage for the next chapter of Australia–China educational collaboration, building upon 100 years of shared history and forging new opportunities for future generations.”
Key Facts:
- 100 years of Chinese students in Australia celebrated at NSW Parliament House by Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA).
- Education is a $51bn export industry, with China making up 22% of international enrolments.
- Senator Penny Wong emphasised education’s role in diplomacy and the need for ongoing Australia–China dialogue.
- University leaders from Sydney, UNSW, and Melbourne highlighted education’s economic, cultural, and research impact.
- ACAA represents 800,000+ alumni, offering scholarships, mentorships, and networking opportunities.
About us:
About Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA)
Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) is a leading non-profit, non-government charitable organisation, founded in 2007 with support from the Australian Embassy in Beijing. As the most influential alumni network in Australia–China relations, ACAA represents over 40,000 members and connects nearly 800,000 alumni across both countries.
Through flagship initiatives such as the Australia China Alumni Awards, professional networking events, and social engagement programs, ACAA fosters enduring connections between alumni and bolsters bilateral ties. With continued backing from the Australian Embassy in China, ACAA has hosted the prestigious Australia China Alumni Awards for 16 consecutive years, honouring 850+ finalists and 160 award recipients.
For more information, visit www.austchinaalumni.org
Contact details:
Australia China Alumni Association Secretariat
Email: acaa@austchinaalumni.org
Event Official Communications Liaison
Angelina Liu
Email: pr@4and.co
