Ben McMahon

Ben is a fluent Mandarin speaker and property professional based in Melbourne. He studied at Peking University and Fudan University on a Chinese Government Scholarship and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Property from RMIT University. While at university, Ben founded a Chinese cultural walking-tour company in Melbourne. After graduating, he worked at CBRE as a commercial real estate sales agent and is now Managing Director of McMahon Property Group, focused on commercial and residential property investment and development across Australia. Ben is active on Chinese social media and has appeared on several Chinese television programs, including Chinese Bridge, If You Are The One and Informal Talks. Ben chairs the Australia China Business Council Victoria’s Property & Development Working Group and, in 2025, was selected to accompany the Lord Mayor of Melbourne on a business delegation to Tianjin, Chengdu and Nanjing.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-mcmahon-孟杰明-aab36a50

Caleb Campion

Caleb Campion is a solicitor at Mallesons, Australia's leading independent law firm, and assists with complex transactional and litigious matters spanning financial markets, construction, insurance, environment, planning and disputes. His experiences have exposed him to policy areas at the heart of the changing Australia-China relationship such as the clean energy transition, including via large-scale energy generation and battery-storage projects. He has a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Studies (UNSW), with a minor in Development Studies, studying Australia-Chinese relations through economic and social lenses. Caleb has also developed unique perspectives on cross-cultural dynamics during his time as Assistant Dean of New College Postgraduate Village, facilitating multicultural events focused on tradition-sharing and thesis-development amongst an international student base. Caleb is keen to explore the bounds of cross-border investment at a time of Australian regulatory change and economic instability, and the pathways to maintaining a constructive relationship on trade and geo-security.

LinkedIn profile: https://au.linkedin.com/in/caleb-campion-b50a73215

CHRISTIANA HITCHMAN

Christiana (Christy) Hitchman currently works on China policy in the East Asia Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). She will soon take up the role of Second Secretary at the Australian Embassy in Beijing. Prior to joining DFAT, she worked across foreign, security and trade policy issues at the Department of Defence, the Australian Submarine Agency and at the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Western Australia. She holds a Masters of International Relations and National Security and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and History from Curtin University in Western Australia.

LinkedIn profile: https://au.linkedin.com/in/christyhitchman

DAISY Song

Dr. Daisy Song is a Senior Scientist at CSL, where she leads the development of innovative biologic therapies and supports international research collaboration. She holds a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Melbourne and has over a decade of experience spanning biotechnology, entrepreneurship, and Australia–China innovation. Beyond her scientific career, Daisy serves as Vice President of the Australia-China Association of Scientists and Entrepreneurs (ACASE), where she mentors startups and promotes cross-border research commercialisation. She has been actively involved in strengthening Australia–China engagement through community leadership, including serving as Melbourne Chapter co-Lead of the Australia-China Young Professionals Initiative (ACYPI). In 2026, she was selected as one of Asialink's Chinese Australian Community Leaders. Daisy is passionate about translating scientific innovation into social impact and building trusted partnerships across science, industry, and public policy.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danzisong

DI FENG (Higgins)

Di Feng (Higgins) is the Second Secretary at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Commonwealth of Australia. Di works in the Education Office, which promotes bilateral engagement across the school sector, vocational education and training, higher education, and two-way youth exchange. He holds a Master’s degree (English Language and Literature) and dual Bachelor’s degrees (English Language and Literature, International Economics and Trade) from Wuhan University. Di was previously an Associate Professor of English Language and Literature at China University of Geosciences (CUG). His research interests lie in British and American Romantic literature, with a special focus on motifs and archetypes.

Frances Goh

Frances Goh is the CEO and Co-Founder of One Roof, a leading national network for women entrepreneurs to start, grow and scale their businesses through connection, curated support and practical resources. An innovation specialist and serial entrepreneur, Frances is passionate about closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship and building ecosystems where women can lead boldly. She is an AusMumpreneur Community Award winner, a 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian Australian, a 2025 Governor of Victoria Startup Awards finalist, and was named among the Top 50 Young Entrepreneurs in Victoria and Top 250 in Australia in 2025. Through her work, she continues to advocate for a fairer, better-funded future for women-led businesses.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-goh

Frank Wang

Frank Wang is a Senior Associate in the Sydney office of Mallesons, specialising in banking and finance with a particular focus on project finance. He advises international and domestic banks, project sponsors, and major corporates on a broad range of complex financing transactions. Frank is qualified as a solicitor in New South Wales, England and Wales, and Hong Kong, and as an attorney in New York. Prior to practising in Sydney, he spent five years in Hong Kong at a Magic Circle law firm. Born in Shanghai, Frank moved to Melbourne in 2014. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne (2016) and a Bachelor of Laws from East China University of Political Science and Law (2013).

