About AAS
About AAS
Australian Alumni in Singapore
Australian Universities
Singaporeans studying in Australian Universities annually
Australian Alumni Chapters in Singapore
WHO WE ARE
The Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS) is the national umbrella organisation for the 200,000 Singaporean or Singapore-based graduates of Australian universities. With the patronage of the Australian High Commission and the ex-President of Singapore, AAS aims to promote friendship and goodwill amongst graduates and members of various tertiary and professional institutions from Australia.
Since 1955, AAS has created a platform that forges closer business, social and cultural links between Singapore and Australia – alliances that enhance professional and leadership opportunities for Australian alumni who are based in Singapore.
OUR HISTORY
In 1955, a small group of returned graduates from Australia, with the esprit de corps to establish a forum to interact and forge a close link between Singapore and Australia, founded the Australian Alumni Singapore under the leadership of the founder President, Mr Michael Fam Yu Onn. Since it’s inception, the Australian Alumni Singapore has grown into a well-established graduate organisation.
Through the years, thousands of students have gone to Australia to receive higher education and returned to join the ranks of successful professionals instrumental to the present development of the Republic into a modern and sophisticated centre of communication and commerce. Many of the returned graduates who, at one time or another, were actively associated with the Alumni are today Government Ministers, community leaders, and prominent figures playing vital roles in Government, Public Service and Private Sectors, responsible for the continued progress of our young nation.
The Australian Alumni Singapore, through the uniting efforts of it founders and successive office-bearers, and the enthusiasm and support of the Australian High Commission, has not only forged a close link to promote goodwill and understanding of each other’s social, economic and cultural values, but also formed an important part of the fabric of relationships between the peoples and professionals of the two countries.
OUR OBJECTIVES
- To provide platforms for Australian Alumni to meet together
- To strengthen people to people ties between Australia and Singapore
- To further the legitimate and collective interests of its members
- To promote professional growth and development of its members
- To promote networking and friendship with members and the business community
- To provide goodwill between Singapore and Australia
AAS works closely with the Australian High Commission, the office of the President of Singapore, Australian Universities, and their respective Alumni Associations and Chapters in order to achieve these objectives.
MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY DR TONY TAN KENG YAM
Ex-President of the Republic of Singapore
Patron of AAS
Since its establishment in 1955, the Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS) has evolved and grown to be one of the leading alumni organisations in Singapore. Under the competent leadership of its Management Committee and the strong support of the Australian High Commission, the membership of AAS has seen phenomenal growth in recent years and its activities are well attended by members. Through these efforts, the AAS helps promote goodwill and understanding among Singaporeans and Australians.
Singapore and Australia share a special relationship built on long-standing ties and mutual trust. The two countries enjoy strong political, economic and people-to-people ties, which will be further strengthened with the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The work of AAS adds another important dimension to the lasting friendship between Singapore and Australia.
I would like to congratulate the AAS on its many achievements. Starting this year, the AAS will be implementing its new 2017-2019 Strategic Plan and the supporting digital initiatives. I am confident that these plans will bring AAS to the next level.
H.E. Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
Ex-President of the Republic of Singapore
Patron of Australian Alumni Singapore
MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY HON ALLASTER COX
Australian High Commissioner to Singapore
Patron of the AAS
It is my pleasure to join as a Patron of the Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS). Since 1955 the AAS has evolved to becoming one of the leading alumni organisations in Singapore. Political and economic ties are important, but the Australia-Singapore people-to-people ties form the bedrock of our bilateral relationship,
Even in the face of a challenging few years as a result of the pandemic, it is wonderful to see under the leadership of the AAS’ Management Committee significant membership growth and continued engagement and increasing numbers of partner universities as well as social media growth. My warmest congratulations to the AAS for its many successes.
2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the first iteration of the Singapore Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), and 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), and the 60th year of Singapore’s independence and the diplomatic ties between our two countries. Established in 1955, the AAS predates formal Australia-Singapore ties – 68 years and going strong. A testament to the potential and leadership of the AAS.
