SYED ATIQ UL HASSAN RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

NSW Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards 2024 (PMCAs)

Sydney (Report by Sarwat Hassan, Journalist, 17 Oct 2024): The NSW Premier’s Multicultural Communication Awards 2024 (PMCAs) took place at the esteemed Sydney Theatre

Company, Theatre 2, located at 15 Hickson Road, Dawes Point, NSW, Australia. The PMCAs celebrate the significant contributions of multicultural media and marketing to our society, fostering

*Hon Steve Kamper, Minister Multiculturalism presented Lifetime Award 024 to Syed Atiq ul Hassan*

connections to culture, identity, and language. These awards honour the vital roles that journalists, editors, and publishers play across various platforms, including print, radio, television, and digital media. Additionally, the PMCAs recognize innovative and creative marketing campaigns that promote social cohesion and community harmony. NSW is one of the most successful multicultural states in the world and the PMCAs celebrate the professionals who connect people to their culture, identity, and language.

The event featured 12 distinct categories within the media industry, with the Lifetime Achievement Award being one of the most prestigious Honours presented to media professional who has dedicated over 30 years of service to Multicultural NSW Media industry.

Hon. Steve Kamper, Minister for Multiculturalism, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He presented the awards to the recipients in the presence of distinguished guests, award winners, and their family & friends.

A particularly proud moment for the multicultural communities, when Syed Atiq ul Hassan, an Australian of Pakistani descent, was announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Hassan, is a well-known international journalist and writer, was honoured for his lifelong contributions to media and community service. Among those present to celebrate this momentous occasion was Mr. Hassan’s wife, Surraya Hassan, who witnessed this memorable event alongside family members.

This historic recognition was a significant milestone for those media groups and outlets for whom Mr. Hassan, has been writing columns on various current affairs issues, human rights issues, political and geo-political issues for over 3 decades.

A Brief Personal & Professional Overview of Syed Atiq ul Hassan

*Minister Steve Kamper Presented Lifetime Achievement Award to Syed Atiq ul Hassan*

Lifetime Commitment and Consistency

With over three decades of unwavering commitment to fostering multiculturalism, Syed Atiq ul Hassan has emerged as a distinguished advocate for cultural harmony in New South Wales. Arriving in 1989 as a professional migrant, alongside his wife and two young children—with a third child born in Sydney in 1993—Mr. Hassan quickly became an integral part of the multicultural society of New South Wales (NSW). While excelling professionally as an expert in information management systems, his true passion lay in building bridges across diverse cultures. His vast experience in working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities has cemented his reputation as a prominent authority in this vital domain of social cohesion.

Driven by his multifaceted talents and inspired by the legacy of his father (Late Syed Shafiq ul Hassan), Mr. Hassan dedicated himself to championing the causes of justice, equality, and human rights—values he has upheld throughout his career. His early experiences of facing discrimination and injustice, both during his education and professional life in Pakistan, shaped his resolve to raise his voice against oppression. Despite working full-time in IT, he found time to pen thought-provoking articles on human rights violations, particularly shedding light on the issues plaguing Pakistan.

Australia, however, offered Mr. Hassan the freedom to fully embrace his passion for writing and public advocacy. Here, he not only amplified his voice against human rights abuses but also fostered awareness around the principles of peace, harmony, and cultural unity.

“CULTIVATING UNITY: A Champion for Multicultural Engagement and Harmony”

Honoured with the prestigious ‘2014 Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Harmony Award,’ the ‘2014 Auburn Citizen of the Year Award,’ and the ‘2018 Parramatta Senior Citizen of the Year Award,’ Syed Atiq ul Hassan is a distinguished advocate for cultural diversity, multiculturalism, interfaith harmony, and mutual respect. Now, Mr. Hassan has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the NSW Multicultural State Government, becoming the first Australian of Pakistani heritage to receive such an honour for his lifelong contributions to media, multiculturalism, and community services.

Despite facing the life-threatening battle of cancer from 2018 to 2021, Mr. Hassan has demonstrated extraordinary mental resilience and unwavering dedication to his work over the past 34 years in Australia. His journey through such a profound challenge has only strengthened his resolve to serve others. Through his projects and media initiatives, he remains steadfastly committed to:

Foster cross-cultural exchanges and establish intercultural relationships.