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankyifanwang

GAVIN GAN

Gavin Gan graduated from the School of Law at Sun Yat-sen University and later obtained an LLM from University College London. Since 2016, he has worked as a lawyer at Rouse International, which is recognised as a global intellectual property leader and has an office in Melbourne. His practice focuses on helping overseas clients protect and enforce their intellectual property rights in China, including copyright, trade marks, patents, etc. The clients he serves are mainly Fortune 500 multi-national companies, and his recent client includes Smiggle, an Australian brand based in Melbourne. In addition, Gavin has led cross-border intellectual property enforcement projects for Chinese companies seeking to protect their rights overseas, covering Europe, South East Asia and Australia. With solid international legal experience, he hopes to contribute to stronger legal exchange and practical co-operation between China and Australia, and to support businesses from both countries in navigating cross-border legal challenges.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-gan-25154684/

Georgia Sands

Georgia Sands is a senior lawyer working in the pro bono practice area of Allens, a leading Australian law firm. Her work is focussed on assisting vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community to access free legal assistance, in areas of law including discrimination, human rights, tenancy and financial abuse. Georgia recently completed her Master of Laws at University of Melbourne, following her undergraduate qualifications in Law, Mandarin and French. She previously practiced as a competition and consumer lawyer. Georgia was National President of the Australia-China Youth Association (ACYA) and led the development of ACYA's flagship conference initiative for university students, the Australia-China Emerging Leaders Summit.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiasands

Guangyi Pan

Dr. Guangyi Pan is a Lecturer in International Political Studies at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, UNSW Canberra. His research primarily focuses on asymmetric politics, China's foreign policy, Indo-Pacific security, and Australia-China relationship.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guangyi-pan-4b88b51a3

Han Liu

Dr Han Liu is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Melbourne, where her research focuses on advanced medical imaging for musculoskeletal disorders and their diagnosis, progression, and treatment. Her work has given her a strong appreciation of the potential for Australia–China collaboration in biomedical research and med-tech, as well as the barriers that can limit cross-border knowledge exchange. Dr Liu is passionate about building connections between researchers, institutions, and emerging leaders across Australia and China. Through ACYD, she hopes to contribute a perspective grounded in science and innovation while exploring how stronger bilateral networks can support academic, clinical, and technological collaboration. She is particularly interested in creating opportunities for young researchers to engage across borders and disciplines. Beyond her research, Dr Liu enjoys connecting with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. She looks forward to contributing to the ACYD community and building lasting relationships with fellow delegates.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/han-liu-354ab6270

Horace Chan

Horace Chan is a technology entrepreneur and communication researcher working at the intersection of AI, commerce, and society. Based in Hong Kong, he draws on experience building and scaling ventures across East Asia to lead Bubstal, where he serves as COO, developing infrastructure for cross border digital commerce. Horace brings a distinctive founder’s perspective, having navigated startups from early stage fundraising through product development, operations, and market entry across Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, China, and Japan, while expanding into Southeast Asia and the Middle East. These experiences have given him a grounded understanding of how regulation, capital, technology, and cultural differences shape cross border ventures in practice. Alongside entrepreneurship, Horace is an MPhil researcher at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, examining technology, media, and society. Through ACYD, he hopes to explore how Australia and China can move beyond trade towards building together through entrepreneurship, innovation, and practical cross border collaboration.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/horacecmc

Jacob Davidson

Jacob Davidson is the founder and CEO of Figjam & Co, a Brisbane-based First Nations catering and food business bringing native Australian ingredients, contemporary cuisine and cultural storytelling together. With more than 12 years’ experience across the Australian food and native foods industries, Jacob is passionate about creating sustainable economic opportunities through food, culture and enterprise. His work focuses on increasing awareness and appreciation of First Nations ingredients while creating pathways for First Nations businesses to participate in domestic and international markets. Jacob is also developing Figjam Collections, expanding opportunities for native Australian food products across retail, wholesale and export markets. In 2026, Jacob was selected as an Asialink First Nations Fellow, reflecting his commitment to strengthening connections between First Nations Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. He is particularly interested in cultural exchange, international trade and using food to build meaningful connections between communities, cultures and economies.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-davidson-bne

