Monika Tu OAM

Few stories illustrate the growing influence of Australia's Asian diaspora as vividly as that of Monika Tu OAM, an entrepreneur, cultural connector, and philanthropist.

Arriving in Australia with ambition and determination, Monika built her career by bridging two cultures. She developed a unique ability to interpret the expectations of Chinese investors while working within Australia's business environment. This instinct for connecting cultures became the hallmark of her career.

"In some ways, I think of myself as more Australian than Chinese," she once reflected. "But I understand the Chinese way of doing business completely."

Early in her career, she recognised that international investors in Australia faced challenges beyond language, including trust and cultural understanding. Even well-prepared investors often found Australia unfamiliar.

"With all the research they can do online about Australia, the place is still very alien, trying to comprehend the strong Australian accent and not knowing who to trust along the journey of investment."

Monika built her reputation on relationships rather than transactions. Much of her success came from referrals, as clients trusted her advice and integrity.

"You show concern for people and tell them the truth, and they feel at ease," she says.

For Monika, business was more than making deals. She focused on helping people find their place in a new environment and quietly built bridges between cultures.

Bridging Cultures

Her instinct for connection extended beyond business into the broader cultural life of Australia's Chinese community. Over the years, Monika became known for hosting large-scale Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney. These events served as both social gatherings and platforms for business leaders, cultural figures, and philanthropists to connect in an atmosphere that celebrated heritage and embraced modern Australia.

"We talk about closing the gap between East and West," she explained. "But you also have to create a culture of fun, luxury and celebration to set the mood for high-level networking."

These events reflected Monika's belief that community building leads to commercial success. This philosophy has also guided her philanthropy for years.

Her charitable contributions were recognised in 2025 with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community.

"As an immigrant woman who arrived in this country with little more than big dreams, I could never have imagined that one day I would be recognised with one of Australia's highest honours."

For Monika, the recognition was never about personal accolades. It served as a reminder of her long-held belief that business success brings a responsibility to contribute to society.

"Genuine success lies in what we give, not just what we build." — Monika Tu

From Business to Philanthropy

This philosophy was evident at the 2026 Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation Lunar New Year Celebration, where Monika served as Chair of the organising committee.

Held at Crown Sydney, the event brought together leaders from business, philanthropy, and culture for an evening that combined Chinese customs with contemporary Australian identity. The celebration raised more than $2.8 million to support Kids' Research within the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network.

The funds will support vital paediatric research and help provide advanced care for the thousands of children and families who rely on the hospital network each year.

"This evening represents the very best of our community — people coming together across cultures plus industries with one common purpose: giving children the chance to live healthy, full lives."

Working with co-chair Li Hwa Lee and a respected committee, the celebration also highlighted the next generation's role in advancing philanthropy in multicultural Australia.

Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation CEO Kristina Keneally AO noted that the support generated through the event will help fund research, medical equipment and clinical programs that directly transform the lives of children and families.

The Power of Connection

While the numbers are impressive, the event's true engine was its strategic curation by a committee of established and emerging leaders. At the helm was Monika Tu OAM, Founder of Black Diamondz and a formidable force in connecting Asian investment with Australian enterprise. Tu, serving as Event Chair alongside Co-Chair Li Hwa Lee, leveraged her extensive network to bridge cultures and industries.

"This evening represents the very best of our community — people coming together across cultures and industries with one shared purpose: to give children the chance to live healthy, full lives. Each year, our ambitions grow higher, and so does the impact."

A Legacy of Giving

The guest list read like a who's who of Sydney's elite, including Lucy Turnbull AO and a dynamic mix of next-generation changemakers. The atmosphere balanced heritage with modernity: guests were welcomed by traditional lion dancers before being immersed in contemporary performances by Rainbow Chan, whose exploration of diaspora and identity added profound emotional weight to the proceedings.

The funds will support Kids Research, part of the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (SCHN), funding vital research and world-class care. Kristina Keneally AO, CEO of SCHF, emphasized the multiplier effect of the night's success. "It is a privilege to celebrate Lunar New Year while honouring traditions and helping build a brighter future for children," she stated.

For Monika, the evening marked another step in a journey that began with migration and entrepreneurship, evolved into community leadership, and culminated in mobilising philanthropy for children's health. Her story illustrates a simple yet powerful idea: that success, at its best, can create opportunities not only for individuals but also for the wider community.