The Australian High Commission in Singapore greatly values the AAS’s contribution to Australia’s local and regional engagement. I look forward to working with the AAS in my capacity as Australia’s High Commission to Singapore. To not only continue forging our close links and promoting friendship and understanding between our two nations, but also to advance the prospects of all members in Singapore and beyond.
His Excellency Allaster Cox
Australian High Commissioner to Singapore
Patron of Australian Alumni Singapore
AAS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
69th Annual Report of AAS
27 March, 2024
Honourable Guest of Honour and AAS Patron H.E. Allaster Cox, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, Members, AAS Council of Advisors, Partners, and Members of AAS Management Committee.
It is my honour to welcome you all to the 69th AGM of Australian Alumni Singapore, the first AGM at the Residence in a quite a while. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to H.E. Allaster and Ms. Susila for opening the door to their wonderful residence and acknowledge the staff at the Australian High Commission for making all the arrangemeints for today’s evening.
Founded in 1955, the AAS platform that we have collectively built over the past 69 years has played an ever-important role in building closer business, social and cultural ties between Singapore and Australia.
During covid we embarked on a journey to reinvent AAS to enhance our relevance to the changing needs of our ecosystem – our members, our partners, and the community.
The changing demographics of our members and the changing behaviours and other external catalysts also meant that we had to rethink about how we add value to our members. We launched new initiatives, expanded new partnerships, and invested further in building our capabilities to engage and enable our members.
We have seen results of those transformative initiatives over the past couple of years. This wouldn’t have been possible without the constant feedback, support, and encouragement from our Patrons, Council of Advisors, our members, and our partners.
Talking about results, since we last met we have grown not just purely on memberships but also through our engagements and solidified our financial positions.
⁃ We expanded our Partner University program to 1 new university while maintaining partner university status of the incumbents
⁃ We also onboarded 2 new sponsors while retaining sponsorship relationship with the existing sponsors
⁃ We added another 200+ memberships primarily attributed to our partner university agreements expanding our database to over 5300
⁃ We organised over 13 events and activities including networking events, business, talks community engagement activities, interest group get togethers, and more. We also organised our very successful AAS 68th Anniversary Gala Dinner which was attended by over 450 members.
⁃ Our social media strategy which we established 2 years ago has helped us expand our presence, build awareness and reach and drive engagement through our social media channels. We saw a growth of nearly 15% over the past 12 months.
⁃ We have grown from strengths to strengths in all aspects including our financial position enabling us to invest back into growth of our community.
Our Partners always played an ever-important role in ensuring our ability to expand our community further. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our long-standing partners – our Diamond Sponsor James Cook University Singapore, Gold Sponsor Lendlease, Silver Sponsor Victoria Global Trade and Investment, Trust Capital Advisors and CPA Australia.
I would also like to thank and welcome our new Gold Sponsor Australian International School and our new Silver Sponsor Investment NSW for their support and the trust they placed in us to support and further their goals.
Partner University Program accelerates the university’s ability to reach, connect and engage their alumni network. It also provides an accelerated growth path for students and new graduates through our Mentorship program, internship opportunities and exclusive job opportunities enabled through our alumni industry networks.
I would like to acknowledge our incumbent university partners Partner University Platinum – James Cook University Singapore, Partner University Gold RMIT and University of Newcastle, Partner University Silver – Macquarie University, The University of Queensland, The university of Melbourne, Federation University, Charles Sturt University, Curtin University, Monash University and University of Technology Sydney. I would also like to welcome Griffith University as Partner University Silver.
The AAS Council of Advisors have always played a crucial role in helping AAS grow, scale, and transform while staying focused on our objectives and priorities. I am extremely excited to announce that last year we onboarded Ms Holly Butler as our newest Advisor.
