We are excited to share that Academy member, Vajra Sheng-Yuan, was named the 2021 City of Hobart Young Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards presentation. Hosted by City of Hobart, this annual event recognises individuals across three categories of Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year.
The Young Citizen of the Year recognises an individual who has made a noteworthy contribution during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years. Sheng-Yuan was awarded for his fundraising efforts in the past few years, in particular in 2020 where he raised over $120,000 over two charity concerts.
Sheng-Yuan with Citizen of the Year Vicki Chapman (R), and representing the Show Hope initiative (L) winner of the Community Event of the Year.
When announcing the winner, Deputy Lord Mayor of Hobart Councillor Helen Burnett said that "he shows humility towards his talent and recognises the significance of contributing to the society and community in which he lives."
Sheng-Yuan was grateful for the award. In his acceptance speech, he thanked his piano teacher Ms Shan Deng for her guidance and continual support, as well as spiritual guiding teacher Bhagavan Zhi-Ji Vimalakirti Patriarch Master for his blessing and guidance. He vowed to keep contributing to the community using piano as a tool, helping the vulnerable and those in need.
From all of us at Tasmanian Chinese Buddhist Academy of Australia, congratulations to Sheng-Yuan and we look forward to seeing what you will achieve over this coming year.