About AAS

About AAS

0

Australian Alumni in Singapore

0

Australian Universities

0

Singaporeans studying in Australian Universities annually

0

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 alumnus 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

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 THE HON WILL HODGMAN

Australian High Commissioner to Singapore

Patron of AAS 

I am delighted to be a Patron of the Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS). Australia and Singapore’s strong people-to-people links are underpinned by both our countries’ commitments to invest in our people through skills and education.

A significant link between Australia and Singapore is established through Singaporeans studying in Australia. More than 200,000 Singaporeans have studied in Australia, which has given rise to a highly-educated, diverse and globally-mobile alumni cohort who are influencers, innovators, business leaders and – most importantly – friends of Australia.

The Australian High Commission in Singapore values the AAS’s contribution to Australia’s global outlook and relationship with Singapore through seeking to maintain connections between alumni of Australian universities living here.

Even in these challenging times, I am pleased to see the AAS serving Australia’s international alumni in Singapore so well. The Australian High Commission – working with the AAS – will continue to celebrate our alumni’s achievements and expertise in Australia and globally.

I hope to support the work to build AAS to reach out and engage more Singaporean alumni of Australian universities and to forge even deeper links between Australia and Singapore.

His Excellency The Hon Will Hodgman
Australian High Commissioner to Singapore
Patron of Australian Alumni Singapore

8th April, 2021

AAS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

67th Annual Report of AAS

24 March, 2022

Dear Honourable Chief Guest His Excellency The Honourable Will Hodgman – 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 67th AGM of Australian Alumni Singapore and the first AGM since I took over as president of AAS in March last year. In the pre-covid days, we were welcome to host our AGM at the residence of the Australian High Commissioner. I believe those days are not far considering the easing COVID restrictions in Singapore. 

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to H. E. Will Hodgman for his presence and for the special address. H.E. Will Hodgman has been a strong supporter of AAS and our objectives to strengthen the business, social and cultural ties between Australia and Singapore.

Founded in 1955, AAS is the umbrella organization representing over 200,000 Singaporean and Singapore based alumni from 43 Australian universities. AAS aims to enhance professional and leadership opportunities for Australian alumnus who are based in Singapore. Over the years, thousands of students have gone to Australia to receive their higher education and have returned to Singapore as successful professionals or entrepreneurs and have played a crucial role in developing this nation into a vibrant modern and sophisticated centre of commerce and technology. 

COVID brought us challenges and with those challenges came opportunities for AAS to transform ourselves. With guidance from the AAS Council of Advisors and with a committed Management committee we had the opportunity to build the new better for AAS and be more significant to our ecosystem – Our MembersOur Partners, and Our Community. 

  • Our Members are our lifeblood. Over the years AAS provided the platform that gave us the opportunity to meet and collaborate with like-minded people which opened doors to a new world of business and professional opportunities. Pre-covid there were around 23,000 Singaporeans studying in Australian universities annually making Australian Alumni an ever growing and strong community. We not only had to cater to a diverse demography of Australian Alumni, but also expand our influence on the future alumni
  • Our Partners always played an ever-important role in ensuring our ability to invest in our platform and our members 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 and Victoria Global Trade and Investment Silver Sponsor Trust Capital Advisors and CPA Australia, our official wine sponsor Wolf Blass and our University partners – Partner University Platinum – James Cook University Singapore, Partner University Gold RMIT University and Partner University Silver The University of Queensland and Macquarie University.
  • Thirdly, Our Community. Sustainability is a strategic priority for many of Our Members and Our Partners. Hence, we established a new role in our management Committee focused on CSR. The Chair of CSR is responsible for our sustainability goals which are underpinned by broadly 2 aspects – Social and Environmental sustainability. To achieve these goals, we have extended our partnerships with Social Enterprises and charities to provide volunteering and community engagement support. 

Our strength and reach are unmatched and so is our ability to influence and impact the world around us. One way to leave an everlasting impact in the world we live in is to contribute back to the society.

While the 12 months were challenging, we focused on investing back into our ecosystem to drive better value for everyone.

