James Tang

Executive Director

James has been passionate about bridging language and cultural divides between Australia and China since his university studies in Hangzhou (2007) and Taipei (2009). His deep interest in China and his cultural heritage led him to work as a consultant in Beijing from 2013 to 2017, advising major mining clients at RPMGlobal.

Currently, James specialises in the commercialisation and adoption of emerging technologies. He has built and scaled his own VR gaming company internationally and has supported blue-chip mining companies in developing investment cases for automation software and autonomous haulage solutions to improve operational productivity.

James’s professional journey in Australia has been equally diverse. He has worked as a mechanical engineer with Rio Tinto in the Pilbara, a senior management consultant with Deloitte, and corporate development principal and executive consultant at Fortescue.

Born in Australia and raised in Perth, James holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), a Bachelor of Arts (Chinese), and an MBA from the University of Western Australia. He has been a proud member of the ACYD management team since 2016.

GABRIELA POWELL THOMAS

Curation Manager

Gabriela is a postgraduate student at The Australian National University College of Asia and the Pacific, with a regional specialisation in China and Chinese language.

Gabriela completed her Bachelor degree majoring in languages at the University of Sydney in 2020. As part of her degree she undertook language exchanges at Peking University (China), Leipzig University (Germany), and Rikkyo University (Japan). She was awarded several language prizes and scholarships during her undergraduate studies, including second place in the NSW Chinese Bridge competition in 2019, for which she was selected to attend the 18 the Chinese Bridge Summer Camp held in Changsha, Hunan. These immersive overseas experiences fostered Gabriela’s interest in China, the Asia-Pacific region, and Australia’s relationship with its near neighbours.

Gabriela is currently a tutor of Chinese language and Asian economies at The Australian National University. Outside of university, she enjoys reading, playing cards with friends, and basketball. She graduated from the Conservatorium High School in Violin and Voice and continues to enjoy playing music.

Matthew Ngamurarri Heffernan

Technology Manager 

Matthew Ngamurarri Heffernan is a Pintupi-Luritja creative-technologist, ANU PhD candidate, and writer from central Australia. He is a champion of sharing Indigenous voices through technology and has worked extensively to share and conserve the knowledge of Indigenous peoples.

Matthew was the software developer for Kaytetyemoji, and the Android iteration of Indigemoji, Australia’s first brand of Indigenous emojis designed by young Indigenous children and guided by Elders on country.

Matthew is also recently a co-writer alongside multi-disciplinary Cantonese artist Roshelle Fong on the Melbourne Theatre Company’s commissioned and produced show “The Robot Dog”. The Robot Dog will be part of the 2025 Melbourne Theatre Comapny’s program and presented in association with Asia-Topa.

Joyce zhou

Partnerships Manager

Joyce Zhuo is a consultant at PwC China, where she focuses on strategy and market development across the Greater Bay Area. Prior to joining PwC, she held a strategic development role at a listed Australian education technology company, leading cross-border initiatives and supporting business expansion across finance, technology, education, and the creative industries.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Diploma in Music from the University of Melbourne, and a Master of Digital Law from Monash University. Joyce currently serves as China Head of the Australia-China Young Professionals Initiatives (ACYPI), promoting bilateral business collaboration and cultural exchange. She is also an accomplished cross-disciplinary pianist and educator, having collaborated with internationally renowned musicians and contributed to performances, masterclasses, and adjudication in both China and Australia. Outside of work, Joyce is passionate about half-marathons, golf, and baking.

Melissa Wolsley findlay

Communications Manager 

Melissa’s background is international education. After thriving in International Business and Management at university, she channelled her passion into education, completing a post graduate teaching degree. Melissa created Business in Asia subjects for students in her early career and then developed commerce study tours of China for senior secondary students.

After completing a Master of Education (Studies of Asia), Melissa now helps oversee the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) in schools Malaysia and China, runs international study tours for students, and Transnational conferences for educators to teach the VCE offshore.

Melissa was a delegate at ACYD in 2016, volunteered with Australian China Youth Association for 5 years, and is now delighted to be in the ACYD management team.

LUCY JIN

Alumni and Delegate Experience Manager

Lucy Jin was born in Shanghai and grew up in Australia since 7 years old. She has deep experience in Financial Services with a career spanning across Strategy, Transformation, Sales and Operations. She is currently an Executive Manager at Westpac Banking Corporation leading the Strategy and Planning Team in Global Operations.

She is an entrepreneurial spirited individual who is passionate in leveraging her muti-disciplinary and multi-cultural background to positively impact the future through partnerships and collaboration. Her key areas of interest include trade, investment, art, sustainability, technology, and education.

In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, sports and learning about new technologies. She speaks four languages including English, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.

Jessie hu

Treasury Manager

Jessie Hu is currently a finance business partner at Paragon Care, where she works closely with senior leadership to drive strategic business improvements & performance initiatives. Prior to this, she kickstarted her career with KPMG Sydney - working on a diversified portfolio of clients, ranging from ASX-listed entities and financial service companies to not-for-profit organisations.

Born and raised in China, she came to Australia in 2013 to pursue a Master of Professional Accounting degree at the University of Sydney. Her passion for strengthening people’s connections from diverse backgrounds enriched her university life and later career. She was an active member within KPMG’s Asian Female League and China Club - supporting others in career advancement, helping to strengthen cross-border relations between Australia and China. She is also an industry mentor at the University of Sydney Business School.

Jessie was a delegate at Hobart 2022. The experience inspired her to return as a treasury associate and contribute towards creating this opportunity for more future emerging leaders from different industries to connect.

During her remaining spare time, she wields a dragon-boat paddle and climbs rock.

Siyuan Yu

Communication & Logistics Manager (China)

Siyuan Yu is a licensed attorney in both China and New York State, currently practising at Zhong Lun Law Firm, one of China's leading law firms. She advises international clients, particularly foreign investors, on a wide range of legal matters, including corporate law, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), intellectual property, data and cybersecurity compliance, and cross-border dispute resolution. 

Siyuan is a passionate advocate for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. With a strong interest in sustainability and responsible business practices, she is actively engaged in exploring how legal frameworks can support ESG goals and contribute to long-term value creation.  

In 2024, Siyuan was selected as a delegate to the 14th Australia-China Youth Dialogue (ACYD), where she was dedicated to contributing to discussions on sustainability, innovation, and bilateral cooperation. Through her participation, she aims to deepen mutual understanding between states and to promote constructive dialogue on shared challenges where legal insight can play a transformative role.