ACS Canberra is proud to introduce the members of the 2025 Emerging Professionals Committee (EPC), a dynamic group of passionate ICT professionals committed to shaping the future of the industry.

With the dedicated support from Canberra branch staff and BEC, we are hoping to provide this EPC with valuable experiences and opportunities to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape, together we can make an impact and empowering the tech community in Australia.

ACS team is looking forward to working with our newly elected EPC members to bring their best and provide supportive network for their professional development.

Harriet Huynh | Xiaofeng(Elly) Zhu | Anania Esayas | Simone Chitsinde | Shelby Howden | Utsav Bhavsar | Li Yang

A Message from Canberra BEC Member & EPC Mentor - Kevin Landale

"I'm thrilled to see the re-emergence of Young IT in the ACS.  Renamed, reinvigorated and refocused into the new Emerging Professionals Committee (EPC) for Canberra, and for the ACS Nationally - this initiative is important for our industry's future!

It's an incredible honor to be involved in such an initiative (again), but this time as a seasoned, experienced ICT Professional, and as a mentor to the amazing young professionals who've joined the EPC.  Its amazing to be a front-row witness to this initiative that brings together such passionate and ambitious early-career professionals, who are all geared towards helping shape the future of our industry.

I’m particularly excited about the fresh perspectives that the EPC members are set to contribute to the Australian Computer Society (ACS) in Canberra. Their energy and commitment to excellence are not only inspiring but also a driving force for innovation and growth within our field. Their ideas and perspectives will help the ACS in Canberra to strengthen, innovate and grow.

I look forward to collaborating closely with these talented individuals as we work together to strengthen the ICT community and propel our industry to new heights. Here’s to an invigorating journey ahead and a future full of promising opportunities!"

Message from the EPC Chair & Vice Chair

Chair - Harriet Huynh

"As Chair of the ACS EPC, I am committed to creating an environment where every voice matters, and every perspective is valued. The strength of our committee lies in our diversity—our varied backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets allow us to approach challenges from different angles. I really believe that an inclusive environment is essential for innovation, and by embracing the unique contributions of each member, the committee can develop impactful and sustainable solutions.

Our goal is to support anyone and everyone, regardless of background or identity, or where you are at in your journey. We are committed to empowering new individuals in the ICT industry, offering guidance to those transitioning into tech, supporting women in tech, and uplifting underrepresented communities. Whether you're new to tech or making a career shift, our goal is to provide the resources, mentorship, and support you need to navigate and excel in this exciting field.

We aim to create a community where you’ll always feel welcomed and supported, and we’re eager to share the journey with you. "

Vice Chair - Elly Zhu

"As the Vice-Chair, I will work closely with the Chair and the committee to plan and organise EPC events. I will also support EPC internal training and team building to strengthen our team's cohesion.  Each EPC member has their own unique experiences and skills. Through teamwork, I believe that everyone can leverage their strengths to make a greater impact and help more people.

I hope that EPC can serve as a platform for students, graduates, and early-career IT professionals to connect with new peers and develop valuable skills. By making full use of ACS’s industry resources, we can bridge information gaps and help members seize opportunities to grow in the industry.

Our key goals include organising EPC events and collaborating with ACS on campus initiatives, helping more people have the opportunity to actively engage with the community."

Our Vision for 2025

With the leadership of the Chair and Vice Chair, supported by the guidance of our ACS-appointed Mentor, the EPC aims to deliver impactful initiatives tailored to the needs of emerging ICT professionals. Whether through networking events, skill-building workshops, or knowledge-sharing sessions, the committee is dedicated to enhancing career development opportunities and strengthening connections within the ACS community.

We look forward to an exciting year ahead and invite all ACS members to support and engage with the EPC. Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved!

Follow us through our ACS Canberra Emerging Professionals Community LinkedIn page, or individual personal pages, for updates on upcoming events and opportunities.