  • With limited opportunities to meet our members in person, in addition to monthly virtual events, this year we invested further in Digital Engagements improving our online presence and reach, invested into our new Membership App which enabled – ease of management, collaboration between members and membership benefits all at one place.
  • We launched our monthly newsletter The Voice to stay in touch and update our members on the latest and the greatest in the AAS community including events, updates from our partners, the growing portfolio of membership benefits and more. 
  • Social Interest Groups provided our members with opportunities to connect and interact with like-minded people in a smaller group setting which was very beneficial with the ever-changing COVID restrictions. 
  • We extended support for Australian Alumni small business owners who were impacted by COVID through our platform which also helped us offer improved Membership Benefits for our members.

 The biggest challenge faced by any university is alumni engagement. 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 newly launched Mentorship ProgramInternship Opportunities and exclusive job opportunities enabled through our alumni industry networks.

Let me highlight some of the Key Developments over the last 12 months

  • On sponsorship front, we have onboarded Victoria Global Trade and Investment as our new term Gold Sponsor and CPA Australia as our newest Term Silver Sponsor
  • We have onboarded 2 new partner universities – RMIT University as Partner University Gold and Macquarie University as Partner University Silver.
  • We have established partnership with Ocean Purpose Project, a social enterprise founded by an Australian Alumna Mathilda D’silva. Mathilda and her team are driving ocean conservation and plastic pollution prevention via disruptive and creative projects with mass-scale impact. AAS has been collaborating with OPP to help in behavioural change initiatives like beach clean-ups as well as supporting our partner universities through mentorship and internship programs for Aquaculture students.
  • We also established a strategic partnership with Ashton Legal an Australian immigration Law Firm to support Australia’s Global Talent Visa Program. AAS and Ashton Legal have been working together to build awareness as well as extend support to our community for those who are looking to tap into the program to expand their reach into Australia.
  • We established 6 new Social Interest groups for our members to interact and collaborate on their areas of interest.
  • The 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 we have onboarded 3 new council of advisors.
    • Ms. Rebecca Hall – the Commissioner for Victoria to Southeast Asia. Her role involves managing Victoria’s interests within Southeast Asia by facilitating commercial engagements between businesses, attracting foreign direct investment into Victoria, and strengthening bi-lateral relationships through strategic collaboration. She leads a team of trade, investment and education specialists based in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
    • Mr. Andrew Chew – Chief Commercial Officer and a member of Executive Management at James Cook University (JCU), Singapore. Concurrently, he is also the CEO and director of James Cook Academy and Chairman of the board of directors of its wholly owned subsidiary, Eagle Infotech. As Chief Commercial Officer of JCU Singapore, he is responsible for commercial strategy, marketing, and growth of the organization. 
    • Mr. Joseph Kwok is no stranger to AAS community. Joseph was my immediate predecessor and has been a key member of the Management Committee for years before that. He 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. 

What we have achieved over the past 12 months wouldn’t have been possible if not for the AAS Management Committee. I would like to acknowledge the AAS Management Committee for their tireless efforts and their commitment to the AAS community. You have taken time out from your family, work and social commitments to volunteer for AAS. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Sean Lim and Mr. Geoff Howie for their contributions to AAS. Both Sean and Geoff will be stepping down from the Management Committee. 

As we navigate through these challenging and unpredictable times, we will stay focused on our members, our partners, and our world we live in and achieve our mutual goals. I would like to humbly request your continued support and partnership in our journey ahead to make a meaningful impact to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the relationships between the peoples and professionals of both Australia and Singapore.

Thank you for the partnership and the trust you have placed in us. 

