ACELS 16 Delegate FAQ

What is the Australia-China Emerging Leaders’ Summit (ACELS)?

ACELS is the Australia-China Youth Association’s (ACYA) signature event, and a key platform to unite and enrich a new generation of Australia-China literate leaders. Over four days, delegates will be exposed to a wide range of issues in the Australia-China space, engaging with industry leaders and experienced professionals at the forefront of their fields.

ACELS 16 ‘Capitalising on Change: Embracing the Shared Future of Australia China Relations’ will be held from 27th July - 30th July 2023. The Summit will bring together delegates from Australia and China to discuss the multifaceted bilateral relationship. Through presentations, workshops, and seminars, participants will deepen their understanding of the dynamic region, and partake in cross-cultural dialogue.

Why should I attend the Summit?

Delegates will have the opportunity to connect and build friendships with young professionals, industry leaders and fellow delegates through networking, social, and cultural events. They will also be exposed to the most topical, pressing, and innovative topics in the Australia-China space.

What is the application process?

Fill out and submit an application form before the final deadline 11:59pm AEST June 28th.
Applicants will receive an outcome by the second week of July. Successful applicants must accept the offer within 3 days and pay the Delegate Fee. The Delegate Fee for early bird applicants who applied before 11:59pm AEST 10th June is $180 AUD. The Delegate Fee for applications received after this date is $200 AUD.
Closer to the date of the Summit, delegates will be sent a form to provide further details (including any dietary requirements) so we can ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.

How will delegates be selected?

In our selection process, we aim to recruit a diverse group of delegates from a range of disciplines at the forefront of the Australia-China space. We are looking for delegates who are interested in the Australia-China relationship and emulate the Summit’s theme and vision.

When will I be notified of the application outcome?

Applicants will be notified by the second week of July 2023 on the outcome of their application.

I have been waitlisted for the Summit. What happens now?

After the registration deadline has passed for accepted delegates, we will notify waitlisted delegates if there are still positions available.

Do I need to speak English to attend?

As ACELS will be primarily conducted in English, delegates should possess a certain level of listening and speaking skills in English in order to participate fully in the Summit.

Do I need to speak Chinese to attend?

ACELS will be held predominantly in English, and whilst previous Chinese language experience is an asset, it is not a requirement for attendance.

How much does ACELS cost?

The ACELS 16 Delegate Fee is $180 for early bird applications (received before 11.59pm AEST, Saturday 10th June 2023) and $200 AUD for general applications.

What will my delegate fee be used for?

The Delegate Fee covers:

Delegate’s accommodation and meals for the duration of the Summit
Access to Summit workshops, seminars and networking events, and transportation between activities
Professional group and individual photography and videography

The Delegate Fee does not cover:

Travel costs to and from the Summit (including to and from the airport)

Are there scholarships available?

Yes, there are a select number of $50 AUD equity scholarships available to attend ACELS 16. You will be asked if you wish to apply for a scholarship in your application. You are eligible to apply for an equity scholarship if you meet the following criteria:

Domestic or international student currently enrolled at a university in Australia or China
Making satisfactory academic progress (GPA above 2.5)
Experiencing financial difficulty (able to provide evidence)

Scholarship applicants will be contacted by the Delegates Team to provide relevant supporting documentation after shortlisting.

What will the ACELS 16 program include?

ACELS 16 will feature an intensive program of workshops, panel discussions, speaker events and networking. These sessions will focus on different areas, such as:

Healthcare
Technology
Education
Entrepreneurship
Arts & Culture
Economics & Trade

A more detailed schedule is currently being finalised and will be sent to successful delegates. The Summit schedule will be supplemented by networking, social, and cultural events.

I live in Canberra, can I stay at home instead of the accommodation provided?

Delegates are expected and encouraged to stay with the group at the accommodation provided. This will allow you to make the most of the ACELS experience, by getting to know other delegates and attending any impromptu social events. Please note, the delegate fee is a fixed amount and cannot be discounted if you choose not to stay at the accommodation provided.

What are the accommodation arrangements?

The ACELS 16 Project Team is in the process of finalising the accommodation location. Details will be provided to successful delegates closer to the Summit. Rooms will be twin-share and gender segregated wherever possible. If you have any sharing preferences, please contact us at delegates_acels@acya.org.au to see if suitable arrangements can be made. Delegates who prefer to stay in a single room will be required to cover the additional costs.

Do I need to prepare for the Summit?

Although not required, we recommend that you do some personal research on some topical themes in the Australia-China space. We will also provide resources to delegates in the lead up to the Summit, as well as information on the speakers and presenters, which will help you to start thinking about key questions and issues.

Is there a Summit schedule available?

The ACELS 16 Project Team is in the process of finalising a Summit
Schedule. This will be provided if you are accepted as a delegate to attend the Summit.

Is attendance compulsory for all Summit events?

You must attend ALL workshops, seminars and social events, such as networking sessions and the Gala Dinner. (Except for optional networking night on 27th July).

What should I wear to ACELS?

Delegates are required to wear business casual during seminars, panels, workshops, and networking events. Canberra weather in July would be around 1℃ to 11℃, please prepare suitable clothes. We’ll also provide scarves/blankets in delegate pack to keep you warm.

Where can I find the Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, and Welfare Policy for the Summit?

The ACELS Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, and Welfare Policy can be accessed by emailing us at delegates_acels@acya.org.au.

What if I have other questions?

If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with us at delegates_acels@acya.org.au.