Professor Longbing Cao inducted as a Global Ambassadors by Business Events Sydney (BESydney)

Professor Longbing Cao, Distinguished Chair in AI, Director of the Frontier AI Research Centre and Director of Engagement (Research) in the School of Computing, has been inducted as a 2026 Global Ambassadors by Business Events Sydney (BESydney).

The ‘Global Ambassadors are among Australia’s brightest and most influential minds, from business, industry and community leaders to ground-breaking researchers and university vice-chancellors,’ according to BESydney.

"This prestigious induction recognises Macquarie's significant disciplinary leadership and contribution to the state and to Australia," Professor Cao said.

"I am honoured to join such an extraordinary cohort as a Global Ambassador. The Ambassadorship will support and sustain my strategic leadership and contributions to our local and global communities, particularly in data science and AI in this fast-paced era."

Macquarie University is already well represented in the program, with Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius among its existing Ambassadors.

Ambassadors play a key role in attracting major international conferences and events to Sydney, helping to strengthen the city's global reputation as a hub for knowledge exchange and innovation.

Professor Cao joins a distinguished cohort of 2026 Global Ambassadors that also includes Professor George Williams (Vice-Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University), Kate Pounder (CEO, Tech Council of Australia), Kim McKay AO (Director and CEO, Australian Museum) and Professor Aaron Quigley (Dean of the College of Systems and Society, Australian National University).