Kurt Cheng

“Kindness and generosity are the hallmarks of UTS Law. We’re defined by a culture that champions the unique contributions of each individual, whilst celebrating the diversity of thought that each of us bring.”

Kurt Cheng never expected his university journey to turn out the way that it did when he started studying at UTS in 2019.

Now he is entering the tail end of a Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communications (Social and Political Sciences) and serves as an elected member of the University Council having served three consecutive terms on the UTS Academic Board representing the Faculty of Law previously.

Prior to this, Kurt was Vice-President (Sponsorship) for the UTS Law Students’ Society, General Councillor for the UTS Student Representative Council and a member of the Faculty Board in Law.

During his time at UTS, Kurt led governance reforms to introduce the first Indigenous student board member, brokered the first Student Partnership Agreement, launched UTS’ anti-racism campaign, and shaped teaching and assessment policy in response to the global pandemic.

“Often, we do not realise the privileged position we’re in as students pursuing a law degree to make positive social impact. From our first day we’re empowered to use our position as law students to contribute to the public good of society.”

Kurt is currently a Summer Clerk at leading global firm Ashurst. Prior to this role he worked at the Parliament of New South Wales and a regulation technology start-up. He also operated a small business, Restore The Straw, wholesaling reusable and biodegradable straws to address the use of single-use plastics.

Kurt chose to study at UTS Law because of its social justice focus and cultural competency offering. Applying theoretical and practical skills, these two attributes enable students to work with people from different lived experiences and backgrounds.

Coming from a single-parent family and in the face of socioeconomic challenges, Kurt says he aspired to university, but there were inherent challenges. One of his earliest memories was lining up for hours at Centrelink with his Mum and noticing the different people in the room and curious as to what we were lining up for. He said at that moment he understood the concept of people and communities, and the systems that shape the fabric of society – and whether its systems are accessible.

Kurt believes that higher education is a circuit breaker to disadvantage. As a second-generation Chinese-Australian, Kurt is passionate about advancing leadership diversity and enjoys mentoring younger law students.

“University is a fresh start, a new chapter where you define your own path and make your mark without being limited by past experiences. It acknowledges the past and enables you to shape your own future.”