Jason Wang

Jason Wang is a commercial barrister in Australia. His work includes matters involving Chinese individuals and companies, as well as Australian clients engaged in business with China. Jason holds an MSc in Law and Finance from the University of Oxford and is currently completing a PhD at the University of Queensland examining the use of artificial intelligence in courts. He has previously lived and worked in Hong Kong and speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jawasong

JUSTIN CHUA

Justin Chua is a lawyer and mediator specialising in cross-border legal work between Australia and Greater China. At Chua Tan Associates, a Melbourne firm serving clients across both jurisdictions since 1990, he is a trusted advisor to prominent Chinese Australian families and their enterprises on cross-border transactions, litigation, separation, estates and succession. He also advises Chinese charities and community associations across Australia on governance and succession. Justin is a Nationally Accredited Mediator, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Family Law Arbitrator, Parenting Coordinator and Accredited Family Business Advisor, mediating family, civil and commercial disputes on panels including the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and the Land Court of Queensland. Fluent in English and Mandarin, he guides clients to fair, confidential and commercially sound outcomes. He is the founder of the Chinese Australian Dispute Resolution Centre and the Chinese Australian Lawyers Network, and is committed to deepening Australia-China dialogue and understanding.

LinkedIn profile: https://au.linkedin.com/in/justinchuatanassociates

Michael Tian

Michael Tian is an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion professional at Monash University, where he works on initiatives that create more inclusive workplaces and support diverse staff communities. Originally from China, Michael has built his education and career in Australia, completing a Master of Banking and Finance at Monash University after studying Logistics Management in China. His professional experience spans higher education, student engagement, career development and inclusion, with a strong focus on creating opportunities for students and young people from diverse backgrounds. Michael is also a former Monash Global Student Ambassador and has been recognised for his leadership and contribution to the university and broader community. He is passionate about strengthening Australia–China connections through education, professional exchange and people-to-people engagement, and is particularly interested in how young Australians and Chinese Australians can contribute to a more connected and mutually understanding relationship between the two countries.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-shuchang-tian-a09b581a2

Michelle Chuang

Michelle Chuang (莊明雪) is a Sydney-based local government and healthcare leader committed to strengthening multicultural participation, community representation and people-to-people connections across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. Michelle serves as a Councillor at Willoughby City Council, representing one of Sydney’s most culturally diverse communities. Her leadership focuses on community engagement, multicultural inclusion, local economic development and ensuring diverse voices are represented in public decision-making. She also serves as an Executive Board Member of the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC). Alongside public service, Michelle is a healthcare Practice Manager and contributes to professional leadership within the healthcare sector. Having lived, studied and worked across Australia, Taiwan, Japan and China, she brings a distinctly cross-cultural perspective to her work. Fluent across several Asian languages, Michelle is passionate about building meaningful connections between communities and developing the next generation of culturally capable leaders.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clr-michelle-chuang

Michelle Jiang

Michelle Jiang is a Sydney-based AI founder, podcast host and community builder working at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship and cross-cultural collaboration. She is the founder of Calnova, an AI service helping SMEs apply AI to marketing and customer acquisition, and the host of Australian Founder Conversations, a podcast documenting founder stories and business practices from Australia. She also leads a 200+ member founder and operator community. Before moving to Australia in 2024, Michelle spent 12 years in product and technology roles at Meituan, Alibaba and Microsoft. She holds an MBA from UC Berkeley Haas, where she co-led the Berkeley China Summit and later served on its Board, and a B.Sc. in Psychology from Fudan University. Michelle is passionate about strengthening Australia-China connections through technology, entrepreneurship, media and community-building, and creating opportunities for founders and businesses from both countries to understand and collaborate with one another.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beixuan

NORA Liu

Nora works at the intersection of cultural insight, technology and cross-border business. With a career spanning Melbourne, Beijing and Hong Kong, she draws on experience in consumer research, China market strategy and B2B technology marketing to turn complex ideas into practical business outcomes. At Queue Associates, a global Microsoft Solutions Partner, Nora leads APAC B2B marketing initiatives, helping organisations modernise enterprise systems and workflows, adopt AI and build workforce capability through practical training. Previously, she advised leading international brands on China market strategy, helping them understand how Chinese consumers interpret global ideas and translate that insight into locally relevant concepts and commercial decisions. Born in Beijing, Nora moved to Melbourne during her formative years. A previous ACYD session moderator, she is interested in cultural exchange, intercultural communication and how bicultural talent can strengthen business and people-to-people connections between Australia and China.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nl77

