Who We Are
Connecting communities through education, cultural exchange, and long-term partnerships
About AES
Australian Education Society (AES) is a Melbourne-based incorporated association established in 2015. For over a decade, AES has connected communities through education, cultural exchange, and community development programs across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
In 2026, AES was formally appointed as the official Melbourne Liaison Office for the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) — the elected local government authority representing 15 Torres Strait island communities. This 10-year mandate authorises AES to support cooperation, education, and community development between Victoria and the Torres Strait.
AES is registered under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012. Registration number: A0091229U.
Our Mandate
AES holds a formal, written 10-year appointment from the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. This means AES can represent TSIRC interests in conversations with government agencies, universities, corporate partners, and community organisations. It is a genuine community mandate — not just a relationship, but a legal agreement between two organisations.
Our Mission
To strengthen community wellbeing through education, cultural connection, and meaningful partnership — working alongside Torres Strait Islander communities to build skills, create opportunities, and support sustainable futures.
Meet Our Talented Team
Our passionate and dedicated team brings together a diverse range of skills and expertise to deliver exceptional results. From creative visionaries to meticulous strategists, we work seamlessly together to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.
Chris Pu
-Chairman
Chris Pu is a successful entrepreneur and long-standing supporter of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community initiatives.
As Chairman of AES, he provides strategic leadership in education, cultural connection, community development and international partnerships.
His work includes supporting Torres Strait Island fishery-related opportunities and building connections across Asian markets, with a strong focus on creating long-term opportunities for Torres Strait Islander and First Nations young people.
Cr. Dimas Toby
-Honorary Chairman
Cr. Dimas Toby is the Torres Strait Island Regional Council Councillor for Division 1 – Boigu and a proud Guda Malulgal man from Boigu, Dauan and Saibai.
As Honorary Chairman of AES, he supports education, cultural connection and community opportunities for Torres Strait Islander and First Nations young people, bringing strong experience in community leadership, regional development, sport and local service.
Howard Gao, JP
-Vice Chairman, Australian Education Society
-Deputy Director, Melbourne Liaison Office, Torres Strait island Regional Council
-CEO of Get Education Group
Howard Gao is an experienced investor and business professional with a background in commerce, arts and business management. He supports the organisation’s work in education, community engagement and international connection, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for students from less privileged backgrounds. He brings strong local and international networks, together with a long-standing interest in education and cross-cultural development.
Tauseef Muhammad
-Vice Chairman, Australian Education Society
-CEO of Melbourne Institute of Higher Eduaction
Tauseef Muhammad is an experienced tertiary education quality assurance and auditing professional, with a strong academic background across business, finance, HR and management. He supports the organisation’s education strategy and global engagement, with a focus on helping less privileged students access opportunities and achieve their goals.
Chris Hall
-Executive Advisor, AES Board Member
-Founder, Cohort Group
-Former Economic Development Officer
-City of Casey VP
-Australian International Innovation Association
Chris Hall is a strategy and partnerships professional with experience in executive delegations, APAC ventures and emerging technology sectors including AI, robotics and exponential technologies. As Strategic Advisor to AES, Chris supports the organisation’s Torres Strait initiatives through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and partnership development, helping build credible pathways across education, culture, community and international collaboration.
Discover Our Journey So Far
Since 2015, AES has connected communities through education, cultural exchange, and community development.
In 2026, AES began a new chapter as the official Melbourne Liaison Office for the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, supporting programs that build stronger pathways between Melbourne and the Torres Strait.
Together with us, we continue to create practical opportunities and lasting community impact.
