Hieu Van Le facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Hieu Van Le AC
Le in 2015
35th Governor of South Australia
In office 1 September 2014 – 31 August 2021
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Premier	Jay Weatherill Steven Marshall
Lieutenant Governor	Brenda Wilson
Preceded by	Kevin Scarce
Succeeded by	Frances Adamson
Lieutenant Governor of South Australia
In office 31 August 2007 – 15 August 2014
Governor	Kevin Scarce
Preceded by	Bruno Krumins
Succeeded by	Brenda Wilson
Personal details
Born	(1954-01-01) 1 January 1954 (age 71) Quảng Trị, State of Vietnam, Indochinese Federation
Spouse	Lan T. Phuong Le
Children	2
Residence	Government House
Alma mater	Dalat University University of Adelaide
Profession	Accountant Economist
Website	Governor.sa.gov.au

Hieu Van Le (born 1 January 1954) was the 35th governor of South Australia. He held this important role from September 1, 2014, to August 31, 2021. Before that, he served as the state's lieutenant-governor from 2007 to 2014.

Mr. Le is famous for being the first person of Asian background to become a state governor in Australia. He is also the first person of Vietnamese heritage to hold such a high position anywhere in the world. He has received many awards for his work, including the AC honour.

Hieu Van Le's Early Life and Journey

Hieu Van Le was born in Quảng Trị, Southern Vietnam, on January 1, 1954. His father was a soldier who fought for Vietnam's freedom and died before Hieu was born. He grew up with two older brothers and studied economics at Dalat University.

In 1977, after finishing his studies, Hieu's brothers were sent to special camps by the new government. It was also very hard for him to find a job because of his family background. He felt there was no future for him in Vietnam.

He decided to leave Vietnam to find a better life. He left with his new wife, Lan, and about 50 other people on a small fishing boat. Hieu was the navigator, using only a hand-drawn map.

They sailed for 10 days and reached the Malaysian Coast. However, they were not allowed to land and were turned away many times. They tried to go to Singapore, but a warship told them to leave. Their boat began to fall apart, and they ran out of fuel and water.

Hieu told everyone to jump into the shallow water near the shore. The Malaysian Coastguard was preparing to fire warning shots, but everyone swam to safety. They were then surrounded by barbed wire and later allowed into a refugee camp on an island.

After several months, Hieu met a man who wanted to sail to Australia. Hieu learned more about navigation and agreed to go. They gathered parts from old boats and set off again with 42 people. After nearly a month, they reached Melville Island (Northern Territory) and then Darwin, Northern Territory.

Hieu expected to be turned away, but instead, Australians fishing nearby greeted them warmly. Hieu and Lan received temporary permits to stay in Australia. They moved to Adelaide and lived in a hostel to learn about Australian life. Hieu worked at simple jobs like picking fruit. His two sons were born in Australia and were named after famous Australian cricketers.

His Career Journey

After settling in Australia, Hieu Van Le continued his education. He attended the University of Adelaide and earned a Master of Business Administration degree and an Economics degree.

He worked for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission from the early 1990s until 2009. This organization helps make sure financial markets are fair. He is also a member of important accounting and financial groups.

Today, Mr. Le is the Chairperson of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. He also leads the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust Board. He supports many other organizations as a patron or member.

Becoming Governor

Hieu Van Le was chosen to be the Governor of South Australia on June 26, 2014. He officially started his role on September 1, 2014. The Governor is the King's representative in the state.

Mr. Le is a Catholic and believes his experiences as a refugee made his faith stronger. In June 2019, his term as governor was extended for two more years, until August 31, 2021. During his time as governor, he supported over 230 different organizations.

Awards and Recognitions

Viceregal styles of Hieu Van Le (2018–present)
Reference style	His Excellency the Honourable
Spoken style	Your Excellency

Hieu Van Le has received many important awards and honours for his service:

Orders

• 2009: Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
• 2014: Knight of Grace of the Order of St John
• 2016: Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)

Medals

• 2001: Centenary Medal "for service to the advancement of multiculturalism in Australia"

Appointments

• 2014: Colonel of the Royal South Australia Regiment.
• 2014: Deputy Prior of the Order of St John.

Learn More

In Spanish: Hieu Van Le para niños