The nomination process for the 17th ACAA Awards is now open and will be closed at mid-night on the 31st of March 2025. 
Alumni may choose to do a self-nominate or nominate others.

 

We look forward to formally recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of our Australian-China alumni at the award ceremonies in China and Australia in September/October 2025. 

 

Please note, you need to sign up as a member of the ACAA to proceed with your nomination. Currently, all membership sign up is free, and members enjoy multiple benefits including discount offers by ACAA's supporting partners China Eastern and Australian Store of Premium Brands on JD.com

 

If you'd like to prepare the form offline, please click the link below to download the form. Kindly remember that the links below are for reference only, and that the form should be submitted online through the portal links provided above.

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Australia China Alumni Awards nomination form - self-nomination

Australia China Alumni Awards nomination form - nominating others

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All applications must be completed and submitted online. The online application should include:

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• A brief statement outlining the reasons for the nominee's selection for the award.

• A short biography of the nominee.

• A photograph of the nominee.

• The nominee's curriculum vitae (CV).

• Links to evidence of the nominee’s qualifications and accomplishments relevant to the award, if available.

• Both the nominator (the person making the nomination) and the nominee (the person being nominated for an award) must be members of the Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA). You can register for a free membership here.

• Multiple nominations are permitted from a single nominator for different nominees, and self-nomination is also allowed. 

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Please read these guidelines before submitting a nomination.

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Background

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The Australia China Alumni Awards is an initiative of the Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) to celebrate excellence in Australian tertiary education and recognise the significant achievements of Australian-educated alumni in China and Australia. The aim of the Awards is to demonstrate how Australian tertiary education can help graduates succeed in an international context and across a variety of fields.

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Definition of an Australia China Alumni

An Australia China Alumni is an individual of Australian or Chinese ethnic background with significant work or living experience in both China and Australia, who has successfully completed a recognized qualification from an Australian educational institution. Eligible qualifications include diplomas, certificates, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, and equivalent credentials.

 

General Criteria for Eligibility

Citizenship: Must be an Australian or Chinese citizen.

Character: Must be a person of good character and fit to participate, demonstrating ethical behavior and integrity in personal and professional realms.

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Nomination Criteria

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The Awards welcome nominees:

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1. Of any nationality, provided they graduated from an Australian university program or TAFE/VET program (in Australia or through an Australian off-shore program in any other country or online) who have made a significant contribution to their field and community in China or Australia.

2. Who are originally from China now living in China or Australia, or other alumni who have spent notable time in China. 

3. Who display an on-going high level of achievement in the Award category, irrespective of whether they are working in the discipline in which they graduated.

4. The Australia China Community Service Award is open to both alumni and current students of any citizenship.

5. Please note that the Australia-China Alumni of the Year Award shall be granted by the Awards judging panel from amongst the nominees for all other Awards.

 

Please note the following conditions:

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• Alumni who have previously won an Australia China Alumni Award in a specific category are ineligible to win the same award again. However, they may receive an award in a different category in subsequent years.

• Finalists from previous years are welcome to be nominated again in the same category or a different category; but previous winners are restricted from winning the same category twice.

• Alumni may nominate themselves but must provide a contactable referee (both Chinese and English speakers are acceptable) to endorse their nomination.

• If nominating someone else, the nominator must have confirmed consent from the nominee for the nomination to be considered valid. The ACAA will follow up with the nominee to confirm this consent.

• By completing the nomination process, nominees consent to the ACAA contacting their university to verify the conferring of their degree, and/or sharing their information to relevant universities. 

• Please note if the nominee is not successful in this round of award, their nomination will be automatically carried over to next year's award.

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Judging Criteria for Each Award Category

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Women in Leadership Award

This award recognizes and honors an outstanding woman who exemplifies leadership and inspires others through her significant career achievements and exceptional impact. Nominees should demonstrate excellence in their respective fields, such as business, government, non-profit, academia, or other sectors.

 

Career Achievements (30%)

• Significant accomplishments in her field, including awards, recognition, innovative projects, or research.

• Demonstrated expertise and sustained excellence in her area of work.

 

Leadership and Impact (50%)

• Proven ability to inspire, influence, and lead at a high level.

• Evidence of driving strategic initiatives, making impactful decisions, and leading teams or projects with measurable positive outcomes for their organization or community.

• Leadership positions: CEO, Chair, Director, VP, Partner (for medium/large organizations with 20+ employees) or founder/co-founder of successful enterprises with AUD 5+ million annual revenue.

 

Community and Industry Contribution (20%)

• Contributions beyond her immediate professional role, such as mentoring, advocacy, or promoting diversity and inclusion in her field.