Sindy Yuen

Sindy Yuen is an experienced public policy professional based in Melbourne, Australia, with experience contributing to the work of the Victorian Government across multiple disciplines for over 10 years. She is currently the Director of Sport and Entertainment Precincts within the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, leading a team to advise the Victorian Government on strategic policy matters related to the State's sporting precincts and investments. Sindy has previously held various senior roles across the Victorian Public Service, including roles within the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and is experienced in the provision of strategic fiscal advice. Sindy holds an Honours degree in Commerce (Economics) from Monash University, with Economics and Finance majors through her Bachelor's degree.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nga-sin-sindy-yuen-7a07026a?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android

Sunny Huang

Sunny Huang leads the Prep to Year 12 Languages team across four schools and two campuses at one of Australia’s leading independent schools. In 2025, she proposed and led the College’s inaugural China study tour. Passionate about language teaching and learning, Sunny inspires individuals from diverse backgrounds to discover their interests, build on their strengths, and strive for excellence. She finds great joy in seeing students deepen their understanding of Chinese culture and ways of life. While studying at the University of Melbourne, Sunny was involved in research examining the experiences of Chinese migrants in Victoria. She also undertook fieldwork across several regions of China, focusing on the rise of e-commerce, and participated in an exchange program at the University of Hong Kong. During her Master of Teaching, Sunny served as National Education Director at the Australia-China Youth Association (ACYA), empowering young people from Australia and China to connect, share perspectives, and engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchange through a range of initiatives.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-huang

Tai Lang

Tai Lang is a mining professional and researcher with experience across mining operations, resource management and mine sustainability in China and Australia. He holds a First Class Honours degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New South Wales and a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering from Curtin University’s Western Australian School of Mines. His research focuses on the sustainability of large-scale mining operations and mine waste management, with an emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint and improving the efficiency of mining operations. Through his industry and research experience, Tai has participated in Australia–China collaboration across the resources and energy sectors, particularly in technological innovation and the green transformation of mining. He is passionate about connecting industry, research and professionals across cultures. As a delegate of the 16th ACYD, Tai hopes to contribute to strengthening Australia–China cooperation and building connections between the two countries in the resources sector and its transition towards a more sustainable future.

LinkedIn profile: https://linkedin.com/in/tai-lang-730646191

Ting Fu

Dr Ting Fu is an early-career Research Fellow at Monash University, with a career spanning pharmaceutical science and industry across China and Australia. She began her scientific training at Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, developing a foundation in pharmaceutical science and an interest in natural medicines. She then worked in the pharmaceutical industry in China as a Medical Science Liaison, connecting international pharmaceutical companies with local hospital clinicians. Seeking broader exposure to modern biomedical research and drug discovery, Ting moved to Australia to complete a Master of Biomedical Science at the University of Melbourne and Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, followed by a PhD in Drug Discovery Biology at Monash University. Ting is passionate about building connections across cultures, disciplines and communities and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange between China and Australia. She was an Organising Committee member of the World Congress of Pharmacology satellite meeting “From Nature to Medicine”, bringing researchers from both countries together.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ting-fu-69478039b

Tyson Taylor

Tyson Taylor is a dual serving Australian Operational Fire Rescue Leader and Army Officer to which he has served for twenty years across the globe, primarily within the humanitarian and disaster relief operational environment throughout Asia. Tyson is heavily engaged and focussed on the Australian China relationship which has seen him further his academic studies including a Chinese International Business Law Degree and Asia centric studies including being a graduate of the Asialink, The Asia Society and is an active Australian China Mentor via UNSW, Executive Committee roles of the AustCham Greater China Business Council and has recently been awarded an Enrichment Scholarship to study and advance his Mandarin at the National Taiwan University in-conjunction as a visiting fellow at Asia’s largest Emergency Disaster Training Centre in Taiwan. Tyson aims to be a future senior Chief supporting China & Greater Asia Region in support of Humanitarian and Disaster Relief.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chief-tyson-taylor%F0%9F%A7%91%E2%80%8D%F0%9F%9A%92%F0%9F%8C%B4%F0%9F%87%A6%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8-741aa3267

