Syed Shoaib Zaidi

President

Syed Shoaib Zaidi, President of APNA, has dedicated decades to community leadership and sports, bridging cultures from Pakistan to Australia. Renowned for promoting harmony through sports, he aspires to increase migrant representation in Australian Parliament by 2026.

Syed Shoaib Zaidi, a dedicated community leader and visionary, currently serves as the President of the Australian Pakistani National Association (APNA). Born in the picturesque town of Khairpur Mirs in Sindh, Pakistan, Syed Shoaib Zaidi’s journey of community service and leadership spans across borders and cultures.

Syed’s foray into community service began during his assignments in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where he felt a strong commitment to giving back to the community. His passion for sports and leadership skills were evident when he served as the captain of the Apollo Cricket Club in Khairpur and later captained cricket teams at Qatar Petroleum Refinery in Qatar and National Petrochemical Industry (Natpet) in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

In 2013, Syed moved to Australia but continued his tradition of community engagement. He initiated departmental sports programs at Lytton Refinery, fostering networking and camaraderie among the employees through cricket and soccer. Syed’s dedication to sports even led to a surprising victory in the Foosball World Cup as part of his son Syed Ali’s team at the refinery.

Syed Shoaib Zaidi is not only a remarkable sports enthusiast but also a unique Pakistani father who represented his state in the same year as his son Ali Nasar, who excelled in cricket. In the field of Master Hockey, Syed also left his mark by achieving state champion status. His commitment to both his family and community is exemplified by their shared success.

Throughout his career in the Middle East, Syed garnered recognition and awards for his outstanding community service. Notably, he was officially appointed as the Games Coordinator for Hockey during the Doha Asian Games, a testament to his dedication to the sport.

Syed Shoaib Zaidi’s efforts were further recognized when he received a Community Award from the Pakistan High Commissioner. This prestigious award was conferred on him by three different High Commissioners over the past decade, reflecting his consistent dedication to community service.

Syed’s main vision is unity, and his definition of unity extends to accepting individuals regardless of their beliefs, race, culture, color, or country of origin. He has actively promoted this vision by initiating cricket and soccer programs aimed at youth development. Being well aware of the historical rivalry between India and Pakistan, Syed has also taken a step towards promoting harmony between the two nations. He founded “APNA India Pakistan Harmony by Cricket” in 2017, bringing people together through sports and cooperation.

In 2016, during the month of Rabi Awal, Syed introduced the “APNA Interfaith Harmony” project, fostering awareness and dialogue among various faiths, even inviting non-believers to participate. This initiative, aptly named “Dialog for Peace,” has been instrumental in promoting understanding and harmony within diverse communities.

Syed Shoaib Zaidi’s love for literature, arts, and poetry is evident in his involvement in the APNA Mushaira on Christmas , which began in 2016. This cultural event celebrates the rich literary heritage of Pakistan and provides a platform for poets and artists to express themselves.

Under Syed’s visionary leadership, the Australian Pakistani National Association (APNA) has flourished, with various projects continuing to thrive. The introduction of APNA Business Networking has been especially well-received within the business community, connecting small businesses and fostering growth.

In response to community requests, Syed’s leadership led to the introduction of “Soft Ball,” a dedicated event for the Pakistani community, and the establishment of APNA PSL (Pakistan Super League) since 2021. APNA PSL has quickly become a premier event in Australia, bringing together cricket enthusiasts from all walks of life. Last year, an interstate team from Melbourne secured the title, and in 2024, teams from New Zealand are expected to participate.

Syed Shoaib Zaidi has been recognized with numerous awards from local associations, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the community. He aspires to unite the Pakistani community for greater engagement in local politics.

Beyond his community involvement, Syed Shoaib Zaidi serves as a Country Manager for 72 News and is the Bureau Chief for Hyder TV Canada. He also holds a position as a Board of Director with TV Asia Australia, where he continues to play an essential role in connecting communities and addressing government-related issues.

With more than 25 years of experience in asset integrity and equipment health diagnosis, Syed Shoaib Zaidi is a reliable engineer dedicated to ensuring the safety and functionality of essential equipment.

Syed Shoaib Zaidi’s ultimate goal is to see migrant communities represented in the Australian Parliament by mid-2026. His journey has been guided and supported by mentors from diverse multicultural communities, and he shares his successes as a tribute to their invaluable guidance and mentorship.