We are excited to host the ACYD in Guangzhou for the first time, from Friday November 21st to Monday November 24th 2025. As we explore the overarching theme of Building Resilience in Uncertainty, we will spend one day exploring each of the following topics: Geopolitics, Trade and Investment, Innovation & Disruption, and Soft Power Diplomacy. This year’s dialogue will bring together people from a range of backgrounds and expertise, to engage in panel sessions and interactive activities as we deep dive into the bilateral relationship.
Overarching theme: Building Resilience in Uncertainty
As Australia–China relations move beyond a period of restabilisation, the focus turns to how both countries can strengthen their capacity to adapt and thrive amid shifting global realities. Increasing fragmentation in international systems, evolving markets, and rapid technological change are reshaping the context in which collaboration takes place.
This year’s dialogue will explore how resilience can be built through innovation, inclusive growth, and stronger people-to-people and community connections. By considering how uncertainty can be a key space for creativity, adaptation, and learning, delegates and experts across a range of sectors will engage in conversations about new approaches to sustaining collaboration and confidence in an unpredictable world.
What is the ACYD?
The Australia-China Youth Dialogue is the preeminent inter-disciplinary early to mid-career leaders’ dialogue between Australia and Greater China with an alumni community of more than 400 members. Every year, 30 outstanding Australian and Chinese citizens between the ages of 25-40 years participate in a track-II diplomatic dialogue hosted in either Australia or China.
The ACYD aims to strengthen existing ties and build cooperation to support and deepen understanding of Australia and China; the value of the bilateral relationship and the extensive people-to-people links that exist between the two countries.
The ACYD’s alumni are leaders across a wide range of professions – policymakers, analysts, senior managers, creatives, academics and entrepreneurs. With their experience and expertise, they are making outstanding contributions to strengthening bilateral communication, connections, and collaboration. They lead the future of Australia-China relations.
In our 15th anniversary year, we are pleased to present the delegates of the ACYD 2025:
Amy Lin — Change Manager | Sydney Opera House
Ariel Chen — Manager, Strategic Initiatives | AllJoy Tech
Benson Saulo — Managing Partner | First Australians Capital
Bree Sipavicius — Head of Procurement | BHP
Catherine Lou — Research Discipline Lead | Victoria University; Global Vice Chair | Women in Logistics and Transport
Chi Cheong Wong (黃智昌) — Trainer, Global AI Network | United Nations University
Corbin Duncan — Global Correspondent | The Economist
Cosimo Thawley — Minister-Counsellor & Senior Treasury Representative, Southeast Asia | Australian Treasury
Shelly Sun — Principal Solicitor & Founder | Sunsoils Legal
Elliott Clutterbuck — Executive Director & Senior Counsel | Goldman Sachs
Yingcheng (Elsa) Shao — Senior Strategy Manager | Woolworths Group
Gabi Powell Thomas — Senior Consultant | Nous Group
Haolan Wang (王浩岚) — Research Associate | Asia Society Policy Institute
Jack Growden — Founder & Chief Executive Officer | LiteHaus International
Jerome Huang (黄潮涌) — Founder | VVS Jewellery
Julian Su — Portfolio & Asset Management | Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Lachlan Thomas-Walters — Associate | King & Wood Mallesons (KWM)
Leo Zeng — Head of International Cooperation | Hainan Free Trade Port Eco-Tech Park
Lisa Visentin — North Asia Correspondent | Sydney Morning Herald/The Age
Mengfei (Annie) Liang (梁孟菲) — IP Lawyer & Client manager | Rouse
Michael Ouzas — CEO | AFL China
Peng Wang (王鹏) — Research Fellow | Huazhong University of Science & Technology (HUST)
Qiuping Pan (潘秋萍) — Lecturer & Deputy Director | University of Melbourne
Shuai He (何帅) — Senior Research Associate | UNSW
Tahl Kean — Policy Advisor | Austrade
Yingxuan Chen (陈映旋) — Founder | Microcosmos Volunteer Community
Yohan Heng Yu (余珩) | Assistant Vice President, International Sports & Cultural Partnerships — Yoywow Co., Ltd
Zack Chen (陈泽坤) — Principal China Sales | Fortescue
Zhang Shu (张舒) — Of Counsel | King & Wood Mallesons (KWM)
Zhuoling Tian (田卓灵) — Lecturer | Wuhan University
Read more about our delegates here: 15th ACYD Delegates — The Australia-China Youth Dialogue