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Christina Chia

@christina_chia_

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📗 Author | Speaker | Strategist l Board Director
Connecting business, community & culture
✨ Fashion • Travel • Lifestyle
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I’m incredibly excited to finally share something I’ve been working on for a long time…

📕 I’m publishing my first book.

Leading Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling 🎋

This book draws on more than 25 years of leadership, lived experience and learning.

Throughout my career across business, education, governance and community sectors in Australia and Southeast Asia, I’ve seen highly capable professionals overlooked simply because they weren’t the loudest voice in the room.

I’ve also seen leaders struggle to engage talented employees whose values, communication styles and approaches to leadership differed from their own.

But I’ve also seen what happens when leaders broaden the way they recognise talent: stronger trust, greater engagement, better performance and more effective leadership.

As a Malaysian-born Chinese Australian 🇦🇺 🇲🇾 who built a career in Australia while raising two daughters as a single mother, I’ve lived this journey. My professional experience and personal story inspired me to write this book.

Leading Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling is written for executives, boards and leaders who want to better understand, engage and inspire their Asian and multicultural workforce.

I believe the future belongs to organisations and leaders who can recognise talent in all the different ways it appears.

Coming in 2026 👊

If you’d like to follow the journey, comment “BAMBOO” below and I’ll keep you updated as we get closer to publication.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged, challenged and supported me over the years. I’m so grateful to have you on this journey ♥️ by @christina_chia_

This little girl is me!
. This little girl grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with loving parents & siblings. She wasn’t the smartest but very hardworking & determined. She completed tertiary education earning MBA & a number of postgraduate qualifications in Australia. . She married her first husband & that marriage ended up in divorce after the birth of her 2 wonderful daughters. She migrated back to Melbourne as a single parent, very little money, no job prospects, 2 girls under 5 years old and with dreams for her girls to have opportunity for success. .
This little girl never thought that one day she would be living her best life in living her passion purpose. She is now the Chief Operating Officer of a national education business. She’s having joy creating opportunities and champions diversity, equality & fairness as a community leader.
.
She believed in herself, worked hard/smart & never settled for 2nd best. One of her dreams came true as she succeeded in educating both girls in a prestigious private school. She found love again and remarried to a beautiful soul.
. Throughout her journey, she experienced isolation issues as a migrant, bullied during school, anxiety, gender inequality & racism. This little girl knows that all of her experiences have shaped her but she is not limited by her trauma and failure of her past. She’s learnt that it’s not what you succeed in doing but what you do to succeed.
. She believes she has broken the mould of what society had expected of her and set an example for her girls – the need to own the vision that women can be successful in business, contribute to their community & retain their independent spirit!
. What will she tell this girl:
What we learn keeps us moving forward, & allows us to find the positive in every experience. We learn to smile from deep within - this is wisdom! “What is possible for the world is possible for me” and I am proud of myself!
—————
I’m sharing my personal story because research says that 70% of girls feel different about their futures after hearing from women role models. I’m honoured to be part of #thislittlegirlisme campaign to celebrate International Girls Day. Join me & share your story. by @christina_chia_

🌍 Truly honoured to deliver a keynote at the 71st FCEM World Congress!

Sharing my journey of resilience, diversity & inclusivity leading in multicultural Australia was an unforgettable experience in front of such an inspiring global audience from over 70 countries.

In brief, highlights of my keynote:
1. We either grow or become stagnant. We must continue to evolve and progress
2. Nurture Your Inner Child: Remember the hopes and dreams of the little girl inside you. Staying connected to your inner self boosts resilience and adaptability.
3. Powerful leadership styles mean embracing diversity, creating equity and fairness and foster inclusivity where everyone can thrive! This is essential to unlock your team’s potential. DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) not only enhances business performance but also enriches our communities.
4. Resilience is Key: True resilience means not giving up. Keep pushing forward.

The Congress was truly memorable & special being in my home country - heartwarming speeches by World President, Dr Marie Christine Oghly, Australian President Andrea Platwusky and FCEM VP Asia Diane Tompson, Liz Ward – featuring powerhouse leaders and legends in their fields with whom I had the privilege to share the stage - Brendan Kerin, Jenny McAllister MP, Anna Baird, Bronwyn Grieve, Teresa Meares, Kelly Slessor, Lisa Brunet, Deborah Wace, Kimberley Martin, Tracy Sheen, Cynthia Dearin, Rima Ramsaran, Barbara Vlaeminck, Elizabeth Lehnich, Nicola Diomides, Shirley Kaye Randell AO, Juliana Nkrumah AM, Janine Garner, Rachael Downie, Kellie Wilkie, Gill McLaren, Carlill Lyon.

One of the key themes throughout the event was the importance of connections and collaboration—a powerful reminder that our journey is about lifting each other as we rise. 💫 The insights and knowledge exchanged reinforced this message beautifully. As the motto of Women Chiefs reminds us, “Alone we are invisible. ⭐️ Together we are invincible.” Let us continue to champion one another and create a lasting impact in our communities!

Sharing a brief snippet of my keynote & along wonderful recap by the our amazing MC @janice.petersen was a joy!

Official 📸 @anna.nguyenphotography by @christina_chia_

Dochula Pass, Bhutan 🇧🇹

On the road between Thimphu and Punakha, this beautiful mountain pass is home to 108 memorial stupas honouring Bhutanese soldiers.

Fresh mountain air, breathtaking views and such a sense of peace. Photos really don’t do it justice!

So grateful I could FaceTime Papa and Mummy to share this special place. They were with us in spirit, and being able to show them a little of what we’re experiencing meant so much. ❤️

The more I travel, the more I appreciate how much we can learn from one another. That curiosity and connection are at the heart of my book, Leading Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling.

Thank you @greenhearttoursandtravel by @christina_chia_

Second time in Bhutan, still so special. 🇧🇹💚 Rainy skies, but we felt so warmly welcomed! (You can see how wet my Kira skirt)

📍 National Memorial Chorten
A peaceful stop, learning about Bhutanese faith and traditions.

📍 Tashichho Dzong
Beautiful architecture, stories of Bhutan’s royal family, and witnessing the lowering of the flag.

Thank you Green Heart Bhutan, Mr Leki and Mr Chorten, for your special care and hospitality. You made every stop meaningful. 💚

Understanding culture builds connection, a message at the heart of my book, Leading Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling. 📕

We love our @baredfootwear 👠 👞 by @christina_chia_

Back again in the Land of Happiness, Bhutan! 🇧🇹💚

Rain on arrival, but such a warm welcome from Green Heart Bhutan Travel and our wonderful guides, Mr Leki and Mr Chorten! 🥰

From Paro to Thimphu, our stay began with a welcome cake at @neyphuggoenpa Neyphu Café, checking into @namgay_heritage_hotel_ and catching up with our dear friend, Bhutan’s Consul General to Australia. ❤️

Planning a visit to Thimpu, Bhutan?

Day 1 & 2 of itinerary to experience Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions:(reels 1 & 2)

🐾 Takin Reserve: See the takin, Bhutan’s national animal, with its distinctive appearance.
🇧🇹 Simply Bhutan: We dressed in traditional gho and kira and enjoyed an introduction to Bhutanese culture.
🏡 Folk Heritage Museum: A closer look at traditional Bhutanese homes and ways of life.
🌶️ Traditional Bhutanese cuisine: A must-try! We loved discovering the local flavours over a Bhutanese lunch - love the red rice, chilli cheese & butter tea!

The best part of returning is understanding a little more, enjoying each experience more deeply and immersing ourselves in this beautiful country. 🏔️✨

Save these stops for your Bhutan itinerary, and check out Green Heart Bhutan Travel to help plan your own adventure! 💚 by @christina_chia_

Pesta Deepavali 2026 by MMICC 🪔💛

Honoured to take part in the Villakku (lamp) lighting ceremony to officially open the celebration, and later share my joy and pride as a Malaysian Chinese Australian who has long called Australia home, and how much Deepavali means to me.

The food, the people and the warmth brought back the joy of growing up in Malaysia, sharing one another traditions and celebrations. Welcome So happy to see Malaysian film producers joining the festivities too!

One of the joys of living in multicultural Australia is learning about one another’s traditions, celebrating together and strengthening connections across our communities.

This connects with a central theme of my book, Leading Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling: how culture shapes the way we speak, behave and lead and how greater understanding helps people feel heard, valued and included.

Thank you and congratulations to the Melbourne Malaysian Indian Cultural Club (MMICC) team and volunteers for the wonderful entertainment, delicious food and joy you brought to the day. Truly a pesta! 🎉

Wishing everyone celebrating a beautiful Deepavali. ✨ by @christina_chia_

Such a joy to be part of Hello Zindagi’s “Glamour of Lights: Where Cultures Shine Together.”

