Hieu Van Le facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hieu Van Le
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Le in 2015
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| 35th Governor of South Australia | |
| In office 1 September 2014 – 31 August 2021 |
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| 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 |
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| Governor | Kevin Scarce |
| Preceded by | Bruno Krumins |
| Succeeded by | Brenda Wilson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 January 1954 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 an important leader in South Australia. He served as the 35th governor of South Australia from 2014 to 2021. Before that, he was the state's Lieutenant-Governor from 2007 to 2014.
Mr. Le also led the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC). This group helps people from different cultures feel welcome. He made history as the first person of Asian background to become a state governor in Australia. He was also the first person of Vietnamese heritage to hold such a high position anywhere in the world.
Contents
Early Life and Journey
Growing Up in Vietnam
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. Sadly, his father died before he was born.
He grew up with two older brothers. He went to school in Đà Nẵng and later studied economics at Dalat University. After he finished his studies in 1977, his brothers were sent to special camps. It was also hard for him to find a job because of his family's past. He felt he needed to find a new future.
Fleeing Vietnam by Boat
Mr. Le decided to leave Vietnam for a better life. He left with his new wife, Lan, and about 50 other people. They traveled on a small fishing boat. Mr. Le was the navigator, using only a hand-drawn map.
After 10 days at sea, they 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.
Mr. Le told everyone they had to jump from the boat to survive. They steered the boat into shallow water. The Malaysian Coastguard was there, but everyone managed to swim to shore safely. They were then taken to an island refugee camp.
A New Start in Australia
After several months, Mr. Le met a man who wanted to sail to Australia. Mr. Le learned more about navigation and agreed to go. They fixed up an old boat using parts from other abandoned boats. In November, they set off again with 42 people.
After almost a month, they reached Melville Island (Northern Territory) and then Darwin, Northern Territory. Mr. Le expected to be turned away, but instead, some Australians greeted them warmly. They said, "G'day mate. Welcome to Australia!"
Mr. Le and his wife, Lan, received temporary permits to stay. They moved to Adelaide and lived in a hostel. There, they learned about Australian life. Mr. Le worked odd jobs, like picking fruit. His two sons were born in Australia. He named them after famous Australian cricketers, Sir Donald Bradman and Kim Hughes.
Career and Public Service
Education and Early Career
After arriving in Australia, Hieu Van Le wanted to start fresh. He studied at the University of Adelaide. He earned a Master of Business Administration and an Economics degree.
From the early 1990s until 2009, he worked as a senior investigator and manager. This was for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. He is also a member of important accounting and financial groups.
Current Roles
As of 2025, Mr. Le is the Chairperson of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. He also leads the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust Board. He is involved with many other organizations, serving as a patron, director, or ambassador for over 25 groups.
Governor of South Australia
Appointment and Term
Hieu Van Le was chosen to be the next Governor of South Australia on June 26, 2014. He officially started his role on September 1, 2014. He took over from Kevin Scarce.
Mr. Le is a Catholic. He believes his experiences as a refugee made his faith stronger. In June 2019, his term as governor was extended for two more years. He finished his time as governor on August 31, 2021. During his time as governor, he supported over 230 different organizations.
Honours and Awards
| Viceregal styles of Hieu Van Le (2018–present) |
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| Reference style | His Excellency the Honourable |
| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
Mr. Le has received many important awards for his service:
Orders
2009: He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).- 2014: He became a Knight of Grace of the Order of St John.
- 2016: He was given the highest civilian honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).
Medals
- 2001: He received the Centenary Medal. This was for his work in promoting multiculturalism in Australia.
Appointments
- 2014: He was appointed Colonel of the Royal South Australia Regiment.
2014: He became the Deputy Prior of the Order of St John.
See also
In Spanish: Hieu Van Le para niños
