Asialink’s 2024 Asian Australian Leadership Awards celebrated exceptional contributions in diverse fields, with standouts including Assoc. Prof. Amirali Popat in Education, Science & Medicine; Shivani Gopal in Innovation & Entrepreneurship; and Alicia Vrajlal in Media.
The Asian-Australian Leadership Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of young Asian-Australians across 11 categories, celebrating their achievements and leadership.
The event featured 43 finalists and was joined by Senator Penny Wong, who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award and spoke on the power of diversity as Australia’s greatest strength.
Senator Penny Wong expressed her gratitude on X, formerly Twitter, saying,
“Honoured to be recognised at the Asian-Australian Leadership Awards, hosted by @Asialink_au. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners. We are all better off when leadership reflects our whole community. Our diversity is a national asset we can all be proud of.”
Education, Science & Medicine – Dr Amirali Popat
A groundbreaking pharmaceutical scientist, Dr Amirali Popat was recognised for his work in nanomedicine, especially in developing precision drug delivery systems to treat complex diseases.
As a Professor and Director of Research at The University of Queensland, Popat’s research focuses on creating smart, responsive nanomaterials that improve targeted treatment of conditions like cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. With over 100 published papers and three patents, Popat’s achievements exemplify Australia’s forward momentum in medical science.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Shivani Gopal
Shivani Gopal, founder and CEO of Elladex, has made waves as a champion for women’s financial empowerment and inclusion in leadership. Her pioneering platform offers digital mentorship and professional development, connecting over 25,000 women with industry leaders.
In a heartfelt Facebook statement, Gopal reflected on how innovation and entrepreneurship connect her to her roots. She shared that as the youngest in her family, she witnessed her parents leave a successful business and life in Fiji to pursue a brighter future in Australia for their children. They built a series of restaurants from the ground up in Sydney, and their resilience and courage inspired Gopal’s own path in business. Their journey, she said, exemplifies the power of daring to envision and pursue new possibilities.
“Award platforms like this are so critical. They normalize the idea that we, as Asian Australians, can lead, innovate, and build with courage—not just follow the traditional paths expected of us.”
Recognised nationally for her work, Gopal is known for her research on gender equity in corporate spaces and as the author of The Perspex Ceiling. Her advocacy for inclusion and her efforts to break down barriers for women in leadership have cemented her as an influential entrepreneur and thought leader.
Media – Alicia Vrajlal
Alicia Vrajlal, celebrated for amplifying South Asian stories and experiences in Australian media, was honoured for her work as founder of Draw Your Box, a news platform dedicated to diverse narratives.
Vrajlal, also the Editorial Lead at Missing Perspectives, is a respected voice on issues related to entertainment, diversity, and women in media. Her commitment to representation has earned her accolades as one of the country’s leading cultural commentators, driving greater visibility for South Asian voices in Australian media.
The 2024 Asian-Australian Leadership Awards also recognised several other exceptional individuals across various fields.
Charlotte Young was named the Overall Winner, while Nathan Lee received the Under 25 Rising Star Award. In the Arts & Culture category, Victoria Falconer was honoured, Jorden Lam took home the Corporate Award, Tony Luo was recognised in the Public Sector & Government category, Alex Cheng won the Legal & Professional Services award, and Alanna Kamp was recognised for her work in Community, Advocacy & Not for Profit.
Co-convened by Johnson Partners and Asialink, this award recognises and celebrated the outstanding leadership and contributions to Asian-Australians, drawing attention to the underrepresentation of Asian-Australians in leadership positions.
Previously known as the ’40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards’, the awards honour individuals who identify as Asian-Australian and are under 40, with the exception of the Lifetime Achievement category, which has no age limit.
Nominees must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, residing in Australia or abroad. Awards are decided by a respected judging panel, with winners selected for each category and an overall winner named.
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