Jason Chai
Mr Jason Chai
Policy Officer
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Born in Singapore, Jason Chai migrated to Sydney as a young child, after spending his early years roaming between the high-rises of Singapore and the kampongs of Malaysia. Like many other young Asian immigrants in the 1980s, Jason and his family journeyed south with the hope of founding a new life and home in Australia. The son of Chinese Malaysian and Singaporean parents, Jason has embraced his Australia upbringing and Chinese heritage. This cultural melange continues to shape his daily experiences, perspective and ambitions.
After completing a Bachelor of Commerce (International Business) at the University of New South Wales and University of North Carolina, followed by a Juris Doctor at Bond University, Jason started in a career in corporate law. He then left Sydney to take on a new international challenge, as an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD) in China. Living and working in Beijing for twelve months, Jason polished his mandarin skills and expanded his expertise in environmental law with the Asian Development Bank. During this time, he advised the Chinese Government on governance issues for managing land degradation and assisted with the communication and implementation of new national legislation on protected natural areas in China.
Now based in Canberra, Jason continues to develop his interests in China and international environmental law, through his career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In recent years, Jason's varied international experiences include attending free trade agreement negotiations in Abu Dhabi, organising a ministerial dialogue with China's Minister of Commerce and liaising with China's Foreign Affairs Minister at APEC2007. He has also advised on legal issues in the Commission for the Conservation on Southern Bluefin Tuna, and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Currently working as a WTO trade lawyer on Australia's subsidies programs and trade remedies, Jason has recently been posted to the Australian embassy in Tokyo. He will shortly commence two years of intensive Japanese language training to prepare him for his role as a diplomat in Japan.
When not travelling for work or play, Jason is busy completing a Masters of Law at Melbourne University or pursuing his other interests in sailing, cycling, photography, salsa and volunteer work for the AYAD (alumni) network.