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Listed in 2024's Most Impactful Asian-Australians, the Winner of the Asia Pacific CEO of the Year Award, University Vice Chancellor's Human Rights Award, Centre for Independent Journalism Award and recipient of the Groundswell Climate Action Grant ; Rathana Chea is a true multi-disciplinarian recognised in the categories of environmental sustainability, climate solutions, new media, documentary film making and advocacy.
But every success story has a foundation story grounded in overcoming adversity to reach beyond resilience into brilliance. That is what makes Rathana's talks so motivational and powerful. Rathana's story telling lights up a room with relatable humour, deep insight and meaningful kindness that connects the core business of any event to the broader questions of the human condition -- as confirmed by these testimonials.
Born in a refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Cambodia to parents who fled genocide to migrate to the peaceful shores of Australia and build a new life.
Survived a kidnapping and 48 hours later finished in the top 5% of university entrance exams.
Founded 3 companies
and 5 not-for-profits. Lived in 7 different countries. Worked extensively across 6 continents.
Survived a heart attack at age 40 to bounce back to found an international climate leadership organisation
4 weeks later.
Read Rathana's full bio here
it is impossible for anything to be negative from all points of view...
“ Rathana remains amongst the most captivating presenters on the speaker circuit with an unparalleled command of sharing his own story and galvanising others into their own leadership. I recently organised a 200 delegate conference for a group of next-generation philanthropists, impact investors and social entrepreneurs, and saw it as essential to include Rathana in the program. His talk was a real highlight."
Bella Wiggs
Chair of the Content Committee. Nexus Australia
“ The keynote from Rathana Chea at the 2021 eResearch Australasia Conference and ARDC Digital Research Skills Summit was both inspiring and humbling. The Head, Heart, Hands, Home model for change is one I’m going to try and internalise in the change we are seeking to bring about in my work on platforms and software."
Dr Andrew Treloar
Director of Platforms and Software ARDC
