Swinburne alumni shine at Australia China Alumni Awards

Three Swinburne alumni have been recognised in the 2025 Australia China Alumni Awards which honours the outstanding achievements of alumni and brings together leaders, innovators and influential figures from both nations. 

Master of Business Management and PhD alum, Dr Wesa Chau, won the Community Service Award for her social advocacy work. In addition, Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education alum Yuqing Xia won the All-Rounder Student Award for her dedication to academic and social endeavours. 

A third Swinburne alumni, Bachelor of Business graduate Qiao Xie, was a finalist for a Women in Leadership award and will attend an upcoming ceremony in Beijing.  

We spoke to both winners about what motivates and inspires them.

Dr Wesa Chau: Building a fair and equitable Australia

Dr Wesa Chau’s award recognises her work in developing a stronger relationship between Australia and China, driven by her desire for a fair and equitable Australia. 

What do you do currently for work? 
I am currently the Executive Director for Per Capita, an independent public policy think tank that has long been a champion of policy and rigorous research to fight inequality to achieve social justice. It is a privilege to be able to contribute these values into policies that shape our economy and society.

Can you tell us a bit about your career experience? 
I am on the advisory board of the National Foundation for Australia–China Relations (DFAT), where I am involved in making decisions on funding projects that build closer ties between Australia and China. For example, projects that reinforce social cohesion by engaging Chinese-Australians, showcasing their contributions and strengthening their voice and agency. 

Previously, I was CEO of Cultural Intelligence, a specialised consulting company focusing on helping organisations to become more culturally aware and inclusive to people of diverse backgrounds. 

How did your time at Swinburne prepare you for your career? 
My PhD thesis was on political skills, which are vital in a think tank to communicate ideas and bring people on board to support policies. My Master of Business Management has given me solid foundations in governance, leadership and financial management.

What drives your desire to build a more inclusive and connected world? 
Having experienced inequality in my own life, I want to help create a society where everyone has the same opportunities, and where we can provide a leg up for those who face barriers. My passion is to ensure that people from all walks of life feel valued and included, and that our systems are inclusive to different needs. I also believe that inclusion is not just about fairness — it makes our society stronger. Building a more connected world means recognising our shared humanity while celebrating the richness of our differences.

Yuqing Xia: Pursuing educational and cultural leadership 

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education alum, Yuqing, aspires to be an early childhood teacher who nurtures children’s confidence, curiosity and love for learning and contributes to improving quality standards across the sector. 

What does it mean to you to win this award?  
It is deeply meaningful to me and motivates me to continue striving for excellence while contributing positively to both my professional community and wider society.

What were the highlights of your studies at Swinburne?  
One of the highlights was the opportunity to integrate theory with practice during my internship. This experience allowed me to observe how educational frameworks were implemented in real classroom settings and how children’s voices were valued through exploration and play. The most rewarding aspect was witnessing children’s natural curiosity and having the opportunity to guide and extend their learning in meaningful and authentic ways.

What community work are you involved in? 
I have contributed to Chinese-language theatre productions and produced an Australian-based Chinese-language web series, which serves as a bridge for cultural exchange between Chinese and Australian communities. This offers young people and families opportunities to see their heritage reflected in the arts, while also fostering broader community understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.