Encourage interfaith harmony, mutual respect, and appreciation for cultural diversity.
Motivate the younger generation, especially Australian-born individuals, to actively engage in community development activities.
Bringing people of diverse backgrounds together and creating awareness & importance of multiculturalism through his 4 decades spanned of journalistic services.

Among many, Hassan’s Pioneer & Prominent Projects in Multiculturalism are:

Founder of the first multicultural English newspaper in 1997 – Tribune International (Australia) – tribune-intl.com .
Founder of the Chand Raat Eid Festival (CREF), one of Australia’s largest multicultural events spanning Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, with over 40,000 attendees – chandraat.com . Itsmission statement is Promoting Culture, Harmony, and Friendship.
Founder of Halal Expo Australia (HEA) – halalexpoaustralia.com.au – that was founded in 2015 in NSW. It shares, knowledge, and resources for the Halal industry and Halal lifestyle
Syed Atiq ul Hassan and Mrs Surraya Hassan with Hon Steven Kamper Minister Multiculturalism NSW at Award Ceremony

through national & international events that ultimately benefit multicultural communities and business community. Its prime goal is to showcase and promote Australian Halal meat and other halal products on the global stage, enhancing their visibility and accessibility in international markets for Australian traders. HEA strives to raise awareness about Halal products and services, uniting Islamic and non-Islamic communities in a shared effort for the mutual benefit of Australia’s local and international trade markets.
Author of a remarkable book ‘Australia For Pakistanis‘ a groundbreaking exploration of the genealogy of Pakistani and Muslim migrants to Australia, published in 2003.
Founder of Multicultural Community Development Projects (MCDP) committing to deliver Social, Welfare, Cultural, Educational, and Skills Learning Services to the Multicultural Communities in NSW – multiculturaldevelopment.org.au.
Knobin Digital – knobin.com – Management & Events Consultant provide expertise and strategic planning in Information Technology, Information Science, Training & Education and Knobin Events, and holding FREE workshops to the multicultural Youth. He delivers free community and leadership developments to the interested community members youth.
In response to the financial crises faced by international students during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those who lost jobs in 2020, Mr. Hassan brought together a group of active community members to establish the Pakistani Australian Community Council (PACC). He launched a charitable initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to these students by collecting donations from generous individuals. Through PACC, he was able to support around 100 students on a monthly basis. The project received widespread appreciation from multicultural communities and international students from diverse backgrounds – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEu_lYYn6I0 .

Key Professional and Social Credentials:

Senior community leader and organizer of multicultural events, forums, conferences, fairs, and exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Foreign correspondent contributing insightful columns on current affairs to international media outlets.
Educator specializing in IT, Business, Marketing, Events Management, and Community Services.
Anthropologist, Life Coach and Mentor, voluntarily assisting individuals in overcoming personal and professional challenges.
Academic Achievements:

Holds degrees in Physics, Computer Technology, Economics, Law, and Journalism.

Possesses advanced academic credentials in Management, Marketing, Life Coaching and Counselling.

A Life Dedicated to Multicultural Communities:

Migrated to Australia as an IT Professional immigrant at 32, dedicating over 30 peak years to multicultural communities.
Lifetime Achievement Award by NSW Multicultural, NSW Government, Australia
Notable campaigner of multiculturalism, serving as a role model through extraordinary contributions.

Global Experience and Media Recognition:

Worked for international companies and government departments in the United States, Middle East, Pakistan, and Australia.
Editor-in-chief of Tribune International (Australia), introducing Australian ethnic communities to international media.
Unparalleled Contributions to Multiculturalism.
Delivered extraordinary services within multicultural communities, fostering unity with broader Australia through large events and ethnic media activities over three decades.

Local and International Exposure: Some of his key achievements:

2024:

Recipient of NSW Multicultural Lifetime Achievement Award by the Premier NSW Australia.

2023:

Announced the receipt of Media Excellence Award 2023 by the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) Malaysia and ceremony to be held on 29 Oct 2024 in Melaka, Malaysia.

2022:

Participated in the World Halal Business Conference, London, as Tribune Media Partner, best Journalism

2020:

In response to the financial crises faced by international students during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those who lost jobs in 2020, Mr. Hassan brought together a group of active community members to establish the Pakistani Australian Community Council (PACC). He launched a charitable initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to these students by collecting donations from generous individuals. Through PACC, he was able to support around 100 students on a monthly basis. The project received widespread appreciation from multicultural communities and international students from diverse backgrounds – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEu_lYYn6I0 .

