Event Recap | Celebrating 30 Years of AISHK
The 2025 school year has had a vibrant start, as we joined in 30th Anniversary celebrations, across 6-8 February, in Hong Kong. These celebrations and functions highlighted the spirit and connectedness of the unique AISHK community.
Thank you to all attendees, the Parent Association and parent volunteers, together with AISHK Staff for making these events not only possible, but a memorable success for all involved.
VIP Event: Honouring Our Founders & Friends
Thursday’s event was a special occasion, celebrating the key figures who have been instrumental in AISHK's establishment and journey. Distinguished guests, including founders and pivotal contributors, were honored for their invaluable roles in making the school what it is today. The evening began with opening remarks by Deputy Consul General Mr. Alistair McEachern, representing the Australian Consulate as a guest of honor, who provided insightful perspectives on the place AISHK holds in the landscape of the international and Australian community in Hong Kong.
Dr. Jocelyn Chey, former Consul General to Australia in Hong Kong (1992-1995) and AISHK Alumni Patron, delivered an inspiring speech, followed by Mrs. Chris Neilsen AM, Principal (1996-2003) and Alumni Patron. Their words, supported by some nostalgic, early photos, touched the audience as they shared the many challenges, victories and turning points of the school, invigorating our drive to propel the school into its next 30 years and beyond.
A tour of the school, led by Director of Admissions Pauline Dear, showcased the campus, including newly enhanced areas such as our Kinox Food Technology kitchen, Creative Industries Hub with state-of-the-art equipment, newly refurbished library, and much more. The night concluded with drinks and canapés under the stars at the 9F Staff Centre, providing a perfect setting to reflect on our rich history and look forward to a bright future. Mr. Andrew Macintosh, AISFL Board Chair, provided closing remarks, a vote of thanks, and raised a toast to AISHK for the occasion.
Welcome Festival & Ceremony
The excitement was palpable as the AISHK community gathered for the 30th Anniversary Welcome Festival and Ceremony on the school field. The event was a vibrant celebration filled with joy and enthusiasm. The student Chinese Drumming, Lion Dance and Bai San Ceremony set the tone for an evening of spectacular performances by our talented students. Jean Zhai, AISHK’s first Head of Chinese, provided a Lunar New Year greeting in English and Mandarin, and shared the cultural relevance of the lion dance and bai san to our community. She led our executive team, board, and founders' representatives in the ceremony. A surprise flashmob by students and staff added an extra layer of excitement, leaving everyone in awe.
Australian Consul General Mr. Gareth Williams attended as a guest of honour, representing the Australian government, and in his speech shared perspectives on the Australian International School Hong Kong's (AISHK) significant role in the Hong Kong, Australian, and international communities.
Our Year 12 students who have been at AISHK since Reception or Prep delivered heartfelt speeches. The Year 12 students were also honored with certificates signed by a former school principal, marking their long journey with AISHK. The highlight of the evening was the grand birthday cake for AISHK! The festival was a delightful mix of delicious food, fun activities for all ages, and a true sense of community spirit.
Thank you to our Sponsor
Thank you to JL Finance for sponsoring the beverages and bar at the Welcome Festival on February 7th. Your generosity made the event even more special!
If you missed out on the night, click here to enter for a chance to win a $2000 dining voucher to The Grill Room Restaurant. Simply enter your details, and you might be the lucky recipient of this special gift.
AISHK 30th Anniversary Hong Kong Alumni Reunion
The 2025 Hong Kong Alumni Reunion was a heartwarming event that brought together past students, staff, and friends of AISHK. It was a night filled with laughter, memories, and the rekindling of old friendships. The stunning views of Victoria Harbour at Red Sugar provided a beautiful backdrop for the occasion and sharing stories from our earliest days
Dr. Jocelyn Chey delivered a poignant speech about why the founding group believed the school should be established and the challenges they faced to ensure its success. Ms. Margaret Merrell shared stories from the earliest days, highlighting how inclusive AISHK was and continues to be. A panel of quickfire questions were handed to the very first students of AISHK in 1995 - Sally and Matthew Day, as well as Warren Leung (also from 1995), and Jackie Day (parent of Sally and Matthew). They provided amazing and also some humorous reflections on their early days and how far the school has come.
