The 2024 Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards recently honoured individuals who have made exceptional contributions to strengthening Australia’s ties with Asia.
Among the celebrated winners were Priya Srinivasan, recognised in the Arts and Culture category, and Aruna Venkatachalam, who received the Research and Education award.
Srinivasan, an award-winning performer, choreographer, and writer, was celebrated for her transformative work in the arts.
On receiving her award, she expressed her gratitude on Facebook:
“What a beautiful surprise to be nominated among so many incredible luminaries and then to receive this award from @asiasocietyaus for being a ‘game changer’ in culture and arts – many thanks to everyone that has supported me.”
Srinivasan co-founded Sangam, a platform dedicated to empowering South Asian creatives, and has gained international acclaim for her work integrating feminist decolonisation with Indian classical dance.
Aruna Venkatachalam, a leading international consultant and founder of her own consultancy, was recognised for her advocacy and support of underrepresented voices in Australia’s startup and social impact sectors.
Venkatachalam expressed her appreciation for the award on LinkedIn, stating: “Honoured and thrilled… It takes a collective of people and organisations to get to this point.”
“My immediate appreciation goes to the teams at Young Change Agents and Group Avenues, plus, to all of the organisations and folk I’ve worked with across the years across Australia and Asia who do impactful, life-changing work.”
Venkatachalam’s career highlights include pioneering a partnership between India and Australia in social entrepreneurship education and creating a self-determined entrepreneurship program for First Nations youth.
Molina Asthana and Ziyan Tejani were finalists in the Business and Gen A Emerging Leader categories respectively.
Molina, a prominent lawyer and founder of Multicultural Women in Sport, holds multiple board roles, including with AMES Australia and Good Shepherd ANZ, and is an advocate for diversity in sports, founding the Australia India Women in Sport Connect. She is also the National Chair for Sport, Art, and Culture at the Australia India Business Council and has been awarded the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence twice.
Ziyan is an accomplished undergraduate, policy advocate, and New Colombo Plan Alumni Ambassador passionate about enhancing Australia-Asia relations. He has studied in Singapore under the New Colombo Plan and worked with think tanks, such as the Middle East Institute. As Vice President (External) of the Young Diplomats Society, Ziyan promotes youth engagement in global affairs and has received several awards for his community contributions, including the North Western Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year Award.
These awards, now in their fourth year, celebrate those who have played a pivotal role in enhancing Australia’s relationships with Asia, particularly from Australia’s Asian communities.
The awards were presented at an elegant gala dinner held at the National Gallery of Victoria, which also honoured Poh Ling Yeow, Asian-Australian celebrity chef, with the prestigious Icon Award.
The Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards serve as a platform to highlight the ongoing contributions of individuals who continue to shape and strengthen the cultural, business, and social connections between Australia and Asia.
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