Successful DHS/MCCSA Sponsored Legal and Wellbeing Seminar for International Students, Co-hosted by Tong De Association of SA and University of South Australia

On 31 Mar 2023, the legal and wellbeing seminar for international students sponsored by DHS/MCCSA and co-hosted by Tong De Association of SA and University of South Australia was concluded successfully. 

The seminar, led by Dr. Ning Zhang and Dr. Xin Deng, featured a distinguished panel of teachers, professors, doctors, and lawyers from the medical and legal fields. They delivered valuable legal and health knowledge to international students. Focused on addressing the legal and health challenges commonly faced by international students, the seminar raised significant interest and attendance from students.

The invited guests were as follows:

● Sarah Andrews MP, Member for Gibson, representing Minister Cook

● Mr.Wenbin Li, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Adelaide

● Professor Lan Snell, Dean of Program (Postgraduate) and MBA Director

● Vicky Arachi, Manager, Multicultural Community Connections Program, Multicultural Communities Council of SA (MCCSA)

● Ms. Cathy Chong AM, JP, President, Chinese Welfare Services of SA Inc.

● Mr. Yan-Shi Ko, Community Liaison Officer, SA Community Engagement, Department of Home Affairs

● Ms. Niki Zhang, Manager, International Recruitment, TAFE SA

● Ms. Phoebe Huang, Study Adelaide, Market Coordinator (Northeast Asia)

● Mr. Cheng Chen, Ms. Lynn Yu, Vice Presidents, Chinatown Association of Adelaide

The invited presenters were as follows:

Wellbeing Panellists;

• Dr. Jane Zhang, a Senior Gynaecologist, Fellow of the Royal Australian New Zealand College, founding board member for Creative Health, the immediate past president of the Australian Chinese Medical Association (SA).

• Dr. William Tam, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, UoA.  Past President, Australian Medical Association

• Dr. Kim Sun, GP

Legal Panellists;

• Mr. Yapp Hau Pehn, Yapp Lawyers, the firm was established in the 1990s.  Mr. Yapp has rich experience in offering legal solutions predominately in commercial law tailored to their clients from multicultural backgrounds who speak English, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese and Hakka.  

Mr. Yapp also practices in Wills and deceased estate, Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directive. 

Mr. Yapp was a member of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal of South Australia from 2004 to 2015. 

• Dr. LiYao Wang, a Consultant at Finlaysons Lawyers, a co-head of Finlayson’s China Practice, Vice-Chair of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association Tax Law Committee.

• Mr. Jia Xiao, Xiao Lawyers, the first student from China in the Law School at the University of Adelaide. Experienced in overseas Chinese legal issues.

The seminar started with the opening speech delivered by Professor Lan Snell from the University of South Australia and President of Tong De Association Mr. Hu Hao, thanking the international students for their support and active participation in this event and sharing their own experiences of studying abroad.

Following the opening speech, Dr. Jane Zhang gave a lecture on the healthcare system in Australia, sexual health, and other related topics. After the lecture session, Dr Zhang, along with Professor William Tam and Dr. Kim Sun, answered international students’ questions related to medical treatment in Australia.

After the wellbeing session finished, Consul Mr. Wenbin Li from the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Adelaide introduced consular services to international students, including consular protection, prevention of telecom fraud, and passport renewal procedures.

Mr. Yan-Shi Ko, a Community Liaison Officer from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, shared with the audience how international students or new immigrants can seek assistance and service when they encounter problems. 

In the legal session, Lawyers Mr. Hau Pehn Yapp, Dr. Li Yao Wang, and Mr. Jia Xiao explained to the audience the Australian legal system, checks and balances in law, as well as common issues and solutions frequently encountered by international students in Australia.

During the Q&A session, the atmosphere in the seminar became more lively. International students actively voiced their concerns, raising issues they encountered in their daily lives, including visa matters, employment, daily lives, and health concerns. The dynamic atmosphere prompted sincere responses to students’ inquiries, fostering an engaging environment.

The entire seminar was characterized by interaction and discussion, with students expressing that the session had been helpful for them. They gained deeper insights into Australian law and healthcare, and became clearer on how to protect their rights and health.

Moreover, the exchange among students enhances mutual understanding, offering additional support and assistance to Chinese international students living abroad in Australia.

This legal and health seminar provided a platform for exchange and discussion for international students in Australia, enabling them to better understand relevant legal and health knowledge, as well as each other, which facilitates mutual assistance, helping them better adapt to and enjoy life, study, and work in Australia.