His Excellency was born in Central Vietnam in 1954, where he attended school before studying Economics and Business Management at the Dalat University in the Highlands.
His Excellency, and his wife, Lan, arrived in Australia in 1977 and settled in Adelaide, starting with three months at the Pennington Migrant Hostel.
In Australia, the Governor studied at the University of Adelaide, where he earned a degree in Economics and Accounting. In 2001, His Excellency’s further study earned him a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the same university.
His Excellency gained Certified Practising Accountant accreditation, and from 1991 worked at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, where he led many high-profile matters. Upon his retirement from the Commission in March 2009, he held the position of Senior Manager – Financial Services Regulation.
His Excellency has served on many community boards and committees, those relating to cultural and linguistic diversity, the arts and education.
In 1995 His Excellency was appointed as a member to the SA Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission and was appointed Deputy Chairman in 2001. When His Excellency became Chairman in 2007, he was the first person of Asian background to lead the Commission.
In August 2007, His Excellency was sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia. Over the next seven years in this role, His Excellency served as the Patron or Honorary member of many organisations.
On 1 September 2014, His Excellency was sworn in as Governor of South Australia.
It is understood that His Excellency is the first Vietnamese-born person who has ever been appointed to a Vice-Regal position in the world.
He is patron of more than 200 organisations.
His Excellency was awarded the Australia Day Medal in 1996 for outstanding service to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and has been awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal for service to the advancement of multiculturalism.
His Excellency was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in 2010 and a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2016, for service to the community of South Australia. He has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from both Adelaide University and Flinders University.
His Excellency is married to Mrs Lan Le, with whom he has two adult sons, Don and Kim.
It is my great pleasure to lend my support to the South Australia Club International network.
Since 2011, the South Australia Club International initiative has gone from strength to strength, expanding its global reach and helping to build a strong and active worldwide community for South Australia.
South Australia Club International members are extraordinary ambassadors and advocates for our state.
Collectively, they maximise the state’s international connections and generate potential trade and investment opportunities.
I encourage you to join and add your energy and ideas to our network. In doing so, you will offer a powerful and positive voice for South Australia.
His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC
Governor of South Australia
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