Ms. Holly Butler is the Victorian Deputy Commissioner to South East Asia. She will be replacing Ms. Rebecca Hall who served as AAS Advisor for over 2 years. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Ms. Rebecca Hall for her contributions to AAS.
I would like to acknowledge the AAS Management Committee for their tireless efforts and their commitment to the AAS community. Taking time out from your family, work, and social commitments to volunteer for AAS and help in the growth of this community is not easy. Let me also take this opportunity to acknowledge the AAS Management Committee as well as extend my sincere gratitude to our outgoing Management Committee Members – Ms. Nurhidayah Ekbal, Ms. Maribel Colmenarez, Mr. Richard Ngo and Mr. Girish Jagajeevan.
We had a strong year, and we achieved many milestones which all of us can be proud of. We have a huge opportunity ahead of us and I am hopeful that 2023 will be yet another momentous year for AAS.
Our strength and reach are unmatched and the opportunity we have is immense. We are stronger when we empower each other. On behalf of the Management committee, I would like to thank you for your partnership and trust you have placed in us.
Yours sincerely,
Rajaneesh Kurup
AAS President
Australian Alumni Singapore
27 March 2024
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
The AAS Code of Conduct and Ethics, adopted at the 62nd Annual General Meeting on the 28th March 2017, outlines the values and behaviours which govern our way of working. It constitutes a reference point covering all aspects of our Representatives working relationships, specifically (but not exclusively) with other AAS representatives, our Members, Universities and Partners, Governments and Regulators, Sponsors, Suppliers, and the broader AAS community.
The objective is to define the way we think, work and act at AAS to ensure we deliver against our vision and mission, in the right way. The AAS Code of Conduct and Ethic sets out the ethical and professional attitudes and behaviours expected of all AAS Representatives. AAS subscribes to this code and is committed to embedding its broad principles into its operations.
OUR CONSTITUTION
Amended by resolutions passed at the Annual General Meeting on 13 May 2020 and approved by Registrar of Societies 14 Aug 2020.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2025/26
Chair of Memberships
Mr. Francis Chua
James Cook University
Educator | Councilor | Mortgage Advisor
Co-Chair of Memberships
Ms. Elaine Chia
Monash University
Digital Finance Transformation | FP&A | Controlling | Hyperion | Global Shared Services Centre | Linkedin Community Top Voice for Budgeting & Forecasting
Chair of Sponsorship
Mr. Steven Lee
The University of Sydney
Financial Services | Business Management | Entrepreneur
Ms. Janet Stubbs
The University of Melbourne
Account Manager | Expansion, PayAsia by Deel
Chair of Partnership University
Mr. Andrew Cameron
Queensland University of Technology
Regenerative Tourism & Food Systems Consultant | Holistic Strategy for APAC | HORECA Implementation Specialists | R&D/Farm to Table and Circularity
Chair of Governance & Deputy Chair of Partner University
Mr. Hyder Gulam
University of Tasmania
General Legal Counsel
Chair of Events
Ms. Khin Ko Ko
Murdoch University
Senior Clinical Specialist @ Baxter International Inc.
Co-chair of Events
Ms. Sandy Yeung
Monash University
Private Credit and Special Situations | Accredited Director
Co-Chair of Digital
Mr. Travis Bennett
Griffith University
Marketing Strategist | Account-Based Marketing Specialist | Entrepreneur
Chair of Mentorship
Mr. Victor Tay
Curtin University
Chairman UN Global Compact M&A Advisory | Global Fund | Board Director| Sustainability | Deep Tech | Accelerator | Oxford Scholar|
Chair of CSR
Ms. Dipanti Das
James Cook University
Talent Acquisition Director | VISEO Asia & Oceania Chair of CSR | Australian Alumni Singapore
COUNCIL OF ADVISORS 2025/26
Mr Chris Cheah
Chairman of COA
Founder and Joint CEO, TrustCapital Advisors Investment Management Pte Ltd
Chris Cheah is also the Chairman of the Singapore chapter of Diplomatic Council, a unique organisation with consultative status to the United Nations combining a global think tank, a world leading business network and a charitable foundation. Chris is the President of Australian Alumni Singapore from April 2014 – March 2018. Prior to TrustCapital, he was the Head of Property Asia for ANZ Bank. Chris has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from The University of Queensland and is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Cheong Choong Kong
Dr Cheong Choong Kong is the Malaysian former Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines and former Chairman of the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation.
