Griffith University’s alumni community can boast eight remarkable finalists are in the running for awards at this year’s ACAA in China on 24 November.
The awards, founded in 2009, recognise the incredible achievements of Australian university graduates based in China and has expanded this year to include alumni in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
Griffith’s award finalists have excelled in a wide range of professions and industries including hospitality and tourism, finance, international relations, social enterprise and the arts.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S ACAA GRIFFITH ALUMNI FINALISTS:
Mr David Quah | Australian China Alumni Award for the Arts and Creative Industries Finalist
Winner of the coveted Marianne Mathy Australian Singing Competition, David Quah made his professional debut singing Don Ottavio in Mozart’s Don Giovanni with Opera Queensland.
Ms Catherine (Dandan) Niu | Australian China Alumni Award for the Arts and Creative Industries Finalist
Catherine (Dandan) Niu established the Ausasia International Educational and Cultural Exchange Association, founded the Beijing Top Distinctive Art Create Co and has been a collaborator on significant art projects between China and Australia.
Prof. Cunrui Huang | Australia China Alumni Award for Research and Science Finalist
A public health research leader in climate change and health, Professor Cunrui, has produced a large volume of publications in top scientific journals and won multiple grants. He also chairs Sun Yat-sen University’s Health Policy and Management Department.
Dr Fen Guo | Australia China Alumni Award for Research and Science Finalist
Dr Fen Guo’s research focuses on how changes in land use and water quality influence the availability of high-quality sources of food for animals living in freshwater. She held a postdoctoral position at WasserCluster in Austria and continues her research in China.
Dr Jennifer Cronin | Australian China Alumni Award for Corporate Achievement Finalist
Building an extensive hospitality career with positions in Asia and Australia, Dr Jennifer Cronin is president of Wharf Hotels, a premium hotel company with 15 hotels in China, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Mr Jon Pedersen | Young Australia China Alumni of the Year Award Finalist
A social innovator, Mr Pedersen is the co-owner and co-founder of Eji Jewellery and co-owner of several social ventures, including Foundation for Shared Impact and Volentos.
Ms Julie-Anne Nichols | Australian Ambassador’s Alumni Award for Women in Leadership Finalist
Ms Julie-Anne Nichols is the Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner for Hong Kong and Macau, and for the past 17 years has been dedicated to leading and fostering international business, trade and investment partnerships between Australia and Greater China.
Dr William Chen | Australia China Alumni Award for Banking and Finance Finalist
A leader in Hong Kong and China’s food and beverage sector, Dr Chen has more than 20 years’ financial and business management experience. He is the general manager of dessert chain, Hui Lau Shan, and has been at the helm of the company’s incredible growth and expansion.