About AAS

About AAS

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Australian Alumni in Singapore

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Australian Universities

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Singaporeans studying in Australian Universities annually

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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 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

His Excellency HOM, Allaster Cox

AAS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

68th Annual Report of AAS

29 March, 2023

Honourable Chief Guest Angela Robinson – Chargé d’affaires to Singapore, other distinguished guests, Members, AAS Council of Advisors, Partners, and Members of AAS Management Committee.

It is my honour to welcome you all to the 68th AGM of Australian Alumni Singapore and the first Face-to-Face AGM since COVID. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Ms Angela Robinson for her presence and for the special address. I would also like to acknowledge the staff at the Australian High Commission for hosting us here at this stunning venue.

Founded in 1955 as 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. The AAS platform that we have built over the past 68 years has played an ever-important role in building closer business, social and cultural ties between Singapore and Australia.

While the COVID years were challenging in many aspects, our community has emerged stronger than ever. We seized the opportunity to reinvent ourselves to be relevant to the needs of our ecosystem – our members, our partners, and the community we live in. This wouldn’t have been possible without the constant feedback, support, and encouragement from our Patrons, Council of Advisors, our members, and our partners.

An organization is only as strong as its members. The changing demographics of our members and the changing behaviours attributed to COVID, 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.

The changing demographics of our members and the changing behaviours attributed to COVID, 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.

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 7 new universities in the last 12 months expanding our network to 11 universities.
⁃ Expanded our membership base by 10% now exceeding our reach to over 5000.
⁃ Grew our presence and reach through our social media initiatives expanding by over 100% last year.
⁃ We organised over 30 activities including networking events, luncheons, business, talks community engagement activities, interest group get together, and more. We also organised our very successful Anniversary Gala Dinner after a 2-year break.
⁃ We have grown from strengths to strengths in all aspects including our financial position enabling us to invest back into growing 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 and Victoria Global Trade and Investment Silver Sponsor Trust Capital Advisors and CPA Australia, our official wine sponsor Wolf Blass for their continued support.

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 and Partner University Gold RMIT, Partner University Silver – Macquarie University and The University of Queensland.

In addition, I would also like to welcome 7 new University Partners – Partner University Gold – University of Newcastle, Partner University Silver – The University of Melbourne, Federation University, Charles Sturt University, Curtin University. Monash University and University of Technology Sydney.

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 Andrea Della Mattea as our newest Advisor. As President of Microsoft 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 also serves in multiple boards and is an avid advocate encouraging girls in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), women in leadership roles and enhancing the employability of people with disabilities.
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. Mathilda D’silva, Mr. Rennie Sng and Ms. Li Li Kuan.

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 our journey ahead will not be easy. We have come out of challenges much stronger than before, 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
29 March 2023

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 2023/24

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 & Co - Chair of CSR

Mr. Michael Aw

La Trobe University

Management Consultant| Sales & Channel Partner Specialist| Entrepreneur| Corporate Governance| Real Estate Investment

Committee Member

Ms. Nurhidayah Ekbal

James Cook University

AVP, Group Strategic Marketing & Communications - DBS Bank Ltd

Chair of Events

Ms. Maribel Colmenares

La Trobe University

Co-founder - Tamales Mexicanos en Singapur & Tamales Mexicanos

Chair of Mentorship Program

Mr. Victor Tay

Curtin University

United Nations GCNS Chairman| M&A Advisory| Ventures| Board Director| Sustainability | Oxford EMBA Scholar

Co - Chair of Mentorship Program

Ms. Dipanti Das

James Cook University

Regional Recruitment Manager, APJ at VISEO APAC

Chair of Partner University Programs & Sponsorships

Mr. Johnny Teng

University of Tasmania

Founder & Executive Director

Alumni Engagement

Mr. Richard Ngo

University of Tasmania

Principal Engineer at SP Group

Chair of CSR

Ms. Ruby Chan

Swinburne University of Technology

Corporate Softskills Trainer

COUNCIL OF ADVISORS 2023/24

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 Holly Butler

Deputy Commissioner for Victoria to South East Asia

Holly Butler is the Deputy Commissioner for Victoria to Southeast Asia at the Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) Office in Singapore. Holly helps oversee the Victorian Government’s four offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam to promote trade, investment, education and innovation initiatives in the region and to strengthen government ties between Southeast Asia and Victoria. 

Holly has spent the last fifteen years working in both the private and public sectors in Europe and Asia, specialising in cross border investment and international business relations. 

Holly has been based in Singapore since 2016 and, in her current role, focuses on attracting investment to Victoria by working with Southeast Asian growth-stage companies to facilitate their Australian market entry strategies, and assisting Victorian companies with their export and expansion projects into the region. 

Prior to moving to Singapore, Holly lived in Paris for ten years and worked in the private sector advising international companies on their investment projects across Europe. 

Holly is an Australia-French dual national. She grew up in Australia but has studied and lived in Belgium, Canada, France, the UK as well as her current home, Singapore. In her work, she endeavours to help people and companies connect the dots to make strategic and enriching decisions and relationships.

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

Chairman, James Cook Institute

Andrew is Chief Commercial Officer and a member of Executive Management at James Cook University (JCU), Singapore. Concurrently he is Chairman of the board of directors of its wholly-owned subsidiary, James Cook Institute. As Chief Commercial Officer of JCU Singapore, he is responsible for commercial strategy, marketing, external relations and growth of the organisation.
He spearheaded JCU’s entry into Continuing Professional Development (CPD) via the set-up of James Cook Academy and its acquisition of Eagle Infotech in 2021. Subsequently he led the transformation and rebrand of Eagle Infotech to James Cook Institute, and the consolidation of James Cook Academy’s activities under this Institute. James Cook Institute is a Registered Training Provider (RTP) with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). Offering a suite of technology and soft skill courses, James Cook Institute helps to equip around 7,000 learners per year with the capability to navigate a rapidly-evolving workplace.

Initially Andrew started his career in Melbourne in 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 with double major in Accounting and Management from Monash University, and Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management from James Cook University with Academic Medal.

Andrew is Chair of the Sustainability Interest Group, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC) and represents JCU on the Management Committee of Singapore Association for Private Education (SAPE). He is a member of Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) and 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 HONORARY AUDITOR 2023/24

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
Our alumni partners
Current Patrons
His Excellency Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
Former President of the Republic of Singapore
His Excellency, The Hon Allaster Cox
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
Eminent Alumnus Award
Mr Khaw Boon Wan (2011)
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Dr Chew Kia Ngee (2011)
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Mr Bill Chua (2011)
Distinguished Alumna Award
Ms Peggy Tan (2011)
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Mr Seah Kim Swee (2011)
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Mr Simon Ho (2011)
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
2019
Monash University
2022
Curtin University
2023
Monash University
AAS Lifetime Achievement Award
Mr Christopher Cheah
AAS Lifetime Achievement Award (2022)
Mr Philip Forrest AM
AAS Lifetime Achievement Award (2023)
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 – 2020
Joseph Kwok
Geoff Howie
2020 – 2021
Joseph Kwok
Rajaneesh Kurup
2021-2022
Rajaneesh Kurup
2022-2024
Rajaneesh Kurup
Kevin Dam