Robin Khuda, Founder and CEO of AirTrunk, has been named 2025’s Sydneysider of the Year at the annual Sydney Awards.  

Originally from Bangladesh, Khuda moved to Western Sydney at 18-years-old to prioritise his education and pursue greater opportunities – an aspiration his parents instilled in him.  

Over the years, his drive, intellect and love for Sydney have shaped how he does business and how he gives back to the community who supported him.    

Robin Khuda, Founder and CEO of AirTrunk: “My parents wanted me to have a better education – that’s why I came to Australia.”  

“Their belief in learning shaped my own, and I now see education as the most powerful investment in a person’s future.” 

Western Sydney is where AirTrunk’s flagship data centre opened, making way for a platform of data centres across the Asia Pacific. Last year, AirTrunk was sold to Blackstone for $24 billion, the fund’s largest ever investment in the Asia Pacific region. It’s one of the things Khuda is most proud of, after building the business in just 10 short years.  

The Khuda Family Foundation this year announced a record $100 million donation to the University of Sydney for a dedicated STEM program to support girls in Western Sydney to progress into higher education and careers. It is the largest gift ever donated to the university. It is also one of the largest investments in women in STEM globally and is the largest single philanthropic gift in NSW. 

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to leverage the success I’ve had with AirTrunk to invest into my community – bringing more women in STEM will not just help Australia prosper, it will create possibilities for our future generations, making a profound impact on people’s lives for years to come,” he said. 

Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney: “We believe that talent in our community is equally distributed, but opportunity is not.”   

“We’ll use the $100 million gift from the Khuda Family Foundation to work in partnership with Western Sydney high schools to create a pathway for girls to study STEM subjects at school and university.”  

The Committee for Sydney’s Sydneysider of the Year Award, supported by Aurecon, celebrates people who are reshaping our city for the better.  

Eamon Waterford, CEO of the Committee for Sydney: “You can see Robin’s grit and determination in the way he went about building one of the nation’s most successful businesses, and his humility and generosity in the way he’s given back to the community.”  

“Robin’s brought a deep commitment to building something in Sydney that is greater than himself, and through his success he’s given others the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.” 

Tim Spies, Managing Director, NSW & ACT, Aurecon at Aurecon: “Robin’s journey from a determined migrant seeking education to the visionary founder of AirTrunk exemplifies the transformative power of ambition and community spirit. Robin’s recognition as Sydneysider of the Year not only honours his remarkable achievements but also celebrates Sydney’s inclusive spirit, where anyone with vision and determination can make a significant difference.” 

Professor Leonie Tickle, Executive Dean of the Macquarie Business School: “Robin Khuda is a shining example of how education and the migrant experience can enrich our society, driving innovation and opportunity for all. His visionary leadership and generous support for women in STEM will ensure that the next generation of diverse talent can thrive and shape our future.”   

Designed to celebrate people whose efforts make Sydney the greatest city in the world, there are five categories: Sydneysider of the Year, Young Sydneysider of the Year, Project of the Year, Local Project of the Year, and Unsung Hero.. 

The judging panel for the awards included:  

• Kate Russell, CEO of Supply Nation  

• Chris Minns, Premier of NSW  

• Beau Neilson, Owner and Operator of The Vanguard  

• Mark Speakman, NSW Liberal Leader  

• Usman Iftikhar, CEO of Catalysr  

• Gabrielle Trainor AO, Pro Chancellor of Western Sydney University  

• Professor Leonie Tickle, Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School  

• Nicholas Hansen, Deputy Editor of The Daily Telegraph 

• Christine Covington, Consultant and Head of Gender Equality at Corrs Chambers Westgarth 

• Gail Connolly PSM, CEO of City of Parramatta.  

The Sydney Awards are supported by major partner Macquarie Business School, media partner The Daily Telegraph, and award sponsors Aurecon, Australian Unity, Aqualand, Coles, Endeavour Energy and KPMG.