Cheng Lei

Cheng Lei's Biography

Australian Journalist & Advocate for Press Freedom

In August 2020 Cheng Lei she was detained by Chinese authorities on suspicion of espionage but no details of the accusations against her were provided. Lei was detained until October 2023 when she returned to Australia and reunited with her family.

Cheng Lei was born in China and moved to Australia at the age of 10. She is fluent in both Chinese and English and began her career in accounting, working with multinational companies like Cadbury Schweppes and ExxonMobil. Despite the stable path in accounting, Cheng took a 90% pay cut to pursue her passion for journalism in China.

Her career in television journalism took off rapidly. Starting as an intern, she quickly rose to become a presenter within three months.

In just 18 months, she was appointed as the China Correspondent for CNBC, one of the world's most prominent business TV networks.

During her nine-year tenure, she extensively covered China's economic developments, providing in-depth reports and interviews with key figures in business and politics.

Cheng later joined CGTN in Beijing, where she served as a presenter for the Global Business show. Her expertise and insights made her a well-respected figure in the industry.

However, in August 2020, Cheng was detained by Chinese authorities on suspicion of espionage.

The charges alleged she was involved in activities endangering China's national security, though specific details were not provided.

After being held for over three years, she was released in October 2023 and reunited with her family in Australia.

Currently, Cheng is a presenter and columnist at Sky News Australia, continuing her impactful career in journalism.

Cheng Lei's book “Cheng Lei – A Memoir of Freedom” was released in June 2025 and is a powerful and harrowing account of her three-year ordeal in China that began with her arrest in August 2020. This is vivid and brave writing that offers a rare glimpse into China's ultra-secret state security prisons and what it takes to survive such incarceration with your humanity intact.

To enquire about Cheng Lei to speak at your event contact Helene Greenham directly: helene@platinumspeakers.com.au

Speaking Topics Include

Making the Most of Nothing - A Memoir of Freedom

A Memoir of Freedom is about the power of the human spirit; bravery in the face of cruelty and pettiness; the consolations of letters, music and books; and how unexpected friendships and the love of family can unlock the courage we all have within us to prevail.

How does one find strength, hope, and courage in solitary confinement, facing a merciless system alone? And how does laughter persist in a realm designed for tears?

In this poignant Keynote, Australian journalist Cheng Lei shares her transformation from presenter to prisoner during her 1000+ day detention in China. She reveals the methods she employed to navigate the shock, pain, and profound mental anguish that ensued.

Discover the strategies that enabled her to endure Groundhog Day-like repetition, forge connections, seek understanding in her captors, and uncover pockets of creativity and enjoyment amidst gratuitous cruelty.

As Lei forges ahead in life, she has resurrected her shattered existence, infusing purpose into her fractures by embracing gratitude and vulnerability.

Attendees will be moved, energised, and empowered by her story and will be inspired to pursue a more purposeful, compassionate life.