• Engagement with the broader community or industry to create positive, lasting change.

 

 

Business Achievements Award

This award celebrates alumni who have demonstrated significant accomplishments in a business environment within their industry sector. The nominee’s achievements may reflect an outstanding career or a single transformative accomplishment, with outcomes that advanced their organization’s performance and enhanced its internal culture.

 

Business Excellence (50%)

• Evidence of exceptional achievements that have significantly advanced the performance of their organization.

• Examples include:

  • Pioneering innovative products, services, or processes.

  • Expanding into new markets with a measurable financial impact (e.g., over AUD 5 million in revenue or AUD 500,000 in profit).

  • Delivering transformative projects or securing a competitive advantage in the industry.

 

Leadership and Culture Development (25%)

• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams effectively, driving major project successes or transformative business outcomes.

• Specific initiatives that have significantly enhanced the internal company culture, such as:

  • Fostering inclusivity and diversity.

  • Promoting employee engagement, professional growth, or well-being.

  • Introducing innovative workplace policies, like flexible work arrangements.

 

Commitment to Business Social Responsibility (25%)

• Demonstrated contributions to social, environmental, or community goals through ethical and sustainable business practices.

• Initiatives that align business success with societal values, such as:

  • Sustainability programs reducing environmental impact.

  • Community engagement efforts or partnerships with social causes.

  • Ethical decision-making that promotes long-term societal benefits.

 

Arts and Creativity Award

This award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated excellence in the Arts and Creative sectors and whose efforts promote the understanding and value of artistic and creative endeavors. It celebrates creativity, innovation, and impact in various fields, including art and design, architecture, fashion, literature, music, performing arts, advertising, publishing, and creative media.

 

Significance of Achievements (60%)

• Evidence of notable achievements associated with the nominee’s artworks or projects.

• Examples include awards, honors, or recognitions conferred by respected organizations or peers in their field.

• Proven influence and recognition within their artistic or creative sector, including breakthrough projects or innovations.

• Demonstrated ability to set trends or standards in their respective field.

 

Community and Cultural Impact (30%)

• Assessment of how the nominee’s works have contributed to cultural exchange, particularly between Australia and China.

• Demonstrated efforts in fostering mutual understanding, diversity, and appreciation of different cultural perspectives.

• Examples of projects or initiatives that have enriched the cultural landscape, including outreach, education, or community engagement efforts.

 

Innovation and Vision (10%)

• Demonstrated originality and innovation in artistic or creative endeavors.

• Evidence of forward-thinking approaches, pushing boundaries, or setting new directions in their field.

 

Community Service Award

This award honors alumni who have made exceptional contributions to their communities, demonstrating leadership, compassion, and a commitment to social betterment. It recognizes individuals whose dedication to service has inspired change and improved the lives of others.

 

Impact of Service (50%)

• Evaluate the tangible outcomes of the nominee’s community service initiatives.

• Consider the scope, scale, and measurable impact of their efforts, including:

  • The number of individuals or communities benefited.

  • Long-term changes or improvements resulting from specific projects or programs led by the nominee.

• Highlight examples of transformative initiatives that address critical community needs.

 

Leadership and Innovation in Service (30%)

• Assess the nominee’s ability to lead and innovate within their community service endeavors.

• Examples include:

  • Inspiring and mobilizing others to take action.

  • Developing creative and effective solutions to community challenges.

  • Sustained leadership in driving impactful initiatives over time.

 

Commitment to Social Betterment (20%)

• Determine the nominee’s dedication to addressing significant social issues through continuous involvement.

• Consider their role in building or supporting community networks and fostering collaborations.

• Evidence of long-term volunteerism or advocacy for underrepresented or marginalized groups.

 

Enterprise Award for Contribution to International Education

This award celebrates education-focused enterprises that have significantly advanced international education in Australia and China. It recognizes their impactful efforts in enhancing teaching quality, fostering alumni engagement, improving student wellbeing, increasing international recognition of educational institutions, promoting educational collaboration, and encouraging cross-cultural understanding between the two nations.

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Enterprise Success and Scale (30%)

• Provide a comprehensive overview of the enterprise, including:

  • Core focus and contributions to international education.

  • Operational presence in Australia and China, including staff size and offices.

  • Annual turnover and social influence.

• Evidence of the enterprise’s sustainability and leadership in the sector.

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Contribution to International Education (50%)

• Highlight the enterprise’s direct contributions to advancing international education, such as:

  • Enhancing teaching quality or educational practices in institutions across Australia and China.

