Bridging markets: AI, clean energy and business opportunities between China and Australia

Time: 12-1pm 
Location: Room 215, Gordon Greenwood Building (32) followed by networking and refreshments in Campbell Place

An insightful session with distinguished Chinese alumni – Professor Lianzhou Wang, Professor Xue Li and Dr Frank Xu – as they share their expertise on the dynamic sectors of AI, clean energy and business investment. In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, where innovation and trade policies continue to reshape industries, this panel discussion will explore how Australia can build bridges and seize opportunities in collaboration with Australia’s biggest trade partner China.

Join the discussion as we unpack the forces driving change and explore new pathways for cross-border collaboration and economic growth. After the discussion, please join us for networking and refreshments. 

About the presenters

Professor Xue Li: Master of Science ‘89

Professor Li is a leading researcher in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Queensland.

Recognised by the Australian Financial Review as one of Australians most powerful figures in Big Data (2015), he is known for his highly accurate election prediction algorithms, achieving 95% accuracy for both the 2013 Australian federal election and 2015 Queensland election, and successfully predicting the 2016 US Election outcome.

As one of the founders and the Chair of the Steering Committee of the International Conference on Advanced Data Mining and Applications (ADMA), Professor Li has established himself as a leader in the field. His major research interests and expertise include Health Data Analytics, Data Mining, Social Computing, and Intelligent Web Information Systems.

Professor Lianzhou Wang FAA FTSE: Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership ’19, Graduate Certificate in Education ‘06

Professor Wang is an ARC Australian Laureate Fellow in the School of Chemical Engineering, Director of Nanomaterials Centre (Nanomac), and Senior Group Leader of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at The University of Queensland. His research focuses on clean energy, developing new functional materials for solar energy conversion and storage systems, including new catalyst design for solar hydrogen generation, low-cost high-efficiency solar cells, and rechargeable batteries.

A Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher, Professor Wang has received numerous prestigious fellowships and awards, including multiple ARC fellowships and UQ research honours.

He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and Academia Europea. He also chairs the National Committee for Materials Science and Engineering and services as President of the Australian Materials Research Society.

Dr Frank Xu: Doctor of Philosophy ’98, Master of Commerce ’00, Graduate Certificate Applied Economics ‘94

Dr Xu is the Managing Director and CEO of Sunshine Investments Group, overseeing a substantial commercial property portfolio across Queensland.

Prior to relocating to Brisbane, he spent a decade building strong business and investment networks in China’s education and banking sectors.  Dr Xu holds a PhD in Engineering and a Master of Commerce from The University of Queensland and served in senior roles within the Queensland Government for 14 years before transitioning to the private sector in 2012. 

Dr Xu is also a founding member of the Queensland Chinese Association of Scientists and Engineers (QCASE).

Moderator:

Dr Nanyi Nicole Yu: Doctor of Philosophy ’24, Master of Tourism Hotel Event Mgt ’15, Graduate Diploma in Business Research Methods ‘18

Dr  Yu is the Policy and Research Officer at the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, the peak body for tourism, hospitality, and events in Queensland. With a PhD in events management and positive psychology, and 9 years as a UQ academic and lecturer, she brings expertise in social sustainability, well-being and community engagement to her policy work.

Dr Yu has managed cultural events like the Brisbane Chinese Festival and played key roles in major fundraising efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.  She is also a founding member and CEO of the UQ Global Chinese Alumni Association (UQGCAA).