He is a Director of several companies, including Singapore Press Holdings Ltd, Great Eastern Holdings Ltd, Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Ltd and Overseas Assurance Corporation Ltd. He is Distinguished Australian Alumnus Award Winner 2015.
He holds a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Mathematics from the University of Adelaide in 1964 where he studied in Australia as a Colombo Plan scholar.
He also received a Master of Science (1966) and a PhD (1968) in Mathematics from Australian National University.
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Former Minister of National Development
Mah Bow Tan is a former Singaporean politician. A member of the governing People’s Action Party (PAP), he has been a Member of Parliament (MP) representing Tampines GRC from 1988 to 2015. He was a member of the Cabinet from 1991 to 2011, serving as the Minister for Communications (1991-99), Minister for the Environment (1993-95) and Minister for National Development (1999-2011).
Mr Neil Parekh
Partner and Head of Asia, Australia & New Zealand,
Tikehau Capital
Neil is a Partner and Head of Asia, Australia & New Zealand at Tikehau Capital. Prior to his current position, Neil was General Manager, Asia for National Australia Bank (NAB) where he was responsible for all business, regulatory and governance matters in the Asia region. He benefits from more than 30 years of global experience in the financial services industry in the Asia Pacific region, US and Europe with senior roles with Bank of America, Société Générale, DBS and NAB.
Besides having deep knowledge of traditional players in banking, asset and wealth management, insurance and non-bank finance companies, Mr. Parekh takes an active interest in Fintech and currently serves as a director of Elevandi (established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to expand its current fintech ecosystem), as a director of AMTD Digital and as a Board Advisor to AFIN-ASEAN Financial Innovation Network (formed by the International Finance Corporation and the MAS). He has been part of the AMTD ASEAN Solidarity Fund (set up by AFIN) and has advised on numerous investments in Fintech companies for that Fund.
Neil contributes his time as the Chairman of the International Advisory Committee for the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Singapore, as a member of the Governing Council of the Singapore Institute of Directors as well as serving on the advisory committee for James Cook University, Singapore. Mr Parekh serves on the Investment Committee for SINDA and SNM and is a former member of the Governing Council of the Association of Banks in Singapore. Previously, he served as a Vice-Chairman of SICCI, as well as a board director of Nautilus Insurance.
A Singapore Citizen, Neil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, a Master’s degree in Finance and an MBA in International Business.
Mr Loh Hoon Sun
Senior Advisor,
Phillip Securities Pte Ltd
Loh Hoon Sun, former Managing Director (now Senior Advisor) of Phillip Securities, a major Singapore stockbroking firm with operations in 16 countries, providing a wide range of financial services. He graduated with a first class honours degree in Economics from the University of Queensland, Australia. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia, Fellow of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and a Member of CFA Singapore.
He has had diverse work experience in various industries including auditing, plantation, mining, timber, oil, banking and finance. Before Phillip Securities, he was Executive Vice-President and Head of Overseas Union Bank’s Treasury and Investment Banking and Chairman of OUB Investment Management Ltd. He has served as Chairman of the Gold Exchange of Singapore, Board Member of the Singapore International Monetary Exchange, Stock Exchange of Singapore, Securities Industry Council, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and GST Board of Review. He was a Member of the IBF Standards Committee and Chairman of IBF Corporate Finance, Securities & Futures Working Group. He is also a Past President of CPA Australia, Singapore Division and Australian Alumni Singapore.
