Li Cunxin - Australia's first Asia Game Changer
Li Cunxin, Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet, known as “Mao’s Last Dancer”, is the first Australian to be recognised by the Asia Society’s prestigious Asia Game Changers awards
SYDNEY- NEW YORK, September 16, 2015—Asia Society today announced the 2015 Asia Game Changers, recognising those making a transformative and positive difference for the future of Asia and the world. The awardees will be honored at Asia Game Changer Awards Dinner and Celebration at the U.N. on October 13, 2015.
Li Cunxin, Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet, known as “Mao’s Last Dancer”, is the first Australian to be recognised by the Asia Society’s prestigious Asia Game Changers awards, which identify and honour true leaders making a positive contribution to the future of Asia.
Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines will be honored as the 2015 Asia Game Changer of the Year, following in the footsteps of Alibaba CEO Jack Ma, who took the honor in 2014.
Philipp Ivanov, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Society Australia said: “We are delighted and proud to celebrate the achievements of Li Cunxin - a remarkable Australian whose life and success are an inspiration to so many Australian and global artists and cultural leaders. We are also thrilled to have the first Australian recognised as an Asia Game Changer – a symbol of Australia’s place in the world and our close cultural, economic and community ties with our region. Li Cunxin is a true game changer. Throughout his life, he has demonstrated a power of transformation and ability to shape his own future and organisations and communities he led. Li Cunxin’s art, his pathways in life and his beliefs are a classic yet unique story of leadership”.
“The Asia Game Changer Awards address the lack of recognition for Asians who are transforming ideas into action and improving lives," said Asia Society President Josette Sheeran. “This year’s honorees could not be more different from one another. They include a group of scientists, a comedian, a dancer, a fighter pilot and a boxer. What they share in common is that they all fight for a better today and inspire the world to do things differently."
Honorees are selected through a global survey of more than 1,000 thought leaders. The 2015 awardees are:
Asia Game Changer of the Year: Manny Pacquiao (The Philippines)
Humanitarian, world-famous boxing champion and member of the Philippines House of Representatives
For using his sport, and his star power, as sources for good
Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura (Japan)
2014 Nobel Laureates in Physics and inventors of a new energy-efficient light source – the blue LED
For lighting our world in a groundbreaking and sustainable way
Chanda Kochhar (India)
CEO of ICICI Bank and the first woman to head an Indian bank
For breaking the glass ceiling, transforming an industry, and empowering the masses
Lei Jun (China)
Founder & CEO of Xiaomi, China’s leading smartphone vendor
For changing the game of communication in China and beyond
Li Cunxin (Australia/China)
Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet, known as “Mao’s Last Dancer”
For his art, his courage, and his cultural diplomacy
Aasif Mandvi (United States/India)
Comedian, activist and powerful spokesperson for Muslims and Asian Americans
For using comedy to challenge perceptions, and work for good
Mariam al-Mansouri (United Arab Emirates)
Fighter pilot, UAE Air Force and role model for women throughout the Arab world
For battling stereotypes, and terror, from the air
Kiran Bir Sethi (India)
Founder, Design for Change and The Riverside School, and champion of youth volunteerism
For empowering children to change the world
The honorees will attend the Asia Game Changer Awards Dinner and Celebration at the United Nations on October 13, 2015. Pacquiao will also address the gathering. Among the Asia Society trustees presenting the awards will be Citi CEO, Global Consumer Banking Stephen Bird; renowned opera singer Renée Fleming; PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra K. Nooyi; veteran broadcaster Charlie Rose; former Australian Prime Minister and President of the Asia Society Policy Institute Kevin Rudd; and Asia Society Co-Chairs Ronnie C. Chan and Henrietta H. Fore.
More information about the 2015 awardees, including bios, and the October 13 event is available at AsiaSociety.org/GameChangers. Members of the media should email [email protected] for details.
Asia Society is pleased to have Citi as the underwriting partner for the 2015 Asia Game Changer Awards and Dinner