Celebrating a Remarkable Year of Leadership, Learning & Community in 2025

2025 was a very busy year for us – the Australian Leadership Skills Centre (ALSC) not only expanded our reach, we also deepened our community impact, and celebrated milestones that reflect the heart of who we are: educators, collaborators, and champions of leadership across Australia and the Asia–Pacific region.

This year was filled with proud moments, new ventures, and meaningful contributions. Here’s a look at what made 2025 truly special, a year of leadership and learning.

Empowering Learners

As a Registered Training Organisation providing Australian qualifications, we continued to provide high‑quality education and support to our cohorts in multiple qualifications from Certificate IV level through to Graduate Diploma. Every class, every assessment, and every learner reminded us why we do this work – to build capability, confidence, and leadership skills that last.

We also continued our valued partnership with our major government clients, providing assessment services and quality assurance that ensures excellence and integrity across their workforce.

Launching Our Refreshed Online Short Courses

One of our proudest achievements this year was the expansion of our online one‑day and two‑day courses – now open to individual learners. This new offering has opened the door for even more people to access practical, high‑impact learning.

From Time Management to Leadership to Strategic Thinking, these courses gave individuals from across Australia and beyond the opportunity to dive deep into key focus areas, creating vibrant virtual classrooms filled with curiosity and collaboration.

Strengthening Community Through Partnership

As sponsors of the Australia Malaysia Business Council (Queensland), the Nordic Forum of Australia, and the International Circle, we continued to support cultural exchange, business collaboration, and friendship between nations. In their roles as President and Senior Vice President, Shona Leppänen‑Gibson and Kiong Chan hosted multiple events throughout the year, culminating in the spectacular Christmas Ball at Queensland Parliament.

In addition, Shona and Kiong were heavily involved in numerous diplomatic visits and civic events throughout the year. These events weren’t just gatherings; they were celebrations of connection, culture, and shared purpose.

Honouring Culture, Film & Storytelling

This year, ALSC was honoured to play a role in celebrating the arts and championing film making.

Shona and Kiong were invited to MC the red‑carpet screening of Australian-Fijian-Indian film Langha Phobia.

Shona and Kiong were also invited to MC the inaugural Australian Tamil International Film Festival including the opening ceremony and the awards night, which was streamed to an international audience.

These moments showcased the power of storytelling and the importance of elevating diverse voices in our community.

Leading Conversations That Matter

2025 also saw ALSC represented on influential platforms.

At Asia Connect Brisbane, a signature event of PropertyGuru - Asia's largest real estate and property platform, Shona was asked to help organise the event (the first time it has been hld in Brisbane), and she was also invited to deliver the keynote addesss. Shona was also invited to join as a special guest panelist in collaboration with PropertyGuru, while Kiong chaired the panel with his signature clarity and insight. Following this collaboration, Shona was appointed a judge for PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards Australia, contributing to the adjudication of the nation’s most outstanding property developments.

Shona was also appointed a Mental Health Advocate by the Mental Health Foundation Australia, continuing her long‑standing work as an Ambassador as well as an Attaché.

Kiong continued his impactful service as a board member of the Lord Mayor of Brisbane’s International Business Roundtable, supporting Brisbane’s global business engagement.

These invitations reflect the trust, respect, and credibility ALSC’s principals have established across industries.

Recognising and Fostering Leadership in Business, Industry, and the Community

2025 also saw ALSC General Manager Shona Leppänen-Gibson's successful nomination of business leader and industrialist Mr Richard Armold for the Lord Mayor of Brisbane's Multicultural Business Leader of the Year at the Lord Mayor's Roundtable gala dinner at City Hall.

At the annual Christmas Ball at Queensland Parliament, we presented Mrs Manju Jehu with the Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Community Leadership, and Mr Richard Arnold for the Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Business Leadership.

Looking Back With Pride — And Forward With Purpose

2025 was a year of meaningful progress with new opportunities, strengthened partnerships, and shared achievements across our community.

As we look toward 2026, we carry forward the same spirit that shaped this year: a commitment to excellence, a passion for empowering others, and our sincere belief that leadership is for everyone.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and impact.

Presenting a Special Recognition Award to Richard Arnold at the Christmas Ball at Queensland Parliament - from left Kiong Chan, Mayor Jos Mitchell (Redland City), the Hon. Cameron Dick MP, Deputy Opposition Leader, Cr Mindy Russell (Logan City), Marlene Arnold, Richard Arnold, Margret Gleisenberg, Jon Krause MP, Deputy Speaker, and Shona Leppänen-Gibson.