The University of Sydney and Macquarie University graduate, Vivian Chen, has taken out this year’s Oroton Australia China Alumni Award for Women in Leadership.
Vivian Chen is currently working as Senior Manager in Walmart Global Sourcing, the largest private shipper of ocean transportation in the world. She is one of the fastest developing local experts managing the logistics operation for product sourced from Asia Pacific region to more than 27 Walmart retail countries. She has been the department’s champion for operational excellence as demonstrated through her leadership in applying process design to increase service reliability.
Ms Chen is actively engaged in the company’s Woman Resource Group which is committed to providing female associates a platform for caring, learning, interacting and career development.
Ms Chen graduated from the University of Sydney with a Masters of Commerce and Macquarie University with a Masters of International Business.
“To me, Australia is an extremely unique country offering a variety of experiences with the mixture of western and eastern culture. It’s one of the most beautiful countries and it’s close to home,” says Ms Chen.
“My study experience in Australia definitely contributed a lot to make me who I am today. Not only for the academic part but also for the opportunity to be away from home living independently. It gave me the chance to become confident in my communication skills by speaking to strangers in English. The use of group discussion sessions used in the Australian education model opened my mind to new ideas helping me to become a better team player.
Additionally, the education equipped me with the resources I needed for future career development.”
Additionally, the education equipped me with the resources I needed for future career development.”
Ms Chen also participates in the Stars of Hope Scholarship that supports students in rural areas of China where students do not have sufficient financial support to finish basic or advanced education.
“Vivian Chen is certainly an unusual woman who has achieved a remarkable performance that outperforms most of the men in the logistics field, a traditionally male-dominated profession,” says Australia China Alumni Association Awards judge, Dr Bai Xuezhu.
“Not only has she proven her greatness in leadership in a male-dominated profession, but also demonstrates her loving personality in the way she treats others through her participation with the charity Hope Project in China, helping poor children in rural regions of China.” ■
*Pictured top right: Vivian Chen, a role model for women in leadership in the Asia Pacific in her position as Senior Manager with Walmart Global Sourcing.
