2020 Asian-Australian Leadership Summit and 40 Under 40 Awards

COVID-19 has been more than just a health and economic crisis but a societal one, with reports of racism and a ‘macho strain of nationalism’ on the rise worldwide – and Australia is no exception. Since the emergence of the pandemic, some Asian-Australians were all of a sudden made to feel like outsiders with some questioning their Australianness, identity and sense of belonging. In this time of need, strong leadership is required, no less than in the form of Asian-Australian leadership to safeguard our cohesive society.

Convened by PwC Australia, Asialink at the University of Melbourne, Johnson Partners and the Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership at the Australian National University, the second Asian-Australian Leadership Summit (AALS) comes at a critical time. Australia has a significant and growing Asian-Australian community at around 12 per cent of the total population yet according to the Australian Human Rights Commission Cultural Diversity Leadership Blueprint, only 1.6 per cent of Chief Executives and equivalents are of Asian-Australian backgrounds. Not only do we need to address the rise of racism and discrimination, we also need to advance our thinking and focus on how best we better recognise and utilise Asian-Australian talent domestically and internationally to secure Australia’s post-COVID-19 recovery and future prosperity.

AALS partners

40 Under 40: Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards

The 40 Under 40: Most Influential Asian-Australians Awards is now open for applications.

Do you or someone you know deserve recognition for achievement as an Asian-Australian leader? We are looking for exceptional young people making a difference in their communities, demonstrating excellence in leadership and a commitment to Australia’s engagement with Asia.

This initiative seeks to confront Australia’s “bamboo ceiling” - the underrepresentation of Asian-Australians in leadership positions - in a period when the impact of COVID-19 have resulted in an upsurge of racism and discrimination directed at Asian-Australians. Now is the time to celebrate the powerful contribution of Asian-Australians to this country.    

Past winners include academic and Super Star of STEM Dr Muneera Bano writer, and broadcaster Benjamin Law, educator Eddie Woo, barrister Astrid Haban-Beer, and many more.


Visit aals.com.au to find out more.