About Us
Facilitating and developing lasting bilateral friendships, partnerships and opportunities in the Australia-China space.
The people-to-people connections between Australia and China are the real strength of the relationship … we need young leaders to have full exposure to each other in China and Australia to keep improving these networks.
Our History
ACYA was founded by three Australian university students - Henry Makeham, Huw Pohlner and Dom Delany - whilst they were studying in Beijing. Since its inception, ACYA has grown into a vibrant community of its own, with chapters across Australia and Greater China.Through its extensive network, ACYA has hosted a plethora of events, and offered unique internship, scholarship and volunteering opportunities to its diverse member base. Some of these have been self-administered, and many others have been made possible by the longstanding and generous support of our various institutional partners. Since 2015, the organisation has also administered a bi-annual conference ACELS (the Australia-China Emerging Leaders Summit), aimed at providing professional skills training to up and coming youth leaders passionate about the Australia-China relationship.
- Founded
- 2008
- Chapters
- 20
Our Mission
ACYA is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community for young people interested in the Australia-China space, and seeks to highlight youth voices through its various initiatives and publications. Through its ever-growing membership base, ACYA seeks to promote bilateral relations at both a grassroots and public advocacy level, and support the wellbeing and development of students and young professionals in Australia and China.Our engagement is centred upon three organisational pillars: Careers, Education, and People-to-People Exchange (P2P Exchange). From language exchange events, to social dinners, to networking evenings, we aim to cater to individuals from a range of educational, sectoral, cultural and geographical backgrounds.
Events like ACELS, which unite passionate and talented youth in the Australia-China space, are essential to nurture the future of the bilateral relationship.
Our Organisation
We are proud to be an entirely youth-led, volunteer-run organisation, comprised of a National Executive and 20 Chapter Committees across Australia and Greater China.
Our Chapters
ACYA's chapters across Australia and China actively promote youth engagement in bilateral relations.
Our Team
Our vibrant and eclectic team is committed to facilitating the participation of young people in the bilateral relationship.
Our Alumni
ACYA delivers professional events for its alumni who are interested in contributing to the evolving Australia-China narrative and its future trajectory.
Our Women's Network
The ACYA Women’s Network aims to help young Chinese and Australian women build self-awareness, embrace multiculturalism and grow in their leadership capabilities.
ACYA is Proudly Supported By
