The 102nd Lord Mayor of Melbourne, John So, became the first person in the city's history to secure the position through a direct public vote. Serving from 2001 until 2008, he fundamentally changed the local political landscape after the Victorian government reformed the council system to mandate a US-style mayoral election process.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1946 in the Shunde District of Hong Kong, So relocated to Melbourne at age 17. He completed his secondary studies at University High School before enrolling at the University of Melbourne. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Diploma of Education. His professional life initially began in the classroom, where he worked as a physics teacher at Fitzroy High School before transitioning into business operations in 1973.
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So began his political career as a City of Melbourne councillor in 1991. After failing to secure the mayoralty by a single vote in 1999, he succeeded in 2001 following the state government’s dismissal of the existing council. He secured a significant mandate in his 2004 re-election, capturing 42.2% of the primary vote. During his seven-and-a-half-year term, he oversaw major infrastructure projects, including the construction of Council House 2, the city's first Six Green Star-rated building, and the development of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Public Recognition and Controversies
During the 2006 Commonwealth Games, So achieved a level of public popularity that translated into local cultural phenomena, including commemorative merchandise. That same year, he was named World Mayor, with judges citing his appeal among younger voters. However, his tenure included significant scrutiny. He faced criticism over his communication style, a 2007 budget discrepancy resulting in council staff redundancies, and his decision to decline meetings with the Dalai Lama during 2002 and 2007 visits.
Post-Mayoral Career
After choosing not to seek a third term in 2008, So transitioned back into international business and advisory roles. He currently serves as the chairman of the Global Business Council, an organization focused on facilitating trade across India, China, the ASEAN region, and the Middle East. In 2013, the Chinese government appointed him as a special advisor to the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. His contributions were recognized in 2014 when he was named an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Shunde District
- Citizenship: Australia
- Lord Mayor of Melbourne: 2001-2008
- Award: World Mayor (2006)
- Award: Officer of the Order of Australia (2014)
- Education: University of Melbourne
Questions readers ask
How was John So elected as Lord Mayor?
He was the first Lord Mayor of Melbourne to be directly elected by voters in 2001, following a reform by the Victorian Government that replaced the previous system of in-house council voting.
What international roles does John So hold?
He is the chairman of the Global Business Council and serves as a special advisor to the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese.
Achievements
- Officer of the Order of Australia — 2014
- Educated at University of Melbourne and University High School
