At just 25 years old, Bond University student and newly crowned Young Queenslander of the Year Chiu-Hing Chan is fast becoming recognised as a spokesperson and leader for Australia’s growing Chinese community.
Mr Chan is paving the way for better business, youth opportunities and reduced crime through his involvement in an array of organisations.
His contributions to the community have been recognised at a national level, and Mr Chan has recently been nominated for Young Australian of the Year.
As chairman of the Queensland Police Chinese Crime Prevention Committee, he has been responsible for the recruitment of numerous Asian officers within the police service to help fight organised crime.
Mr Chan is also the Vice-Chairman of the Australian Chinese General Chamber of Business and is a committee executive on both the Queensland Olympic Council and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
At 23, he was named the youngest president of the Queensland Chinese Community.
Mr Chan said it was a great honour to receive the award for Young Queenslander of the Year.
“It’s especially important this year because it is Queensland’s 150th anniversary. It’s a landmark occasion and a time to recognise the people who make our state a great place to live.”
“My studies at Bond University in the disparate fields of Law, International Relations and Journalism have set me in good stead for pursuing my choice of work in the political, business and media arenas.”
Mr Chan has been deeply involved in the conservation of Queensland’s cultural heritage, most notably in Rockhampton and Cairns.
“In the near future I hope to become an ambassador for North Queensland Tourism and eventually Tourism Queensland,” Mr Chan said.
“Through my work in the community and achievements in the corporate sector I hope young people will come to understand it doesn’t matter how old you are or what your background is – You can do great things if you are willing to listen, learn and apply yourself.”
Bond University Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Stable said Mr Chan has used his talents to create a number of new opportunities for students at Bond University.
“Mr Chan is an outstanding achiever and a pioneer in many ways – He has created Queensland’s first Singaporean radio program and has also started a state Chinese soccer team.”
“He is an example of a person who is not afraid to challenge himself and is keen to raise the bar and make a difference where he can.
“Chui is an outstanding alumnus and we are proud that we helped him bring his ambition to life at Bond.”