Ms Andrea Della Mattea
President
Asia Pacific
Microsoft
As President of Asia Pacific, Andrea leads Microsoft’s strategic direction and operations in the region, supporting digital acceleration across 16 countries, and driving the company’s mission of empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
She and her team enable businesses of all sizes to embrace technology as a platform for continuous innovation and inclusive economic growth. Andrea has more than 25 years of experience in the technology sector and is an enthusiastic advocate for inclusivity. That includes encouraging girls in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), women in leadership roles and enhancing the employability of people with disabilities.
Before joining Microsoft in 2017, she served in a series of senior leadership roles at Insight Enterprises & Software Spectrum in North America and APAC, including her most recent role as Asia Pacific Managing Director where she advocated technology-driven business outcomes, transformational leadership, digital acceleration, and business empowerment.
A distinguished alum of James Cook University, Andrea completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) with Class 1 Honours and was the inaugural recipient of the JCU Outstanding Alumni Award for the College of Science and Engineering.
Della Mattea is also a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, was appointed as an Independent Non-executive Director of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and serves on the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels in New South Wales, Australia. She is on the Advisory Board for James Cook University and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Engineering honoris causa in recognition of her outstanding achievement in the field of Engineering and her service to the University in 2022.
Mr Philip Forrest AM
Chairman of Readymix Holdings International
Mr. Philip Forrest is an experienced independent director and career banker, who has lived in Singapore for 30 years, and in the ASEAN region for 40 years. Philip is a career banker and has worked in many senior roles across Asia. His roles included Asia Head at ANZ, Thailand Country Head at Citibank, Singapore Country Head at Westpac, Indonesia Country Risk Manager at Citibank, and South and South East Asia Head at NatWest. Philip is prominent in the Australian business community in Singapore/South East Asia and is considered an eloquent spokesman for the Asian opportunity. He is a former president of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Singapore, and of the Australia-Thai Chamber of Commerce. In October 2011 he was presented with the President’s Medal by AustCham Singapore. The President’s Medal is the Chamber’s principal award and is given annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Australian and Singaporean business community, or to the relationship between Australia and Singapore, or who has substantially facilitated investment or trade between the two countries. In 2004 he was made an Honorary Life Member of the Chamber. Philip is currently an Independent Director of six private companies, with activities mostly in the ASEAN region and Australia. He is also Director of several Not-forProfit organizations including Member of the Governing Council at Singapore Institute of Directors (SID), Director and Honorary Treasurer of the Australian-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce, Emeritus Ambassador (and former chairman) of University of Queensland BEL Alumni Council Singapore, Member of the Advisory Council, and chair of the Business School sub-committee at James Cook University Singapore and Chairman of the membership Committee at The Tower Club Singapore.
Philip was appointed Member of the Order of Australia on 13 June 2022. He was recognized for significant service to Australia-Singapore business relations. The award was named in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours List — which recognizes outstanding service and inspiring achievements in Queensland, Australia and abroad.
Dr Bill Foo
Chairman of Tung Lok Group
Bill is currently a professional director, corporate advisor and chairman of several non-profit, private and public listed entities including SGX listed Mewah, CDL Hospitality and Tung Lok, and IC Power Singapore Ltd. Bill is also a Senior Advisor at Bank of Singapore and Lazard Asia and Non-Executive Director of Tower Capital Asia Pte Ltd(PE) and Unigestion Asia Pte Ltd(Investment Management) and Director of Business Circle Singapore Pte Ltd, in partnership with Trans Tasman Business Circle.
Bill serves on several community and charity organisations including as Chairman of Heartware Network(a youth charity) and Salvation Army South Asia, and as a Director of the International Institute of Strategic Studies Ltd(Asia)/Trustee.
Bill has a B.Admin from Concordia, MBA from McGill and an Honorary Doctor of Commerce from James Cook University where he is Special Advisor to the Chancellor.