2018:

Published ‘Shanakht Kay Qaidi (Stranded in Identity)’ in Urdu language.
Received the ‘Senior Citizen Year Award 2018’ from Parramatta City Council (Sydney).
Organized the International Halal Expo Australia 2018 & International Halal Conference 2018.

2017:

Organized a Protest Rally, ‘Stop Genocide of Rohingya People,’ at Sydney Town Hall with the participation of former Australian Foreign Minister, NSW Premier, Greens’ Senator, and numerous community leaders.

2016:

Recognized by Thailand Halal Assembly as one of the best guest speakers for discussing the role of Journalists in the international media to promote peace and harmony between people of different faiths.

2015:

Founded Halal Expo Australia – an international Halal exhibition, fair & conference in Sydney and Melbourne.
Received the Premier’s Multicultural Media Finalist Award for Tribune International (Australia).

2014:

Received ‘Citizen of the Year Award 2014’ from Auburn City Council, New South Wales.
Received Premier’s (First Stepan Kerkyasharian) ‘Multicultural Harmony Award 2014’ from Multicultural NSW.

2013:

Launched CREF in Melbourne, delivering a successful event attended by over 10,000 people in Melbourne and over 10,000 in Sydney.

2012:

Initiated free motivational workshops as an internationally certified life coach for community members as part of a community development (Workshop) program.

2011:

Organized Chand Raat Eid Festival (CREF) 2011 at Sydney Olympic Park, attracting 10,000 attendees.

2010:

Received ‘Community Services Acknowledgement Certificate 2010’ from Community Relations Commission.

2008:

Received ‘Community Services Acknowledgement Certificate 2008’ from NSW Community Relations Commission.
Covered World Youth Day 2008 held in Sydney for Tribune International, Australia.

2007:

Covered different segments of APEC 2007 held in Sydney, for Tribune International, Australia.

2006:

Guest speaker at a writing festival organized by the NSW Writers’ Centre on the topic ‘Australia in Foreign Eyes.’
Elected member of the Executive Board of the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of Australia.

2005:

Conducted a workshop on ‘Media and Mass Communication’ for faculty members of the Department of Mass Communication at Sind University, Pakistan.
Covered the visit of the President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, to Australia, live commentary for GEO Television.
Appeared as a political analyst in a live current affair show for Pakistan Television during the visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to Islamabad & the meeting with then Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
Moderated a forum on ‘Community Unity & Harmony‘ organized by Tribune International in Sydney.
Guest speaker at a Writing Festival organized by the New South Wales Writers’ Centre, delivering a talk on ‘Journalism: A First Draft of History.’
Guest speaker at the forum on “Impact of Anti-terror Laws on Journalists, Writers, and Publishers (in Australia)” organized by the New South Wales Writers’ Centre in Sydney, Australia.

2003:

Invited by the Thailand Authority of Tourism as a special guest to witness the First Golden Kinnaree Awards and to attend the Bangkok International Film Festival, Thailand.
Covered peace rallies held in Sydney as part of international coverage for international media agencies.
Received the Best Spot Journalism award from Victory News (Indonesia).

2001:

Conducted a forum on ‘Terrorism’ held in Sydney.
Wrote the book ‘Australia For Pakistanis,’ which was widely acknowledged in Australia and abroad.
Travelled to India (from Sydney) to cover the Agra summit and the visit of General Pervez Musharraf, former President of Pakistan, representing Tribune International, Australian and other international media as foreign correspondent.

2000:

Published a Multicultural English magazine in celebration of the Sydney Olympics 2000. The magazine was launched by Honourable Morris Imma, the 40th Premier of New South Wales, at NSW Parliament House.
Conducted a forum on ‘Child Labour in South Asia’ in Sydney.
Tribune International Online version was introduced. Stepan Kerkyasharian, former Chair Multicultural NSW inaugurated at the ceremony held at the NSW Parliament House, in 2000.

1999:

Organized a forum on ‘Kashmir – A Global Flashpoint’ where active community leaders, parliamentarians, writers, and journalists participated.

1998:

Launched the first ‘Chand Raat Eid Festival (CREF),’ now held every year in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, becoming the top multicultural event in Australia.
Started a community radio program for Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi listeners.

1998:

Produced and Presented Community Radio “Voice of Tribune” for Indian, Pakistani, Fijian, and Punjabi audience focusing to promote peace, harmony and unity through cultural and entertainment segments until 2007.

1997: