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Empowering the next generation of Chinese-Australian leaders: Applications open

We are pleased to announce that following the successful delivery of the inaugural William Ah Ket Leadership Program in 2023 and the second program in February 2025, applications are now open for the third Program to be held in November 2025.

With nearly 1.4 million Australian residents identified as having Chinese ancestry and heritage, Chinese-Australians have made – and continue to make – a significant contribution to the history and prosperity of Australia.

However, in today’s rapidly shifting political and economic landscape, especially when it comes to Australia’s relationship with China, Chinese-Australians are facing unique barriers and obstacles to political and social participation, as well as positions of influence and leadership. It is more crucial than ever for emerging Chinese-Australian leaders to have their voices heard and amplified, and their leadership journeys nurtured and supported.

The William Ah Ket Leadership Program provides a powerful, cohort-based learning featuring a diverse range of expert speakers. It provides opportunities for personal and professional growth through sharing experiences, and self-reflection.

Named after the first Australian barrister of Chinese and Asian heritage – the late William Ah Ket – the Program aims to equip the next generation of emerging Chinese-Australian leaders with the skills and expertise to contribute to Australian public debate and become more effective leaders in their fields. Past participants have reported that the Program has had a profound effect on shaping their lives and careers, in many cases reverberating long after the program week has ended. 

The William Ah Ket Leadership Program is an initiative of the and funded by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A key pillar of the Foundation’s work is engaging Chinese-Australian communities, strengthening their voice and agency.

What's in the program?

The program will include a comprehensive academic and practical approach to focus on effective training and upskilling for emerging Chinese-Australian leaders on the following topics and more: 

• The Australia-China bilateral relationship: risks and opportunities
• Power, influence, communication and storytelling
• Succeeding and setting the agenda as Chinese-Australian leaders
• Personal and professional brand building, and finding your authentic voice
• Strategies to drive change and impact within workplaces and society to advance Asian-Australian representation and cultural diversity leadership 

The program and its modules will be delivered in a personalised, socialised and contextualised way led by combination of academic staff and practitioners. Content is tailored to address topics and issues unique to the Chinese-Australians. Participants will also take part in reflective and diverse modes of learning, including peer discussions and interactive workshops. 

Upon completion, participants are expected to produce a written paper reflecting on their experience and how they are applying their learnings. 

Who should apply?

The program is open and eligible to applicants between the ages of 30 to 45 who self-identify as Chinese-Australian and/or an Australian of Chinese heritage. Participant feedback tells us that the Program is best suited for those born and/or raised in Australia – though new migrants are also warmly encouraged to apply.  

Please note: While the Program is named after the first Australian barrister of Chinese and Asian Heritage, applications from all industries and professions are welcome – not just those in the legal field.

Participants will be selected through an open, competitive application process, assessed by a selection panel. 

How to apply? 

Applicants must provide:

• A curriculum vitae
• Their preferred entry point: November 2025 or February 2026
• A covering letter (maximum two A4 pages) addressing the following questions:

1. Why do you want to participate in the William Ah Ket Leadership Program? Why now, at this point in your professional career?
2. What do you see are the qualities and attributes do you believe Chinese-Australians bring to leadership – not only in navigating the Australia-China bilateral relationship but across Australia more widely?
3. What do you see are the challenges and opportunities facing the Australia-China relationship?
4. Should you be successful in being selected to participate in the Program, how would you integrate what you learn in the Program into your professional career and leadership journey?

Deadline: 10am AEST, Wednesday 17 September 2025. 
Submit to: caal@anu.edu.au  

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