The Hills district now boasts its own Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top 100 Future Leader. Ziyan Tejani, a final-year Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Social Science (Politics) student at Macquarie University, this alumnus of Rouse Hill Public School and Rouse Hill High School, was recently recognised in the 2026 AFR Top 100 Future Leaders and featured on the cover of the Australian Financial Review Graduate Guide.
Ziyan spent his early years growing up in Rouse Hill where he was actively involved in school life and sport. He played cricket for the Rouse Hill Rams, trained in tennis at Rod Fahey Tennis School in Kellyville and learned to swim at Carlile Swim in Norwest.
“My early years were shaped by a strong sense of community through local schooling and extracurricular activities. These experiences helped build discipline, confidence and a willingness to take on new challenges,” says Ziyan.
At Rouse Hill High School, he participated in debating and mock trial, and was awarded the DARE Award on graduation – the school’s highest recognition for contribution, leadership and character.
Majoring in Politics, Ziyan has developed an interest in public policy, governance and international engagement. He has combined his studies with practical experience as a New Colombo Plan Scholar, completing placements in Singapore and gaining insight into Australia’s role in the Indo-Pacific region.
These experiences, says Ziyan, have shaped his academic focus and career direction, reinforcing his interest in work at the intersection of public service, policy and international affairs.
Ziyan is actively involved in leadership, mentoring and public engagement. He works with Macquarie University’s Exchange Team, supports the New Colombo Plan, and has served as an Alumni Ambassador for the Australian Government. He is also a Youth Network Member with Multicultural NSW representing Western Sydney and has undertaken research and policy work with the Menzies Research Centre.
“I recall regularly spending time at the local library in Rouse Hill Town Centre during school years, where I would read and study after classes. These moments played an important role in developing my curiosity about broader social and political issues,” says Ziyan.
It is the accessibility of opportunities within the Hills – through schools, community programs and sporting initiatives, says Ziyan, that made it easier to become involved and explore different interests.
Despite his experiences beyond the Hills, Ziyan remains strongly connected to the community and values giving back, particularly through mentoring and supporting younger students. He is motivated to ensure similar opportunities remain accessible to others growing up in the area, and acknowledges the influence of his family—especially his parents’ emphasis on education and hard work, and the support of his older sister—as well as the encouragement of teachers, peers and the broader local community in shaping his sense of responsibility and personal development.
Ziyan hopes to pursue a career in public service, policy and international engagement, applying his legal training and understanding of political systems.