I still remember the wonderful time I had joining Ruchi Sharma for a radio interview last year on Hello Zindagi, Radio Eastern 98.1 FM. It was lovely to reconnect and see how that same warmth has brought so many people together.

Congratulations, Ruchi and the team, on Hello Zindagi being recognised as a finalist at the 2026 Victorian Community Achievement Awards The thoughtful planning, professionalism and care you bring to connecting people across cultures are evident in all you do-and shone through beautifully throughout the evening.

We loved the food, the dancing and the company. With different cultures sharing their traditions and celebrating together, it felt like one big family. 💛

I was proud to share my Malaysian Chinese heritage… a reminder of why feeling valued and belonging matter so much, both in our communities and in the message of my book, Leading Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling.

Thank you, Ruchi and the team, for having us. Congratulations on a wonderful celebration and the connections you continue to build.

Photography @hellozindagiau by @christina_chia_

600 meals and 6 consecutive years of giving back. 🇲🇾

As a Malaysian-born Australian and long term migrant,I love seeing food bring people together - a familiar flavour, a conversation and an opportunity to connect while doing something for others.

Thank you to the Roti Bar team for your generosity and for creating a platform where Malaysians can come together and contribute to the wider Melbourne community.

I was honoured to help distribute meals, share a few laughs and truly joy to be part of this celebration of community.
Congratulations to the amazing taukeh niau, Julyn and amazing chef Ray, team & volunteers ❤️👊 by @christina_chia_

Still a pinch-me moment. 📖

A little glimpse of the night we celebrated the soft launch of my first book in collaboration with 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with me and everyone who continues to buy the book, share feedback and send lovely messages. My heart is full. ❤️

📚 For more information on ‘Leading Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling’ , to purchase your copy or register your interest in the formal launch in 2027, visit christinachia.com or link in bio 🔗

Videography & Photography @anna.nguyenphotography @rafstaphotography @nathan_james_photographer @7newsmelbourne
Wearing @cirrasue by @christina_chia_

Proud to celebrate @christina_chia_ at the soft launch of her new book, Leading Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling.
I have known Christina since 2019, and what stands out is how generously she makes room for others. Like me, she arrived in Australia as an international student, and she has turned that journey into something that helps others find their way. Her book turns that journey into practical tools for leaders to open the way from the top and help a diverse workforce excel at every stage and lead with genuine cultural intelligence and inclusion.Congratulations on an inspiring milestone, Christina. This book will open doors for so many people. by @christina_chia_

COURT COUTURE
LOVE, SET & MATCH 🏸🤍

From the badminton court to the pages of Artells Magazine! ✨ Proud to see our creative vision published, celebrating fashion, collaboration and the talent of our incredible team.

A creative editorial production by
ANNA JAMES MEDIA & CO.
@anna_james_media_and_co

CREATIVE DIRECTION
@anna.nguyenphotography
Co-Director · @nathan_james_photographer

PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA
@themixingvault · @kates_freedom · @rafstaphotography · @novatra_by_jas · @tim2neal · @lux_nubium

VIDEO / PRODUCTION
@summertonproductions

CAST
@edenelisabeth_model · @kates_freedom · @100_mits · @meikabloomfield55 · @rlgmiles · @marine_elissalde · @cami.vagnarelli · @elena.jacobs.au · @climaxdamexican · @tyeing_up · @susannahw__ · @zaps.jpg · @Christina_chia_ · @roger_chong_ · @Sifu_damien

WARDROBE / BRIDAL
Peony House · MsC Archive Gowns
@bridesmaidsdressingroom

FEATURED FASHION
@Zhivigo · @mara.bridalluxury.jewelry

WARDROBE CURATION & STYLING
@anna.nguyenphotography · @melchac_ · @ellaatkins_design

HAIR & MAKEUP
@elite_makeup_academy
@makeup_hourbyjasmine · @malki_atelier · @deannanicolehairandmakeup · @dawecreative · @hausofshades.saba · @lumeninebeauty
Kamal · Rylea · Chloe NH · Prachi

TABLESCAPE
Concept & Styling · Anna Nguyen / Anna James Media & Co.
@taniadesignconcepts · @melbourneeventsflorals · @spiritbrothers.au · @lider.au

VENUE PARTNER
@colensport · Braybrook, Melbourne

COURT COUTURE brought established and emerging creatives together to collaborate, experiment and bring a full editorial production to life.

Thank you to every creative, model, sponsor and contributor who stepped onto the court and became part of our story. 🤍

LOVE, SET & MATCH. by @christina_chia_