Singapore Days

It could be said that Chiang’s political formation began when his mother’s gynaecologist was none other than the late Dr Benjamin Sheares who became Singapore’s second President on 2 January 1971. The Lim family continued their contact with President Sheares until his passing in 1981.

Education

In Singapore, Chiang studied at St Michael’s, St Joseph’s (SJI) and Raffles Junior College. After migrating to Australia in 1987, Chiang studied computing science with finance as a sub-major at the University of Technology, Sydney. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1992.

Early Career

After graduating in 1992, Chiang began his technology career in the then emerging field of document imaging and mass storage at IHS Australia. Projects included engineering and logistics sub-systems for the Collins Class Submarines, the Defence Signals Directorate library, and the Australian Defence Industries engineering.

His career continued at Standards Australia where he project managed Australian national standards relating to information technology security and electronic financial transactions. This included the new then new fields of smartcards, biometric, and their implications in law enforcement and international financial systems. He was a member of the University of Sydney’s Information Technology Security Committee, and was involved in national, regional and international information technology security forums like APEC and the International Standards Organisation.

With the advent of the deregulation of the Australian telecommunications industry, Chiang joined the executive of the industry’s self-regulatory body, Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF). As a project manager for inter-carrier operations, Chiang co-developed subordinate national telecommunications legislation and new inter-carrier commercial practices, in particular mobile number portability, local number portability, electronic customer authorisation, the handling of life threatening and unwelcome calls, emergency call services, and the assistance to law enforcement and emergency services.

In 2003, Chiang was appointed the Australian Country Manager for ASUS (the world’s third largest PC components and notebook manufacturer). He led the corporate establishment of ASUS Australia's Australian headquarters and domestic operations.

Currently, Chiang is CEO of NSW Right to Life ( Australia’s second largest pro-life organisation).

Political Activities and Achievements

After his family’s arrival to Australia, Chiang became politically active at university and student politics. This grew with his joining the Liberal Party of Australia and a series of elected positions including President of the Drummoyne Young Liberals, Lowe Federal Electorate Conference Treasurer, Parramatta State Electorate Conference President, Parramatta Local Government Conference President, and State Council delegate. Over almost 20 years of Liberal Party membership, Chiang was also involved in 18 local, state and federal elections.

In 1999, Chiang was pre-selected as the then youngest Liberal candidate for Parramatta City Council. He won this election and increased his votes in the 2004 and 2008 local government elections. He is the first Chinese and Asian ever to be elected in the City of Parramatta.

Chiang was also pre-selected the Liberal candidate for the State electorate of Parramatta for the 2003 New South Wales state general election. Parramatta state being a traditionally non-Liberal electorate, Chiang still managed a positive swing against a largely negative swing against Liberals in that state election, while at the same time facing one of the largest fields of candidates.

Public and Community Service

Somehow juggling a professional career, politics and a personal life, Chiang was still able to contribute to the community. Across the years, they included:

1. Johnson & Johnson’s New Leaders Forum
2. monthly guest presenter at radio KICK-AM 1269’s “In Focus” programme
3. member of the volunteer police, Parramatta Local Area Command
4. reader, eucharistic minister, children’s liturgist, Parish Council member at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
5. companion at Camp Quality (children with cancer)
6. honorary advisor to the Australian Chinese Teochew Association
7. Protocol Assistant of the Sydney Olympic Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG) assigned to President YUAN Weimin and Secretary-General TU Mingde of the People’s Republic of China’s National Olympic Committee
8. co-chairman of Parramatta’s City Centre Safety and Security Taskforce
9. member of the Catenians of the City of Parramatta Circle
10. member and club director of Rotary International
11. member of Sydney North West Lions Club
12. advisor to the 2002 World Congress for the Peaceful Reunification of China and World Peace
13. member of Dundas Sports & Recreation Club
14. board member of the Chinese Australian Forum
15. board member of the Asia Business Connection
16. perpetual member of the Parramatta Leagues Club
17. World Youth Day 2008's Parramatta site manager
18. member of the Australian Family Association
19. member of the Housing NSW Strategic Partnership Steering Committee
    
20. cast member of the Cumberland Gang Show, and member of the Scout's Charlie Brown Patrol
    

Family and Personal Life

Chiang is one of four children of Francis and Stella Lim who now all reside in Sydney. Chiang also has two young nephews, four godsons, and an extended family that spans across Australia, Singapore, the United States, Canada and Indonesia.

Being baptised, Chiang is also known by his baptismal name Xavier, especially within Christian circles.