Wei (Emma) Zhang

Wei (Emma) Zhang is a Principal Analyst leading the Analytics team within the Victorian Department of Health, specialising in the analysis and interpretation of complex healthcare datasets. As a Health Data leader and Registered Nurse based in Australia, Emma is passionate about using data and evidence to support strategic planning, policy development and service improvement initiatives across the health sector. After migrating from China to Australia 13 years ago, Emma began her career in clinical settings before transitioning into government, where she has contributed to strengthening the healthcare system through a unique combination of clinical expertise and analytical capability. Her diverse experience enables her to bridge the gap between frontline healthcare delivery and data-driven decision-making. Emma is a strategic thinker and is actively developing her leadership capabilities to create greater impact for the health sector and the communities it serves.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-zhang-b09855a9

Xu He

Dr Xu He is a sport management researcher and Australia–China engagement practitioner working across sport, sustainability, higher education, and talent development. His research focuses on organisational leadership, governance, and environmental sustainability in sport, with a particular interest in their relevance to Australia–China engagement.
Beyond academia, Xu has been actively involved in Australia–China education, youth, and sport engagement. He has supported international student initiatives, contributed to projects supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR), assisted Chinese universities with recruitment and exchange activities in Australia, and more recently supported local government initiatives in China focused on connecting with overseas doctoral graduates and professionals.
With experience spanning research, community engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration, Xu is particularly interested in building practical, people-to-people connections between Australia and China through sport, education, sustainability, and emerging talent. He hopes to bring a grounded and collaborative perspective to ACYD.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xu-joey-h-a96aab193

Yang TIAN

Dr Yang Tian is an Australia–China engagement and global partnerships leader at Monash University, working across advanced manufacturing, research, industry and international collaboration. As Centre Manager of the Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing (MCAM), he leads strategic partnerships and major initiatives connecting world-class research with industry, government and international partners. Yang’s work sits at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and research translation, spanning aerospace, space, defence, healthcare and industrial innovation. Through MCAM, he has contributed to an internationally recognised innovation ecosystem associated with breakthroughs including the world’s first 3D-printed jet engine, life-changing patient-specific medical implants and sovereign Australian space technologies. He also leads international research and industry collaborations, with a strong focus on building enduring partnerships between Australia and China. Beyond Monash, Yang serves on the Board of the Australia Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce and as Vice President of its Youth Chamber, strengthening connections across business, innovation and the broader Australia–China community.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yang-tian-aa8751109

ANNA (YANGYANG) LI

Anna is a Shenzhen-born, Sydney-raised cross-cultural growth leader working across technology, emerging markets and youth culture. She currently leads integrated marketing for OnePlus/OPPO across India and other international markets, with a focus on translating global ideas into locally meaningful experiences. Previously, Anna worked across African markets on music marketing, where her time on the ground deepened her interest in how culture, trust and opportunity shape the way people engage with technology and brands. She holds an MBA degree from AGSM at UNSW as well as a bachelor's degree in Design and Commerce also from UNSW. Having lived and worked across Australia, China, and Africa, Anna is particularly interested in how empathy, cultural intelligence and human connection can shape more responsible forms of growth. Outside work, she has played the violin for 21 years and maintains a strong interest in art, music, design and the ways people connect across cultures.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annayangyangli

Yijia WANG

Yijia Wang is an entrepreneurial manager, creative producer, and podcast host based in Melbourne, Australia, holding a Master’s degree from the University of Melbourne. Yijia is a dedicated advocate for cultural diversity and female empowerment. She serves as the co-founder and operational manager of Loading Zone Comedy (候场喜剧), a leading bilingual comedy brand in Australia that bridges diverse communities through live stand-up comedy and cross-cultural stage arts. She is also the creator and host of “Thus She Spoke”, a podcast dedicated to documenting professional women’s development, career transitions, and cross-cultural identity stories. As a mother of two and a former stage performer turned creative producer, Yijia leverages commercial management and creative storytelling to build meaningful bridges for Australia-China cultural exchange and community enrichment.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yijia-wang

Ziyang Zou

Dr Ziyang Zou is a Senior Researcher at the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), where his work focuses on population and migration, productivity, the net zero transition, digital transformation, and regional governance. He has contributed to major research and policy publications on regional Australia's economic and social development. Ziyang holds a PhD in Human Geography from UNSW, where he examined the impacts of big data and digitalisation in China. He also holds a Master of Economics from Shandong University and a Bachelor of Finance from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics. His previous research experience includes work on data policy and regulation at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, as well as fieldwork on household finance and rural development in China. His academic and professional experience across China and Australia has shaped a strong interest in comparative regional development and the ways communities adapt to economic, technological, and environmental change.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziyang-zou