  • Initiatives that promote alumni engagement and long-term connections between graduates and institutions.

  • Programs that improve student wellbeing, such as mental health support, accommodation services, or career development initiatives.

  • Efforts to increase international recognition of educational institutions in both countries.

  • Facilitating educational collaborations and exchanges to benefit students, educators, and communities.

 

Philanthropic and Social Impact (20%)

• Detail the enterprise’s broader contributions to international education, including:

  • Establishing or supporting scholarships or financial aid programs for students.

  • Community engagement activities or partnerships benefiting students and educators.

  • Funding or advocacy for educational research and innovation.

  • Initiatives that enhance cross-cultural understanding and create lasting social impact.

 

Alumni Enterprise of the Year Award

This award celebrates alumni-led businesses or initiatives that have achieved exceptional success, innovation, and impact within the Australia-China context. It honors enterprises that exemplify outstanding growth, sustainability, and a commitment to fostering positive relations and societal contributions between Australia and China.

 

Enterprise Scope and Success (60%)

• The enterprise must:

  • Have an annual revenue of AUD 20 million or more.

  • Maintain a significant presence in Australia and/or China, including offices, workforce, or operational activities.

  • Be recognized as a top 3 organization within its industry sector in Australia and/or China.

• Demonstrate sustained growth, innovative practices, and leadership within its industry, contributing to its exceptional reputation and market position.

 

Impact on Australia-China Relations (20%)

• Evidence of the enterprise’s contribution to fostering strong Australia-China relations through its core business activities, including:

  • Bilateral partnerships, joint ventures, or collaborative initiatives that strengthen economic or cultural ties.

  • Programs or activities that promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

  • Tangible outcomes that reflect the enterprise’s role in bridging the two countries.

 

Philanthropic and Social Responsibility Initiatives (20%)

• Highlight the enterprise’s contributions to enhancing social wellbeing and coherence in the Australia-China context, such as:

  • Charitable projects or community engagement activities.

  • Educational programs or scholarships promoting cross-cultural understanding.

  • Sustainability initiatives or contributions to solving global challenges shared by both nations.

  • Cultural exchange initiatives that enrich bilateral appreciation and collaboration.

 

Research and Innovation Award

This award recognizes alumni who have significantly contributed to advancing research and innovation, resulting in transformative social, economic, or business impacts. It honors achievements in academia, corporate environments, or technological settings and highlights excellence in discovery, application, and innovation.

 

Achievements in Research and Innovation (40%)

• Evidence of groundbreaking contributions through specific research or innovative projects.

• Examples include: Discoveries leading to new knowledge or understanding; or development of innovative solutions, products, or methodologies; or Patents, publications, or other recognized outputs.

• Evaluates the scope, originality, and direct impact of the nominee's achievements on their field or discipline.

 

Practical Applications and Outcomes (30%)

• Assesses the translation of research or innovation into practical applications.

• Examples include: Commercialization of research or innovations; or, Adoption of research outcomes in industry practices, policy frameworks, or educational curricula; or, Creation of tools, processes, or technologies benefiting businesses or communities.

• Highlights tangible outcomes and real-world relevance of the nominee's work.

 

Impact on Communities and Global Relevance (20%)

• Evaluates how the nominee’s achievements have improved lives in Australia, China, and globally.

• Examples include: Social, economic, or environmental benefits; or, Influence on public policy, industry standards, or societal quality of life; or, Contributions to solving critical global challenges, such as climate change or public health issues.

• Recognizes the broader implications of their research or innovation in addressing complex challenges.

 

Leadership and Collaboration in Research (10%)

• Demonstrates the nominee’s ability to lead or inspire others in research and innovation.

• Examples include: Mentoring junior researchers or fostering interdisciplinary collaboration; or Initiating or managing large-scale research projects; or Building partnerships between academia, industry, or government entities.

• Assesses the nominee’s role in advancing the research ecosystem through leadership and cooperation.

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Judging Process

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• Entries will be initially screened by the ACAA. The ACAA, along with representatives from the Judging Panel, will then shortlist candidates for each award.

• Award winners are selected by an independent Judging Panel comprising alumni and representatives from the Australian Government. Information about the 2025 Judging Panel members is TBA. 

• Finalists will be announced in September.

• Winners will be announced at award presentation events in China and Australia, as well as through various media channels following the official ceremonies.
   

Disclaimer

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The Australia China Alumni Association reserves the right to determine the final interpretation of these rules and the eligibility requirements for the Australia China Alumni Awards. For more information please contact us. The Judging Panel’s decision will be final and no correspondence shall be entered into.