Mr Michael Yap
Former Exco Member, EDB Society, Singapore
Michael Yap is the Executive Committee Member of the EDB Society and Lions Club of Singapore. He is an Adjunct Professor at Swinburne University.
Michael has 40 years of elite leadership experience in Non Executive and Executive positions as Director, General Manager and CEO in both the Public and Private sector across the Asia Pacific. He is a Graduate in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry from the University of Swinburne and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute of the UK.
Mr Joseph Kwok
Asia Advisory Committee Member, Advance.org
Joseph has more than 20 years’ experience working in the financial services industry holding senior leadership roles with global financial institutions like JP Morgan, UBS, Standard Chartered Bank, SooChow Securities CSSD (Singapore) Pte Ltd (SSCS). He was also on several Singapore main-board listed companies as independent non-executive director.
Joseph is active in non-profit organizations and is the founding President of Association of Chinese Securities & Futures Industry and President of University Of New South Wales Alumni Association Singapore. He is also a member of Asian Advisory Board for Advance, an organization supported by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs unit to engage global Australian alumni. In 2017, he became a Fellow of Institute of Banking & Finance (IBF) and Fellow of Singapore University of Social Science. He was also a Past President of Australian Alumni Singapore and Financial Planning Association of Singapore.
Joseph also adjunct and guest lectures in institutions like Kaplan, James Cook University and NUS LKY School of Public Policy.
Joseph graduated with a Master Of Commerce degree (majoring in advance finance) and a Bachelor of Commerce degree (majoring in Accounting and Finance) from University of New South Wales. He is a certified accountant with CPA Australia and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Mr Chia Yoong Hui
Chief Executive Officer,
Ascenz Solutions
Awarded EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 – Maritime Technology Solutions. Chia Yoong Hui founded Ascenz and has served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director since the company’s inception in 2008.
Under Chia’s leadership, Ascenz has grown to an award-winning company, well recognized in the industry for its innovation. He has pioneered ship data analytics on the world stage to further the company’s growth.
Chia graduated from the University of Wales with a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Business Computing with Financial Management, and received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in 2005.
AAS HONORARY AUDITOR 2025/26
Mr. Cliff Goh
Help Organizations Realise Their Financial Blindspots | Accounting, Tax & Auditing | Certified Public Accountant
Cliff has managed portfolio of client’s in diverse industries both locally and internationally in SME and MNC. Cliff’s professional experience includes reporting accountant, internal auditor and reporting auditor, providing due diligence to companies, providing transaction support services in acquisitions, as well as providing advisory services to companies, corporate turnaround and recovery, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions.
Cliff’s professional affiliations include memberships in CPA Australia, MIA, PMC Singapore, ATP Singapore. Cliff holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, majoring in accounting and finance from Curtin University of Technology, WA, Australia. He is also a member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and currently acting as audit partner of Assurance Partners LLP, a member firm of PrimeGlobal, five largest associations of independent accounting firms in the world.
AAS LEGAL ADVISOR 2023/24
Mr Jeremiah Huang
Director at ZICO Insights Law LLC
Jeremiah is a Director with ZICO Insights Law LLC (the Singapore office of ZICO Law) where he counsels clients on capital markets, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and funds. In addition, he advises clients on post-IPO corporate governance and compliance issues. Most recently, Jeremiah was recognised by the Singapore Business Review as one of Singapore’s most influential lawyers aged 40 and under for 2019, and in both the 2020 and 2021 editions of The Legal 500 (Asia Pacific) as a Next-Generation Partner.
Jeremiah commenced his studies in Australia at 16, when he undertook Foundation Studies in Business and Law at the University of New South Wales (2004). He subsequently graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University (2008).
- To provide platforms for Australian Alumni to meet together
- To strengthen people to people ties between Australia and Singapore
- To further the legitimate and collective interests of its members
- To promote professional growth and development of its members