Yours sincerely,

Rajaneesh Kurup
AAS President
Australian Alumni Singapore
24 March 2022

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 2022/23

THE WAY FORWARD – STRONGER TOGETHER

President

Mr. Rajaneesh Kurup

James Cook University

Director - Segment Strategy & GTM - APAC @ Equinix

Vice President & Chair of Digital Transformation

Mr. Kevin Dam

University of Technology Sydney

Sales Director at Aemorph

Treasurer

Mr. Noel Ng

University of Tasmania

COO at Goodwins Law Corporation

Secretary

Ms. Nurhidayah Ekbal

James Cook University

Adjunct Lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic

Chair of CSR

Ms. Mathilda D’silva

Murdoch University

Chief Purpose Officer at Ocean Purpose Project

Chair of Mentorship Program

Ms. Li Li Kuan

University of Sydney

Independent Director at a few Organizations

Chair of Membership

Ms. Dipanti Das

James Cook University

Regional Recruitment Manager, APJ at VISEO APAC

Chair of Partner University Program & Sponsorships

Mr. Johnny Teng

University of Tasmania

Founder & Executive Director

Chair of Events

Mr. Richard Ngo

University of Tasmania

Principal Engineer at SP Group

Co-Chair of Events

Mr. Rennie Sng​

Murdoch University​

Founding CEO LikeMeetWork.com Innovation Lab & eCoFriendly WorkSpace

COUNCIL OF ADVISORS 2022/23

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

Chairman of Frasers Centrepoint Trust

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.

Ms Rebecca Hall

Commissioner for Victoria to South East Asia

Rebecca Hall is the Commissioner for Victoria to Southeast Asia. Her role involves managing Victoria’s interests within South East Asia by facilitating commercial engagements between businesses, attracting foreign direct investment into Victoria and strengthening bi-lateral relationships through strategic collaboration. She leads a team of trade, investment and education specialists based in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Rebecca’s career spans international education, economic development and industry programs across local state and federal government. She re-joins the Victorian Government after 5 years leading international education strategy and policy for the Queensland Government and Australian Government (Austrade)

Rebecca is passionate about making a difference through global engagement and the power of trade and education for a better world. She holds holds a Bachelor of International Business Relations and a Masters of International Relations. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and in 2017 was awarded the International Education Association of Australia’s (IEAA) Leadership Award for her contribution to the sector.

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. 

Mr Andrew Chew

Chief Commercial Officer, James Cook University, Singapore

CEO, James Cook Academy

Chairman, Eagle Infotech

Andrew is Chief Commercial Officer and a member of Executive Management at James Cook University (JCU), Singapore. Concurrently, he is CEO and director of James Cook Academy and Chairman of the board of directors of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Eagle Infotech. As Chief Commercial Officer of JCU Singapore, he is responsible for commercial strategy, marketing and growth of the organisation. He leads JCU’s entry into Continuing Professional Development (CPD) via the set-up of James Cook Academy and its acquisition of Eagle Infotech. Incorporated in 1988, Eagle Infotech is a Registered Training Provider (RTP) accredited by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). Offering a suite of technology and soft skill courses, Eagle Infotech has helped to equip over 170,000 learners from many different industries with the capability to navigate a rapidly-evolving workplace.

Initially Andrew started his career in Melbourne in financial management consulting and auditing with BDO Chartered Accountants and Consultants. Since then Andrew has worked in a variety of roles in hotel revenue management, property development, and education and training. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Monash University and Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management from James Cook University with Academic Medal.

Andrew is Chair of the Marketing Interest Group, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC). He is a member of Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Singapore (AustCham).

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.

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.

