School of Business and Law

Thursday, 08 May 2025

Two outstanding alumni from Edith Cowan University’s School of Business and Law (ECU SBL) have been honoured at this year’s 40under40 Awards.

The awards, run by Business News, celebrate Western Australia’s brightest young entrepreneurs and change-makers under the age of 40. The event is one of the state’s most prestigious recognitions of emerging business talent.

ECU was proud to be the sponsor of the Medium-Sized Business category at this year’s event, now in its 22nd year, and attend in number to stand alongside the bold ideas and brilliant minds shaping WA’s future.

But we were even prouder to see two of our School’s business alumni take home a shiny trophy each for their outstanding entrepreneurial achievements.

Chi Tang and Kat Thompson were celebrated for their innovation, leadership, and impact, proving that a business degree from ECU can take you just about anywhere.

Chi Tang – Building Businesses with Heart

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Business in 2011, Chi Tang launched not one but four ventures: Street Food Lab, Sweet Food Lab, Bio Packaging WA, and Quick Cut Express.

His food truck businesses, Street and Sweet Food Lab, serve up more than just great meals. They also deliver on a mission of community, sustainability, and care.

Tang goes above and beyond to pay his staff above-industry wages and create opportunities for growth in a supportive, inclusive environment.

His ventures prove that business success doesn’t have to come at the cost of values. It’s the kind of leadership that makes us proud to call him an SBL graduate.

Kat Thompson – Rethinking HR for a New Era

Kat Thompson, who completed a Bachelor of Learning and Organisational Development in 2013, co-founded ZestHR, a forward-thinking human resources firm that’s redefining what it means to support people at work.

After two decades in the people and culture sector, Kat saw a clear need for change and took the leap to start her own business.

Self-funded and fiercely values-led, ZestHR was designed to challenge outdated corporate frameworks and put people first. Her work bridges the gap between traditional HR models and the rapidly shifting needs of today’s workforce.

With a strong focus on flexibility, empathy, and innovation, Kat is helping build workplaces where people thrive.

From Business Degrees to Bold Ideas

At the School of Business and Law, we teach business by combining real world, industry relevant skills with award-winning teaching quality to help our graduates turn their passion into purpose.

Chi and Kat are perfect examples of what happens when drive and vision are backed by the right education. They embody the values, innovation, and ambition we strive to instil in every graduate.

Professor Maryam Omari, Executive Dean of the School of Business and Law, said it was an honour to see two graduates recognised for their values-led leadership.

“At the School of Business and Law, we have a strong focus on creating impact—not just in business, but in people’s lives and communities. Chi and Kat have done exactly that, and we couldn’t be prouder of the way they’ve carried those values into their careers,” Professor Omari said.

“It’s incredibly meaningful to see our alumni out in the world, building businesses and organisations that reflect care, purpose, and integrity. We’re deeply committed to delivering an education that empowers students to think critically, act ethically, and lead with purpose. Chi and Kat are wonderful examples of that, and I warmly congratulate them both on this outstanding achievement.”

They built their empires through grit and heart, and as a School, we’re proud to have been part of their journey. We can’t wait to see what they do next.