Skilled Migrant Professionals December 2015 | Page 38

Politics Snapshots of Ethnic Politicians Councillor Lily CHEEN, City of Perth Being elected as a councillor for the City of Perth has been the best life experience for Councillor Cheen so far. She loves, treasures and appreciates the support given to her from the people of WA, as well as her colleagues and directors at the City of Perth. As a qualified lawyer and a successful businesswoman, she has already been able to make a valuable contribution to the city’s policymaking, and has been able to review long-term strategies including planning, business development, environmental protection, and many by-laws. Paul NG, Mayor of Canning City Mayor Ng was elected as the City of Canning major at the council election held in October 2015. As the first Chinese mayor in Western Australia, he has created political history and SMP Australia congratulates him on his incredible achievement. Major Ng was born in Malaysia, but grew up in Fujian, China. When he was 18, he moved to the UK and was educated, trained and worked in engineering management until he immigrated to Perth in 1982. Councillor Keith YONG, City of Perth Councillor Keith Yong was elected to the City of Perth in October 2013, and was appointed as a member of the Finance and Administration Committee. Councillor Yong is a lawyer and senior associate in a law firm in Perth. He believes in fostering better relationships with the City of Perth by building global affiliations, promoting cultural exchange, building an environment-friendly city, creating more job opportunities, encouraging trade and business, and promoting Perth to host international events such as sports, entertainment, forums, and meetings. 38 www.smpmagazine.com.au | December 2015 Councillor Pierre YANG, City of Gosnells Councillor Yang was elected as a councillor of Gosnells in October 2013 – standing out from 25 candidates with an incredible one-third of the votes. Councillor Yang studied law, politics and philosophy at the University of Western Australia and is the first East Asian councillor in the City of Gosnells’ history. In 2006, he joined the Australian Army Reserve and graduated in 2013 as a lieutenant from the Royal Military College of Australia.