The evening was a testament to the enduring bonds within our growing alumni diaspora, as new friendships were forged and old ones strengthened.
We look forward to many more years of growth, learning, and shared memories. Thank you to everyone who made these events unforgettable!
Special Guests
Thank you to all special guests who attended our events celebrating AISHK's 30th Anniversary from February 6-8:
Consular Representatives
Australian Consul General, Mr. Gareth Williams
Deputy Consul General for Australia, Mr. Alistair McEachern
Consul General for New Zealand, Mr. Peter Lund
AISHK Board Members
Andrew Macintosh, AISHK Board Chair
Kym Fortescue, AISHK Vice Chair
Prof. Richard Petty, Immediate Past Chairman
Tom Corkhill, Past Chairman
Ivy Wong Stephens, President, Australian Association of Hong Kong
Jeffrey Chan, Chairman, Federation of Australian Alumni Associations of Hong Kong
Dennis Wong, Australian Chinese Association of Hong Kong
Alex Harrington, President of the AISHK Parent Association
Winnie Elbl, AISFL Board Member
Founding Members
Christopher Day, son of the late Philip Day, AISHK Founding Chairman (Australian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong)
Tom Corkhill, AISHK Founding Member (Australian Association of Hong Kong) and Past AISHK Chairman
Dr. Jocelyn Chey, Alumni Patron; AISHK Founding Member (Australian Consulate General); Former Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau
Joseph Kwan, Founding Member (Federation of Australian Alumni Associations Hong Kong); former School Supervisor; Past Board Member
Terence Ma, AISHK Founding Member (The Australian Chinese Association of Hong Kong)
Former Heads and Leaders of AISHK
Chris Neilsen, AM, Alumni Patron; Principal (1996-2003)
Margaret Merrell, Assistant Principal Primary (1995-2003)
Sue McMillan, Head of School (2003-2006)
Jean Zhai, Head of Chinese (1995-2008)
Chris McCorkell, Secondary Dean of Studies (1996-2019)
Howard West, Assistant Principal, Head of Secondary, Head of School (1998-2022)
Leonie Drew, Principal Primary and Co-Head of School (2004-2015)
Phillip Waugh, Principal Secondary, Co-Head of School, Head of School (2004-2015)
David Shirley, Assistant Principal, Head of Primary, Co-Head of School (2007-2018)
First Families and Students
Jackie and Andrew Day, parents of Sally Day and Matthew Day, the first enrolled students of AISHK 1995
Warren Leung, 1995 AISHK student
Representatives of AISHK Founding Associations
Professor Cliff Sun, Past AISHK Board Member; Honorary President, Australian Chinese Association of Hong Kong
Dr. John Wong, President, Australian Chinese Association of Hong Kong
Kyran Sze, Past AISHK Board Member; Past President, Australian Chinese Association of Hong Kong
Joe Joe Chan, Past AISHK Board Member; Past President, Australian Chinese Association of Hong Kong
Jessica Li, Honorary Secretary, Australian Chinese Association of Hong Kong
Kenneth Wan, Vice President, Australian Chinese Association of Hong Kong
Candy Leung, Cultural Relations Officer, Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong
Community & Sponsor Representatives
Alan Chang, General Manager North East Asia, Qantas Airways
Cindy Chiu, Senior Manager Sales Operations, Qantas Airways
Carmen Tam, Manager Hong Kong, Tourism Australia
Elizabeth Chan, Head-Hong Kong, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Leighton Asia
Colman Wong, General Manager of Hong Kong Business
Diana Hutchinson, Senior Design Manager
Leighton was the construction company responsible for the design and construction of the AISHK campus we are at today. At the time the project was led by then Executive Director Hong Kong Building & China, Ric Grosvenor.
We are truly grateful to all these guests, many of whom traveled from Australia and around the world to join us in celebrating this milestone.
Stay tuned for more information about upcoming Anniversary Events in 2025!