AAS LEGAL ADVISOR 2022/23

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
Our alumni partners
Current Patrons
His Excellency Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
Former President of the Republic of Singapore
His Excellency, The Hon Will Hodgman
Australian High Commissioner to Singapore
Honour Roll
Distinguished Australian Alumnus Awards
Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam (2010)
Chairman, Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore
AAS Distinguished Alumnus Awards
Dr Anthony Chung Jia Chi (2002)
Past President, 1987 – 1989
Prof Brian Lee (2003)
Past President, 1985 – 1987
Mr Tan Kah Hoe (2004)
Past President, 1993 – 1995
Dr. Geoffrey Chiam Heng Khim (2005)
Past President, 1967 – 1970
Australian Government / AAS Awards
Eminent Alumnus Award
Dr Tan Chin Nam (2012)
Chairman, Media Development Authority International Advisory Panel
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Mr Jeffrey Tan (2012)
Head, Commune Participation Program
Singapore Arts Festival
National Arts Council
Outstanding Australian Alumni Association Awards
2013
University of Melbourne
2014
Monash University
2015
University of Melbourne and University of South Australia
2016
Monash University
2017
Monash University
2018
Monash University
Presidents & Vice Presidents
1955 – 1956
Michael Fam Yu Onn (deceased);
Peter Tan
1956 – 1957
Michael Fam Yu Onn (deceased);
Wilfred Anthonisz
1957 – 1958
Michael Fam Yu Onn (deceased);
Tan Sock Kern
1958 – 1959
Peter Tan (deceased);
Choo Chek Juan
1959 – 1961
Choo Chek Juan
Lee Hong Wei
1961 – 1962
Choo Chek Juan
Chan Chee Wah
1962 – 1963
Roy S P Soon
Dr. Benny Foo Cheong Khean
1963 – 1964
Tan Kiong Koo;
Christopher Chee
1964 – 1965
Dr. Benny Foo;
Cheong Khean Dr. J C K Yin
1965 – 1966
Lawrence Mah;
Peter Lim
1966 – 1967
Lawrence Mah;
V T Lingam
1967 – 1968
Dr. Geoffrey Chiam Heng Khim;
Leslie Wong Kok Chin
1968 – 1970
Dr. Geoffrey Chiam Heng Khim;
Ong Teck Joon (deceased)
1970 – 1971
Ong Teck Joon (deceased);
Allen Ng Poh Meng
1971 – 1973
Ong Teck Joon (deceased);
Prof Li Yu Pek
1973 – 1974
Chin Kim Shek;
Prof Li Yu Pek
1974 – 1975
Richard Lee Sian;
Lin Ernest Chen
1975 – 1976
Richard Lee Sian;
Lin Helen Soh
1976 – 1978
Ernest Chen;
Jim Tan
1978 – 1979
Jim Tan;
Helen Soh
1979 – 1981
Tan Keng Tat;
Helen Soh
1981 – 1982
Helen Soh;
James Chin Kwok Wing
1982 – 1984
Leslie Wong Kok Chin;
James Chin Kwok Wing
1984 – 1985
James Chin Kwok Wing;
Dr. Anthony Chung Jia Chi
1985 – 1987
Prof. Brian C L Lee;
Dr. Anthony Chung Jia Chi
1987 – 1988
Dr. Anthony Chung Jia Chi;
Ong Tiong Wee
1988 – 1989
Dr. Anthony Chung Jia Chi;
Alfred M A Chung (deceased)
1989 – 1990
Alfred M A Chung (deceased);
Dr. Philip S M Chin
1990 – 1991
Alfred M A Chung (deceased);
Michelle Tan
1991 – 1992
Alfred M A Chung (deceased);
Dr Ting Seng Kiong
1992 – 1993
Theodore Tan;
Teo Keng Hoe
1993 – 1995
Tan Kah Hoe;
Tan Swee Keng Peggy
1995 – 1996
Dr Ting Seng Kiong;
Tan Swee Keng Peggy
1996 – 1997
A/Prof Lawrence Chia;
Alwyn Lim
1997 – 1998
A/Prof Lawrence Chia;
Dr Mark Goh Keng Hock
1998 – 1999
Dr Ting Seng Kiong;
Dr Mark Goh Keng Hock
1999 – 2001
Tan Swee Keng Peggy;
Dr Patrick Fernandez
2001 – 2002
Dr Patrick Fernandez;
Dr Anthony Chung Jia Chi
2002 – 2003
Dr Patrick Fernandez;
Alfred Shee Ping Fatt
2003 – 2004
Alfred Shee Ping Fatt;
Dr Patrick Fernandez
2004 – 2006
Alfred Shee Ping Fatt;
Dr Lim Shun Ping (deceased)
2006 – 2006
Dr Lim Shun Ping (deceased);
Simon Ho
2006 – 2009
Simon Ho Khee Lim;
Tan Swee Keng Peggy
2009 – 2014
Loh Hoon Sun;
Tan Swee Keng Peggy
2014 – 2015
Christopher Cheah;
Tan Swee Keng Peggy
2016 – 2017
Christopher Cheah;
Paul Chia
2017 – 2018
Christopher Cheah;
Joseph Kwok
2018 – 2019
Joseph Kwok
Geoff Howie
2019 – 2020
Joseph Kwok
Geoff Howie
2020 – 2021
Joseph Kwok
Rajaneesh Kurup
2021-2022
Rajaneesh Kurup